Integrated soil fertility management: Combining organic and inorganic inputs for better yield

Abstract

Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) has emerged as a key strategy to sustain and improve crop yields while maintaining soil health. This review examines ISFM principles and recent Indian research (2015-2025) on combining organic amendments (e.g. manure, compost, legume cover crops) with inorganic fertilizers in both agronomic (rice, wheat) and horticultural (fruits, vegetables) systems. Studies in India show that partial substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic sources often increases yield and profitability: for example, rice systems with farmyard manure (FYM) plus fertilizers achieved higher yields and soil carbon than fertilizer alone, and wheat plots with 75% recommended N plus 25% poultry manure yielded ~26% more grain than full-chemical plots. In horticultural crops, integrated treatments similarly boost productivity and quality. In banana, adding FYM to the N dose raised yield from ~67.2 to 73.1 t/ha; in cauliflower, using 75% NPK plus 25% N through FYM (with Azotobacter) led to 25.3 t/ha yield. These gains stem from improved nutrient use efficiency, soil organic matter, microbial activity, and balanced nutrition. However, challenges include ensuring adequate supply of quality organic inputs, knowledge and labour requirements, and aligning short-term farmer incentives. We discuss long-term impacts on soil health and sustainability, and identify strategies (e.g. extension, credit, demonstration) to promote ISFM adoption among Indian farmers. Our analysis underscores that combining organic and inorganic fertilizers in context-specific ways can enhance yields, profitability, and resilience in Indian agriculture.