Integrated nutrient management (INM) for sustaining crop productivity and reducing environmental impact: A review

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to study the effect of different riceestablishment methods and nutrient management on yield, economics and soil properties in rice (Oryza sativa L.)– groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cropping system. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 3 replications. Six treatment combinations, comprising of 2 rice-establishment methods, viz. direct-seeded rice (DSR) and transplanted rice (TPR) and 3 levels of nutrient-management practices, viz. inorganic-100% soil test-based fertilizers (STBF), organic-dhaincha [Sesbania aculeata (Wild.) Pers.] green manuring +1/3rd soil test-based nitrogen (STBN) through vermicompost @2 t/ha + 1/3rd STBN through neem oil-cake @ 0.87 t/ha and integrated nutrient management (INM), viz. green-manuring + 50% STBN (inorganic @ 50.0 kg N/ha) + 100% P2 O5 + 100% K2 O, in rice during kharif were allotted to the main-plots. Three nutrient-management practices to groundnut during rabi, viz. 75% STBF, 100% STBF and 75% STBN (inorganic) + 25% STBN through FYM @ 1.63 t/ha + 0.2 lime requirement @ 0.38 t lime/ha + biofertilizers (Rhizobium + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria) + 100% P2 O5 + 100% K2 O, were allotted to the sub-plots. Transplanting of rice (TPR) increased the yield parameters of rice, resulting in 3.3% higher grain yield (5.65 t/ha) than direct seeding of rice. The INM improved the yield parameters of rice, resulting in 13.3 and 15.2% increase in grain yield over sole inorganic and organic practice, respectively. Carryover effect of the DSR on succeeding groundnut crop improved the yield attributes and resulted in 15.8% higher pod yield (2.49 t/ha) than the groundnut crop grown after TPR. Residual effect of organic nutrient management in rice crop enhanced the yield parameters of succeeding groundnut, resulting in 4.2 and 16.5% higher pod yield than the groundnut grown after INM and inorganic practice in rice, respectively. The INM practice in groundnut increased its yield parameters, resulting in 11.4 and 18.1% higher pod yield over 100% and 75% STBF, respectively. The DSR enhanced the system yield (12.51 t REY/ha) of rice-groundnut cropping system by 6.8% over TPR. The INM practice in rice crop enhanced system yield by 12.6 and 4.2% over inorganic and organic practice, respectively. Similarly, INM to groundnut crop resulted in 7.4 and 11.2% higher system yield than 100% and 75% STBF, respectively. The DSR, INM practice in rice and INM practice in groundnut crop fetched higher gross returns (`240.4 ×103 /ha, 245.5 ×103 /ha and 247.0 ×103 /ha), net returns (`97.2 ×103 /ha, 108.9 ×103 /ha and 92.7 ×103 /ha), benefit: cost ratio (1.71, 1.80 and 1.62) and system profitability (`207.9, 298.5 and 254.1/ha/day). Organic management under DSR and INM in groundnut improved the physico-chemical and biological properties of soil.

Chapter twelve - Integrated nutrient management strategies for improving crop yield

Recently, most agrarian countries have witnessed either declining or stagnant crop yields. Inadequate soil organic matter (SOM) due to the poor physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil leads to an overall decline in the productivity of farmlands. Therefore, the adoption of integrated nutrient management (INM) practices is vital to revive sustainable soil health without compromising yield potential. Integrated nutrient management is a modified nutrient management technique with multifarious benefits, wherein a combination of all possible sources of plant nutrients is used in a crop nutrition package. Several studies conducted in various parts of the world have demonstrated the benefits of INM in terms of steep gain in soil health and crop yields and at the same time, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other related problems. The INM practice in the cropped fields showed a 1,355% reduction in methane over conventional nutrient management. The increase in crop yields due to the adoption of INM over conventional nutrient management was as high as 1.3% to 66.5% across the major cropping systems. Owing to the integration of organic manure and residue retention in INM, there is a possibility of significant improvement in soil aggregates and microbiota. Furthermore, most studies conducted to determine the impact of INM on soil health indicated a significant increase in overall soil health, with lower bulk density, higher porosity, and water-holding capacity. Overall, practicing INM would enhance soil health and crop productivity, in addition to decreasing environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and production costs.

