The report finds severe nutrient deficiencies in Indian soils based on the Soil Health Card Scheme data.

Key Findings

• Soil nutrient deficiencies:
  • Nitrogen: 64% of samples tested 'low' for Nitrogen (N).
  • Organic Carbon (SOC) Deficit: 48.5% of samples tested 'low' for SOC, a crucial indicator for soil structure and microbial abundance. 
    • Over 43% of districts at 'very high' climate risk also showed low SOC levels.
  • Micronutrient Shortages: 55.4% of samples tested 'low' for Boron, and 35% for Zinc.
• High Urea Consumption: Fertilizer consumption is heavily skewed towards urea, which is about 68 per cent of total fertilizer consumption in 2023-24.

Implications of soil nutrient deficiencies

• Threat to crop productivity, food security, farmer’s income and sustainable agriculture.
• Reduced capacity for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.

Recommendations

• Expand Current Soil Monitoring under SHC to include physical (texture, compaction) and biological (microbial activity) indicators.
• Reform fertiliser subsidy policy to incentivise balanced and efficient use.
• Use biochar to improve fertility, moisture retention, and carbon storage.