Soil & Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI), under Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare is generating of district/village-wise digital soil fertility maps through geo-spatial techniques using Soil Health Card (SHC) data. Soil Health Cards are generated under Soil Health & Fertility Scheme of Government of India. Soil Health & Fertility Scheme assists states in promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) through judicious use of chemical fertilizers including secondary and micro nutrients, in conjunction with organic manures & bio-fertilizers for improving soil health and its productivity. Soil samples are processed following standard procedures and analyzed for various parameters viz, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon, available Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur and micronutrients (Zinc, Copper, Iron, Manganese & Boron). SHC provides information to farmers on soil nutrient status (low, medium & high) and recommendation on appropriate dosage of nutrients to be applied for improving soil health.

Soil fertility maps for 351 villages spread across 34 districts of Maharashtra has been generated. Soil Fertility Maps provide detailed spatial information about the nutrient composition and health of the soil. It helps farmers in application of fertilizers and soil amendments judiciously, reducing the risk of overuse or underuse. It enhances economic outcomes for farmers, as they are able to maximize their returns with less input, thus increasing overall profitability.

Geospatial techniques, including remote sensing & AI based tools, are used in Soil Fertility Mapping. The SHC soil sampling point is geo-coded using GPS, the sample is assigned a unique QR Code, and this QR code is retained during analysis in soil testing labs.

Soil Fertility data in the form of SHCs is made available to farmers.  Farmers can download SHC from the portal by entering registered mobile number. Challenges like logistical, technical, and physical infrastructure barriers are there in remote and hilly areas for soil fertility mapping. Presently use of Village Level Soil Testing labs and mini labs in hilly and remote area are addressing these challenges.

Soil degradation and nutrient deficiencies have been identified through comprehensive mapping efforts using soil survey and soil health card data. Through SHC farmers are advised for balanced use of fertilizer to overcome the nutrient deficiencies.

Soil fertility mapping is an essential tool which provides precise, location specific data on the nutrient and soil health status. The soil fertility maps enable farmers to identify areas with nutrient deficiencies or surpluses, allowing for targeted fertilizer application customized to the specific needs. Mapping the availability of nutrients in the soil, farmers can avoid the indiscriminate use of fertilizers, ensuring appropriate usage. The Scheme is available to all States & UTs.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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