The world is passing through a time when food and nutrition security has become a serious issue because of increasing population, increasing incidence of drought due to changing climate, shrinking natural resource base, and ever-increasing management constraints. The increasing food demands of a growing human population and the need for an environmentally friendly strategy for sustainable agricultural development require significant attention when addressing the issue of enhancing crop productivity. This chapter discusses the role of different components of integrated nutrient management (INM) in addressing drought and resolving these concerns, as INM is a promising strategy for addressing such challenges. The results of various long-term experiments (LTEs) conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and India have shown that neither organic nor mineral fertilizers alone can achieve sustainability in crop production . Strong and convincing evidence indicates that INM practice could be an innovative and environmentally friendly strategy for sustainable agriculture worldwide. INM holds great promise in meeting the growing nutrient demands of intensive agriculture. Comprehensive literature research has revealed that INM increases crop yields by 8–150% as compared with conventional practices; it also increases water and nutrients use efficiency and enhances economic returns to farmers. Inorganic fertilizers, organic manures, crop residues, legumes/green manure and bio-fertilizers are the main components of INM system. The use of INM increases crop productivity and grain quality, ensuring food security and environmental and soil quality in sustainable manner. INM is an approach that optimizes water use efficiency during drought, maintains soil health, plant nutrient availability and crop productivity through optimization of the benefits from all possible sources of plant nutrients.

A field experiment was conducted during 2019-20 and 2020-21 to study the effect of nutrient management and rice establishment methods on rice productivity, profitability, nutrient uptake and energetics in rice-groundnut cropping system in coastal Odisha. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomised block design during the Kharif and in split-plot design during the Rabi seasons with three replications. Six treatment combinations comprising of two rice establishment methods viz., direct seeded rice (DSR) and transplanted rice (TPR) and three nutrient management practices, viz., inorganic source, organic source and integrated nutrient management (INM) to rice during kharif were allotted to the main-plots. Three nutrient management practices to groundnut viz., 75% soil test based inorganic fertilizers (STBF), 100% STBF (inorganic) and INM during rabi were allotted to the sub-plots. The results of the study revealed that TPR resulted in 3.3% higher grain yield (5.65 t ha-1) than DSR. TPR also fetched the higher mean cost of cultivation (Rs. 77, 816 ha-1) and gross returns (Rs. 1, 12, 353 ha-1) while DSR recorded more net returns (Rs. 39, 121 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (1.68). Transplanting increased uptake of nutrients by rice crop to the maximum of 99.4 kg N, 27.9 kg P and 107.3 kg K ha-1 as compared to DSR. TPR recorded the higher energy output (1, 48, 205 MJ ha-1), energy ratio (18.0) and energy productivity (0.69 kg MJ-1) than DSR. INM exhibited the highest mean grain (6.06 t ha-1) and straw yields (7.09 t ha-1), while the organic management showed at par of these values. The INM practice also fetched 50, 781 ha-1 and 7,470 ha-1 higher net returns and 0.84 and 0.04 higher benefit: cost ratio over organic practice and inorganic nutrition, respectively. The INM practice in rice crop resulted in the maximum N, P and K uptake. But, the inorganic and organic practice in isolation have similar uptake of nutrients by the crop in accordance with their almost similar yields. The minimum energy for raising rice crop was spent in organic practice, which generated maximum energy ratio (23.4) and energy productivity (0.87 kg MJ-1) followed by INM and inorganic practice. Thus, transplanting method of rice establishment with INM approach is a viable management practice for improving productivity, profitability, nutrient uptake and energy efficiency of rice in rice-groundnut cropping system in coastal Odisha.

