Nutrients in Sustainable Cropping Systems

Description

The concept of sustainable agriculture has gained high priority. . It includes the successful management of agricultural resources to meet human needs while maintaining or improving environmental quality and conserving natural resources. The plant’s needs for water and nutrients are interrelated. Water is not only essential for the growth of plants, but it is also the medium through which nutrients are transported to and absorbed by the roots. A good supply of water improves the nutritional status of crops, and an adequate supply of nutrients saves water. With properly coordinated management of nutrients and water, a farmer can greatly increase crop yields through their efficient use. This is true for both rainfed and irrigated conditions. Using optimal nutrients without getting enough water leads to misuse of the nutrients used. Likewise, the use of low nutrient doses under adequate conditions of good nutrient management practices and vice versa. Soil moisture affects solubility and thus the availability of all nutrients. Biological activity in soil is particularly restricted under very wet or very dry conditions. Under extremely dry conditions, the breakdown of organic matter slows down and with it the mineralization of organic forms of nitrogen and other nutrients into forms of minerals available to the plant. This paper focuses on mineral nutrition, plant nutrients and plant nutrition, strategies for optimizing nutrient management and economically analyzing the content of micronutrients and macronutrients present in soil – water system. Soil-water system plays a vital role in agriculture. The amount of nutrients available to plant roots is the main factor limiting crop yields. Climate and crops grown during previous years, fertilizer requirements differ within the field and throughout the year. The Macro nutrients and micronutrients are essential for healthy plant growth. Total nutrients are required in large amounts and micronutrients are required in smaller quantities. Micro and macro nutrients are naturally obtained from the soil roots.