Introduction
India is facing a serious soil health crisis, mainly because of an imbalanced fertilizer policy. The government provides heavy subsidies on urea, which is rich in nitrogen. As a result, farmers tend to use too much nitrogen in their fields while ignoring other essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, micronutrients, and organic manure.
Right now, the NPK ratio (Nitrogen:Phosphorus:Potassium) being used is around 7.7:3.1:1, which is far from the ideal ratio of 4:2:1. This imbalance is damaging the soil, making it less fertile over time. The more farmers rely on nitrogen alone, the worse the soil becomes—creating a vicious cycle of falling productivity.
With India’s population growing and the demand for food increasing, it’s urgent to fix this issue. Balanced use of fertilizers, better awareness among farmers, and smart policy changes are essential to restore soil health and secure the future of Indian agriculture.
What is the Role of Soil in Maintaining India’s Agricultural Prosperity?
Soil is the backbone of agriculture and plays a vital role in ensuring food security, crop productivity, and farmers’ livelihoods in India. It’s the main medium where plants grow, and it directly affects how well crops absorb nutrients and how much they yield. Thanks to the rich and varied soils in India—like alluvial soil in the Indo-Gangetic plains and black soil in Maharashtra—the country can grow a wide range of crops. These soils help feed 1.4 billion people, with foodgrain production reaching a record 329.7 million tonnes in 2022–23. The FAO even says that 95% of the world’s food depends on healthy soil, showing just how critical soil is for India’s future.
Healthy soil also supports natural nutrient cycling. It stores and supplies essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which plants need to grow. Soil microbes—tiny living organisms in the soil—help break down organic matter, fix nitrogen from the air, and keep the soil fertile. Traditional practices like vermiculture and the use of biofertilizers in organic farming depend on such living, nutrient-rich soils. When this balance breaks down, farmers end up relying more on chemical fertilizers, which hurts long-term productivity.
Soil also works like a sponge—it absorbs, holds, and drains water, helping crops survive even in tough weather. Soils rich in organic matter hold water better, reducing the need for frequent irrigation. This is especially helpful in drought-prone areas like Rajasthan and Bundelkhand, where practices like mulching and cover cropping help retain moisture and protect crops. On the flip side, in areas with heavy rainfall, good soil structure prevents waterlogging and keeps roots healthy.
Another important role of soil is in fighting climate change. Soil stores carbon naturally, which helps reduce the effects of global warming. Soils with more carbon can help stabilize temperatures, prevent desertification, and support more resilient crops. Eco-friendly farming methods like agroforestry and conservation agriculture boost this carbon storage, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, healthy agricultural soils have the potential to absorb 3 to 8 gigatons of CO₂ each year, which can make a big difference in tackling climate change.
Soil is also home to countless organisms that support natural pest control. Earthworms, fungi, and other beneficial microbes improve soil quality and help plants grow stronger without the need for chemical pesticides. Research shows that farms with rich soil biodiversity have fewer pest attacks, making farming more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Finally, soil health is closely tied to economic stability and rural livelihoods. Around two-thirds of India’s population depends on farming, and healthy soils mean better yields, higher incomes, and lower costs on fertilizers and pesticides. When soil is fertile, farmers can earn more and rely less on expensive inputs. Plus, soil-friendly businesses like organic farming, composting, and bio-input production create more jobs and boost rural economies.
What are the Key Factors Contributing to India’s Soil Health Crisis?
Unsustainable Agricultural Practices:
Using too many chemical fertilizers and pesticides, along with growing the same crop repeatedly (monocropping), has damaged the fertility of India’s soil and created serious nutrient imbalances.
In states like Punjab and Haryana, farming has become too intensive—mostly focused on growing wheat and rice due to the government’s support through Minimum Support Prices (MSP). This has led to soil being overworked and degraded.
Also, repeated tilling and deep plowing damage the natural structure of soil, making it harder for the soil to hold water and nutrients.
According to the 2022 State of India’s Environment Report, nearly 30% of India’s land is now degraded.
Declining Organic Carbon and Soil Microbial Life:
Soil organic carbon (SOC) is key to keeping soil fertile, but it is rapidly decreasing because farmers are adding less organic matter.
In areas like the Indo-Gangetic belt, burning crop stubble after harvest removes valuable organic material instead of letting it go back into the soil.
Heavy use of chemical fertilizers also harms the tiny living organisms in the soil that help recycle nutrients.
Cutting down forests and building cities are also reducing the natural richness of soil.