The challenge of increasing food production to meet the needs of current and future human populations, while adopting environmentally friendly strategies for sustainable agricultural development, demands significant attention. In this context, we explore the critical role, potential and climate challenges of integrated nutrient management (INM) in pulse crops in India. INM has been proposed as a promising strategy to address these issues by improving crop productivity, enhancing plant performance and increasing resource efficiency, all while protecting the environment and maintaining resource quality. This review investigates the importance, potential and climate-related challenges faced by pulse crops. A comprehensive analysis of the literature indicates that INM can boost crop yields by 8-150% compared to conventional practices, improve water-use efficiency and increase economic returns for farmers. Additionally, INM enhances grain quality, soil health and overall sustainability. Crop simulation models reveal that climate change, characterized by rising temperatures and increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, significantly reduces productivity. Various approaches and perspectives for advancing INM shortly are also discussed. Strong evidence supports the notion that INM could serve as an innovative and eco-friendly strategy for achieving sustainable productivity in the face of climate change.

* About the Editors * Contributors * Foreword (Paul E. Fixen) * Preface * Chapter 1. Global Food Production and Plant Nutrient Demand: Present Status and Future Prospects (Luc M. Maene, Kristen E. Sukalac, and Patrick Heffer) * Introduction * Trends in Global Food, Feed, and Fiber Production and Consumption * Trends in Global Nutrient Demand * Conclusions * Chapter 2. Integrated Nutrient Management: Present Status and Future Prospects (Cynthia A. Grant, Milkha S. Aulakh, and A. E. Johnny Johnston) * Introduction * The Challenge of Nutrient Depletion * The Challenge of Nutrient Excess * Challenges for Integrated Nutrient Management * Future Challenges * Chapter 3. Integrated Nutrient Management: Experience and Concepts from the United States (Mark M. Alley, Dwayne G. Westfall, and Gregory L. Mullins) * Introduction * Major Climatic Regions and Crop Production * Crop Production and Nutrient Removals in Harvests * Monitoring Soil Fertility Levels in the United States * Manure Nutrient Sources * Nutrient Use * Nutrient Sources and Soil Fertility Maintenance * Nutrient Management Plans * Research Needs * Chapter 4. Integrated Nutrient Management: Experience and Concepts from Canada (Sukhdev S. Malhi, Cynthia A. Grant, Denis A. Angers, Adrian M. Johnston, Jeff J. Schoenau, and Craig F. Drury) * Introduction * Major Soil/Climatic Regions and Cropping Systems * Agriculture Production and Nutrient Balances * Fertilizers and Sustainable Development * Technical Requirements for INM * Case Studies * Research Accomplishments, Gaps, and Future Needs * Conclusions * Chapter 5. Integrated Nutrient Management: The European Experience (Paolo Sequi, A. E Johnny Johnston, Rosa Francaviglia, and Roberta Farina) * Introduction * Background * Major Soil Classes, Climatic Zones, and Agricultural Production Systems * Agricultural Production, Nutrient Use, and Issues * Farming Practices and Environmental Issues * Integrated Nutrient Management and Agri-Environmental Policies * Appendix 1. * Appendix 2. * Appendix 3. * Chapter 6. Integrated Nutrient Management: Experience and Concepts from New Zealand (Antony H. C. Roberts, Tony J. van der Weerden, and Douglas C. Edmeades) * Introduction * Major Soil and Climatic Regions and Major Cropping Systems * Agricultural Production and Nutrient Balances * Fertilizers and Sustainable Development * Integrated Nutrient Management * Technical Requirements for INM * Actual Implementation and INM * Discussion of Cases * Research Gaps and Future Research Needs * Summary and Conclusion * Chapter 7. Integrated Nutrient Management: Experience from South Asia (Milkha S. Aulakh and Guriqbal Singh) * Introduction * Climate Major Crops * Agricultural Production and Nutrient Consumption * Benefits and Limitations of Chemical Fertilizers * Integrated Nutrient Management Practices * Technical Requirements for INM * Constraints for Implementation of INM * Research Gaps and Future Needs * Summary and Conclusions * Chapter 8. Integrated Nutrient Management: Experience from China (Bao Lin, Jianchang Xie, Ronggui Wu, Guangxi Xing, and Zhihong Li) * Introduction * Major Agricultural Regions and Cropping Systems * Agricultural Production, Fertilization, and Nutrient Balance * Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) * Benefits and Limitations of Chemical Fertilizers * Fertilizer and Agriculture Sustainability * Chapter 9. Integrated Nutrient Management: Experiences from Rice-Based Systems in Southeast Asia (Dan C. Olk, Mathias Becker, Bruce A. Linquist, Sushil Pandey, and Christian Witt) * Introduction * Integrated Nutrient Management in Rainfed Rice * Green Manures * Integrated Nutrient Management in Irrigated Lowland Rice * Socioeconomic Constraints to Adoption of Improved Nutrient Management Technologies * Conclusions * Chapter 10. Integrated Nutrient Management: Experience from South America (Bernardo van Raij, Alfredo Scheid Lopes, Eduardo Casanova, and Martin Diaz-Zorita) * Introduction * Main Ecosystems and Cropping Systems * Agricultural Production and Nutrient Balances * Fertilizers and Sustainable Development * Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) * Technical Requirements for INM * Actual Implementation of INM * Discussion of Cases * Research Gaps and Future Research Needs * Summary and Conclusion * Chapter 11. Integrated Nutrient Management: Concepts and Experience from Sub-Saharan Africa (Andre Bationo, Job Kihara, Bernard Vanlauwe, Joseph Kimetu, Boaz S. Waswa, and Kanwar L. Sahrawat) * Introduction * Overview of Soil Fertility Status in Africa * Evolution of Soil Fertility Paradigm in Africa * ISFM Experiences in SSA * Conclusions * Chapter 12. Integrated Nutrient Management: Experience and Concepts from the Middle East (Uzi Kafkafi and David J. Bonfil) * Introduction * Major Soils, Climatic Regions, and Major Cropping Systems * Agricultural Production and Nutrient Balance * Case Study of Wheat * Index * Reference Notes Included

