Nutrient management is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, directly influencing soil health, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the principles and practices essential for optimizing nutrient use efficiency in modern agricultural systems. It delves into the fundamental aspects of plant nutrition, soil fertility, and nutrient dynamics, offering insights into the interactions between soil, water, and nutrients that govern plant growth. Covering both conventional and emerging approaches, the book discusses the role of soil testing and nutrient diagnostics in informed decision-making, the functions of essential nutrients, and the identification and management of nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. It presents a balanced perspective on organic and inorganic fertilizers, highlighting their sources, applications, and environmental implications. Precision techniques, integrated nutrient management strategies, and the significance of biological nitrogen fixation are explored in depth to enhance sustainability and productivity. With dedicated discussions on controlled environment agriculture, diverse cropping systems, and climate-resilient nutrient management, this book addresses the challenges posed by changing climatic conditions and evolving agricultural practices. It also examines the environmental impacts of fertilizer use and outlines mitigation strategies, including nutrient recovery and recycling innovations. Designed for researchers, agronomists, students, and practitioners, this book serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance soil fertility management while ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability. Through its forward-looking approach, it underscores the importance of nutrient stewardship in fostering resilient and productive farming systems
Dr. Chinanshuk Ghosh, presently working as a Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kalyan, PO- Vivekananda Nagar, Purulia, West Bengal. He started his professional career as a Research Associate in Precision Farming Development Centre (PFDC), Agricultural Food Engineering Dept., IIT, Kharagpur, W.B. Later, he was associated with Landesa as an Agriculture Consultant for West Bengal. For the last 11 years, he has been actively engaged in extension activities. Apart from his job role, he is associated with teaching and research work. He has published 24 full-length papers, 2 book chapters, 25 abstracts in national and international journals, 174 popular articles in newspapers and agriculture-related monthly magazines and 29 leaflets/ handouts. He has participated and presented papers in 3 international conferences/symposia and 11 national conferences/symposia. He is a founder member of AIASA and Lifetime member of Bangladesh Seed Society, BARI. He acted as an executive committee member of Doordarshan Kendra, Santiniketan during 2017 to 2020. He was awarded a Young Scientist Award in 2018. In the year 2020, he was awarded Research Excellence Award by Institute of Science.
Dr. Priyanka Biswas, did her B.Sc. Ag.(Hons.) and M.Sc. Ag. (Horticulture) from Palli Shiksha Bhavana, Visva Bharati and Ph.D. in Vegetable Crops from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya. She is presently working as a Programme Assistant (Lab Technician) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kalyan, Purulia, West Bengal. She was engaged as a Research Associate at PFDC project at IIT, Kharagpur in 2015-16. For the last five years, she has been actively engaged in different scientific activities performed in soil testing laboratory as well as extension activities of KVK Kalyan, Purulia (W.B.). She has published 18 full-length papers in reputed national and international journals, 01 booklet on organic farming, 05 leaflets, 02 technical/ popular articles in agriculture-related magazines.
1. Introduction to Sustainable Nutrient Management .................................1
2. Principles of Plant Nutrition and Nutrient Uptake ................................13
3. Soil Fertility and Nutrient Dynamics ....................................................27
4. Soil Testing and Nutrient Diagnostics ...................................................41
5. Essential Nutrients and Their Functions in Plants ................................55
6. Nutrient Deficiencies and Toxicities: Diagnosis and Management.......69
7. Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers: Sources and Application.................91
8. Precision Nutrient Management Techniques .......................................111
9. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) Approaches .........................129
10. Biological Nitrogen Fixation and Soil Microbial Interactions ............151
11. Nutrient Management in Controlled Environment Agriculture ..........165
12. Nutrient Management in Different Cropping Systems .......................185
13. Water and Nutrient Interactions in Plant Growth ................................205
14. Environmental Impacts of Fertilizer Use and Mitigation Strategies ...........................221
15. Nutrient Management for Climate-Resilient Agriculture....................233
16. Advances in Nutrient Recovery and Recycling ..................................247
17. Future Directions in Plant Nutrient Management ...............................261