In fact, India’s SOC levels have dropped from 1% to just 0.3% in the past 70 years. In Punjab, only 6.9% of soils had high organic carbon, and this number went down further in 2024–25.
Soil Erosion and Desertification:
Deforestation, overgrazing, and bad water use practices have caused major soil erosion, especially in dry regions.
Mining and industrial activities have also stripped away the topsoil, making the land less suitable for farming.
As per the Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India (SAC 2021), around 97.85 million hectares of land—almost 29.77% of India’s total land—is degraded.
Over Extraction and Salinization Due to Poor Irrigation Practices:
Irrigation methods that are not well planned—like using too much groundwater or flood irrigation—have made soils salty and alkaline and caused waterlogging.
In Punjab and Haryana, the constant use of irrigation without proper drainage has caused salt to build up in the soil.
Improper use of canal water also results in waterlogging, which suffocates plant roots and reduces beneficial microbial activity.
In 2022, India used around 239.16 billion cubic meters (bcm) of groundwater, with 87% going to agriculture.
6.7 million hectares of salt-affected land in India causes a loss of 11.18 million tonnes of crops every year, valued at about ₹150.17 billion.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events:
Erratic monsoons, rising temperatures, and extreme weather due to climate change are making soil degradation worse.
Heavy rains cause runoff that washes away topsoil and nutrients. High heat speeds up the loss of carbon from soil.
By the end of this century, areas facing high to very high soil erosion are expected to increase from 35.3% to 40.3%.
For example, the 2023 floods in Himachal Pradesh caused large amounts of topsoil to be lost in farming regions.
Pollution from Industrial and Urban Waste:
Dumping of heavy metals, factory waste, and plastics has polluted farmlands.
In areas around cities, untreated sewage and landfill runoff have contaminated soil with toxic chemicals.
This pollution has even affected groundwater, further harming soil health.
Many Indian farms are now contaminated with dangerous metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic.
Lack of Effective Policy Implementation and Awareness:
Even though schemes like the Soil Health Card (SHC) exist, most farmers still don’t follow sustainable practices because they lack proper information and follow-up support.
In 2024, only one-ninth of India’s agricultural budget went toward fertilizer subsidies—but many farmers still don’t have access to real-time soil data to make informed decisions.
Government subsidies on urea encourage overuse, even though experts advise using fertilizers more wisely.
The actual NPK ratio used in India is 7.7:3.1:1, far off from the ideal 4:2:1, showing a serious nutrient imbalance.
Loss of Traditional Agroecological Practices:
Old, eco-friendly farming methods like green manuring, crop rotation, and agroforestry have declined as farmers are pushed toward high-yield, chemical-intensive crops.
Local soil care techniques—like Zaï pits in Rajasthan and vermiculture in the Northeast—are disappearing as modern farming takes over.
This loss of indigenous knowledge, especially among small and tribal farmers, makes soils more vulnerable to damage.
Impact of Genetically Modified (GM) Crops and High-Yield Varieties:
GM crops and High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs) often need more fertilizer, which puts extra stress on soil nutrients.
For instance, Bt cotton has been linked to falling soil biodiversity in Maharashtra and Telangana.
The spread of HYVs has also led to the loss of traditional crop varieties that naturally protected and enriched soil.
What Measures India Can Adopt for Soil Health Restoration and Conservation?
Soil is the foundation of agricultural productivity and ecological balance, yet much of India’s soil is facing degradation due to unsustainable practices. To ensure long-term food security and environmental sustainability, India must adopt comprehensive measures for soil health restoration and conservation.
Promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) for Balanced Fertilization
India urgently needs to shift from excessive use of chemical fertilizers to a more balanced and sustainable approach. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) focuses on blending organic manure, biofertilizers, and a limited amount of synthetic inputs to maintain soil health and improve productivity.
Promoting Nano Urea and other organic alternatives can help reduce over-dependence on chemical fertilizers. To encourage this shift, schemes like Soil Health Cards (SHC) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) should be closely linked with efforts to promote bio-fertilizer use.
Building large composting units in rural areas can help restore soil organic carbon, especially in degraded lands.
Expanding Agroforestry and Perennial Crop Systems
Agroforestry, or integrating trees with crops, helps improve soil health, prevents erosion, and provides additional income for farmers. Under the National Agroforestry Policy (NAP), more efforts should be made to promote this system nationwide.