Increased global food demand, as well as the need for an environmentally acceptable approach for a sustainable soil-plant-microbe-environmental system, necessitate special attention when it comes to agricultural productivity. Chemical fertilization is one approach to increase crop productivity as happened during the Green revolution. Food grain output in India increased from 115.6 million tonnes in 1960-61 to over 281.37 million tonnes in 2018-19 as a result of chemical fertilization. Similarly, yearly fertilizer use jumped from 0.07 million tonnes in 1951-52 to over 25.95 million tonnes in 2016-17.But due to injudicious use of chemical fertilizers soil, plant, human and animal health are at stake. Also, increased soil compaction and widespread multinutrient deficits have emerged as important restrictions limiting crop productivity and farm income. Because a major rise in fertilizer consumption is unlikely in the near future for economic and environmental reasons, there is a need to improve nutrient use efficiency through integrated and balanced fertilizer. On the other hand, organic manures, are unable to fulfill all of a crop's nutritional needs. Integrated nutrient management (INM) was created as a result of the aforesaid factors being taken into account. In this paper,role of INM in overcoming these difficulties is discussed, as it has been offered as a promising solution for tackling these issues. Plant performance and resource efficiency can be improved in a variety of ways with INM while also allowing for environmental and resource protection quality. With the use of advanced INM procedures, chemical fertilizer inputs are reduced, resulting in fewer human and environmental costs without any negative impact on crop production.Long-term research in various soil-crop situations have demonstrated the advantages of integrated nutrient management (INM), which includes the utilisation of organic and biological resources as well as fertilizers. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the effect of various INM components on Physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, nutrient use efficiency, crop productivity and the role of these components in improving soil health. The majority of INM research has been done using dominant crop rotations of main field crops cultivated in the subtropical North Western states of India and most of the experiments revealed that INM leads to long term sustainable production along with providing nutritional security and also reduces pollution and enhances soil health by improving various physical, chemical and biological properties of soil.

