Balanced Fertilizer Use Essential for Sustainable Soil Health and Crop Productivity Organised by ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad

12 May 2026, Hyderabad

ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad organized a farmer sensitization programme on balanced use of fertilizers and soil health management at Chityala Village in Nalgonda district today.

During the programme, experts highlighted the critical role of balanced fertilizer application in maintaining soil health and enhancing crop productivity. They cautioned that the continuous and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers has resulted in soil degradation, nutrient imbalance, and environmental pollution.

The scientists emphasized that balanced nutrient management supports improved crop growth and yield while preserving the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. They also stressed the importance of adopting eco-friendly nutrient sources such as organic manure, green manure, bio-fertilizers, vermicompost, compost, and liquid fertilizers to improve soil fertility, reduce environmental pollution, and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.

The experts underlined that following the Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) for specific crops is essential for sustaining soil fertility and improving crop yield and quality. They advised integrating organic inputs such as farmyard manure (FYM), compost, and green manure with chemical fertilizers to enhance soil structure and nutrient availability. Timely fertilizer application, including split application of nitrogen, was also recommended to improve nutrient-use efficiency.

The scientists further noted that deficiencies of micronutrients such as zinc and boron are increasingly being observed in agricultural soils and should be addressed to maintain balanced soil fertility and sustainable crop production.

During the village visit, the scientists interacted with progressive farmer Kotham Reddy, who has cultivated watermelon on five acres using organic inputs, including poultry manure. The scientists encouraged wider incorporation of organic manures to improve soil health and sustain productivity.

A total of 19 farmers, including 10 men and 9 women, actively participated in the programme.

(Source: ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad)