Sustainable soil quality management for enhancing crop productivity in tribal areas of central India: A case study

Abstract

The objectives of current investigation are to assess soil quality and sustainable management of soils for enhancing crop productivity in the tribal districts (Jhabua, Alirajpur and Dhar) of central India. Field trials were conducted in ten farmers’ fields for two years. Soybean-wheat system was adopted in six farmers’ fields and maize-wheat system in four farmers’ fields. Treatments were integrated plant nutrient supply (IPNS); soil test based nutrient management (STNM); recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) and farmers’ practices (FP). Initial and post experiment soil samples were collected and analyzed. Soil quality changes were also studied. IPNS and STNM practices improved crop yield, farm income and soil quality compared to RDF and FP. Low organic carbon and deficiency of N, S and P are the major soil constraints in the region. Therefore, IPNS and STNM could be practiced to enhance crop productivity, farm income and to maintain soil health in the region.