Long-term sustaining crop productivity and soil health in maize–chickpea system through integrated nutrient management practices in Vertisols of central India

To increase and sustain crop productivity by reducing agro-chemical inputs for economic and environmental reasons, a field study was conducted on an experimental farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India during 2009–2012. The efficiency of three nutrient regimes, i.e., organic fertilization (OF), integrated nutrient management (INM) practice, and recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (CF) was evaluated, relative to productivity and phosphorus balance in rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system, using a split plot design. The OF practice significantly increased the productivity of rice, whereas INM practice was more beneficial for wheat crop as far as the crop yield was concerned. The relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) of OF practice in relation to CF was 39.62%, 16.98%, and 41.93%, respectively, in the first, second, and third year of rice crop cycle, whereas with INM practice, it was 61.76%, 23.68%, and 54.16%, respectively. The soil phosphorus (P) balance after three rice-wheat crop cycles was higher with CF than with INM and OF practices, indicating low P availability and higher P accumulation in soil receiving chemical fertilizers. Both OF and INM practices recorded higher P availability and no P accumulation in soil. We concluded that OF and INM practices could be employed as an alternative to CF practices for rice-wheat cropping system, but to reduce the P depletion from soil under these practices, a shift from conventional compost to phosphorus-enriched compost prepared by amending composting substrate with animal manure/rock phosphate and its bio-augmentation with P-mineralizing/solubilizing microorganisms is desired.

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is a critical strategy in sustainable agriculture to maximise the utilisation of organic and inorganic nutrient sources to sustain soil fertility, increase crop productivity, and minimise environmental degradation. As concerns about soil health, climate change, and food security have grown, INM provides a realistic solution to harmonise agricultural productivity with sustainability. This review discusses recent progress in INM practices, their contribution towards sustainable agriculture, and the challenges involved. Emphasis is laid on technological breakthroughs, policy structures, and field-level constraints in implementation, as well as suggestions for further research and development. INM is founded on a series of scientifically valid principles that seek to maximise crop yields while maintaining soil and environmental integrity. These include Balanced Use of Nutrients, Integration of Nutrient Sources, Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM), and Sustainability Focus. Moreover, it was noted that great strides have been taken in developing and using biofertilizers. Microbial inoculants like Rhizobium, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, and phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB) are being used increasingly for biological nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilization. The development of smart fertilisers has added a new dimension to INM. Tools like Nutrient Expert, developed by the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI), provide tailored fertiliser recommendations based on soil health, crop needs, and management practices. Mainstreaming INM practice will require reinforcing research and innovation, capitalising on capacity building, enhancing public-private partnerships, and incorporating climate-smart agriculture principles. Widespread adoption has the potential to bring about a more harmonious and environmentally friendly agricultural model for future and current generations.