Crops like millets grown between tree rows (alley cropping) and legume plantations can rejuvenate poor soils without compromising yields. States like Karnataka and Odisha have already shown success—this model should be expanded across India.
Additionally, schemes like MGNREGA can fund soil conservation and afforestation projects on degraded farmlands.
Encouraging Zero-Tillage and Conservation Agriculture
Zero-tillage farming, where soil is not plowed before planting, helps reduce erosion, retain soil moisture, and improve biodiversity. In wheat-rice zones like Punjab and Haryana, technologies like the Happy Seeder have successfully reduced stubble burning and boosted soil health.
In rice farming, the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method saves water and maintains soil structure. Conservation agriculture, already promoted under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), should be scaled up, especially in semi-arid regions.
Countries like Brazil have shown how no-till farming can succeed—even in crops like soybeans. India can apply similar techniques for pulses and cereals.
Restoring Degraded Lands Through Agroecological Approaches
Restoring degraded soils calls for agroecological practices that work with nature. Intercropping, crop rotation, and using nitrogen-fixing plants like pulses can naturally boost soil nutrients.
Traditional techniques such as Rajasthan’s Zaï pits—small planting holes that trap water and compost—can successfully reverse soil degradation.
These solutions should be mainstreamed under the Watershed Development Component (WDC-PMKSY) of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
Implementing Controlled Irrigation and Preventing Salinization
Excessive irrigation has led to soil salinity and waterlogging, especially in the Indo-Gangetic plains. To tackle this, drip and sprinkler systems should be promoted widely under PMKSY to reduce water usage and protect soil health.
Combining rainwater harvesting with surface irrigation will also help reduce groundwater stress.
In coastal areas like Gujarat, growing salt-tolerant crops has shown promise in restoring soil productivity.
Strengthening Soil Biodiversity and Microbial Rejuvenation
A healthy soil is full of life. Boosting soil microbes through techniques like vermiculture, mycorrhizal fungi, and bioinoculants can improve fertility and resilience.
Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) that include animals, crops, and fish create natural nutrient recycling loops. Innovations like the Pusa Bio-Decomposer, developed by IARI, can help recycle crop residues organically.
Practices like Fukuoka’s natural farming—which avoids plowing, fertilizers, and pesticides—also show great results.
Combating Soil Erosion Through Terracing and Grassland Regeneration
In hilly and dry areas, terracing, vegetative barriers, and check dams are essential to prevent topsoil loss. Community-led projects, such as in Ralegan Siddhi (Maharashtra), offer successful models for restoring degraded lands.
In Gujarat, the Banni Grasslands have been revived through grassroots efforts—this model can guide grassland restoration across India.
CAMPA funds (from compensatory afforestation) can be used to support these soil conservation projects.
Strengthening Policy Implementation and Farmer Awareness
Farmers need support, training, and accurate information. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) must be empowered to spread awareness.
Linking the Soil Health Card Scheme with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) can ensure that farmers get the right fertilizers for their specific soil needs.
A strong policy push under the National Project on Soil Health and Fertility (under NMSA) can bring together central and state initiatives for better results.
Preventing Industrial and Urban Soil Pollution
Soils near urban and industrial areas are often polluted by untreated waste and toxic chemicals. Strict monitoring under CPCB guidelines is essential to prevent heavy metal contamination.
Phytoremediation, or using plants to clean polluted soils, can help recover affected lands. Cities like Kolkata, with their wetland-based farming, and Tamil Nadu’s biochar projects, show how waste can be converted into valuable soil enhancers.
The Smart Cities Mission can include urban soil restoration projects for sustainable urban farming.
Encouraging Farmers to Adopt Regenerative and Natural Farming
Regenerative farming practices—like Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), permaculture, cover cropping, and mulching—help improve soil quality without relying heavily on external inputs.
Andhra Pradesh has already shown how regenerative techniques can be adopted on a large scale.
To make this more attractive to farmers, incentives under the National Mission for Organic Farming (NMOF) should be expanded and made easily accessible.
Conclusion
India’s soil health is in serious trouble, and this poses a big risk to our farming future, food supply, and the well-being of rural communities. To fix this, we need a joint effort that connects how we grow food, use energy, and manage water. It’s time to move away from chemical-heavy farming and adopt more balanced, natural, and climate-smart ways of managing soil. Policy changes—like rethinking fertilizer subsidies and supporting eco-friendly farming—will play a big role. At the same time, educating farmers and using tools like Soil Health Cards can help promote better soil care across the country.