The raising human health hazards due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in India leads cancer patients. To overcome such problems there is need of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in our major crop wheat and further to improve soil fertility under agroforestry system. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to study the impact of INM on the physical and chemical properties of soil when wheat intercropped under Beul (Grewia optiva) based agroforestry system in the mid-hill region of Himachal Pradesh at Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP (India). INM practices were applied to evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing soil fertility, crop yield, and overall soil health. The experimental setup included various treatment combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers viz., T1: RDF, T2: FYM, T3: Vermicompost, T4: Goat manure, T5: 50% RDF+50% FYM, T6: 50% RDF+50% VC, T7: 50% RDF+50% GM, and T8: Control to determine their synergistic effects on the soil and cereal crop. These treatments were randomly assigned to plots under two planting conditions: S1 (under Beul based agroforestry system) and S2 (open condition), with three replications each, following in a factorial randomized block design (RBD). The key physical parameters such as bulk density (g/cm3), particle density (g/cm3), porosity (%), and soil moisture (%) were measured along with chemical properties of soil including soil pH, EC (dS/m1), organic carbon content (%), and nutrient availability of N, P and K in kg per hectare. The soil data of two consecutive years and pooled data were analyzed in R Statistical Software. The results demonstrated that INM significantly improved both the physical and chemical soil properties in agroforestry system as compared to control treatment i.e. open condition. The use of 100 % FYM found to be best treatment during the course of study among various treatments of INM for soil porosity, soil moisture, soil pH, available N, P and K. The soil structure and nutrient availability were increased in second year as compared to first year which will lead to improve the growth and yield of wheat crop. The study underscores the importance of adopting INM practices in agroforestry system to achieve sustainable agriculture as well as chemical free agriculture in hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh which will be helpful for human health. Thus, the use 100% FYM fertilizer is recommended for farmers in hilly area of Himachal Pradesh for sustainable agriculture and natural farming. The findings provide valuable insights for farmers and policymakers aiming to optimize crop production and maintain soil health in similar agro-ecological zones.

Long-term reliance on chemical fertilization poses potential risk to environmental and soil health. This 7-year study looked into how different nutrient management strategies, namely, control, inorganic fertilizers, organic, and integrated nutrient management (INM), affect brinjal (eggplant) yields and soil properties in an acidic Alfisol. Results showed that inorganic fertilizers demonstrated fruit production and water productivity were comparable with organic and INM treatments. Notably, INM demonstrated greater sustainability by keeping nitrogen (N) levels balanced in both the surface soil (0–15 cm) and the subsoil (15–30 cm). Although available N under inorganic treatment was 7.6% higher than organic and similar to INM. Organic and INM practices also increased exchangeable calcium by 26.8% and 12.2%, respectively, compared to inorganic fertilization. Besides, crop yield correlated positively with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels in the topsoil. Microbial health indicators, like dehydrogenase activity and, microbial biomass carbon peaked under INM, emphasizing its positive influence on soil biology. Overall, integrated nutrient management strategy demonstrated the most balanced results in the acidic soils of Jharkhand, supporting nutrient availability, microbial vitality, and productivity.

Techno-economic assessment of agricultural land remediation measures through nutrient management practices to achieve sustainable agricultural production

In many smallholder farming areas southern Africa, the cultivation of seasonal wetlands (dambos) represent an important adaptation to climate change. Frequent droughts and poor performance of rain-fed crops in upland fields have resulted in mounting pressure to cultivate dambos where both organic and inorganic amendments are used to sustain crop yields. Dambo cultivation potentially increases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The objective of the study was to quantify the effects of applying different rates of inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilisers (60, 120, 240 kg N ha−1) as NH4NO3, organic manures (5,000, 10,000 and 15,000 kg ha−1) and a combination of both sources (integrated management) on GHG emissions in cultivated dambos planted to rape (Brassica napus). Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in plots with organic manures ranged from 218 to 894 µg m−2 h−1, while for inorganic N and integrated nutrient management, emissions ranged from 555 to 5,186 µg m−2 h−1 and 356–2,702 µg m−2 h−1 respectively. Cropped and fertilised dambos were weak sources of methane (CH4), with emissions ranging from −0.02 to 0.9 mg m−2 h−1, while manures and integrated management increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, crop yields were better under integrated nutrient management. The use of inorganic fertilisers resulted in higher N2O emission per kg yield obtained (6–14 g N2O kg−1 yield), compared to 0.7–4.5 g N2O kg−1 yield and 1.6–4.6 g N2O kg−1 yield for organic manures and integrated nutrient management respectively. This suggests that the use of organic and integrated nutrient management has the potential to increase yield and reduce yield scaled N2O emissions.