Nutrient Mining in Different Agro-climatic Zones of Uttaranchal

摘要

The information on nutrient mining is highly essential to develop nutrient management strategies for planning both at micro and macro level, for sustainable management of precious soil resources and to create a food secured society. Nutrient mining is a serious consequence in agriculture and it occurs when the net flux of nutrient output exceeds the input leading to deterioration of soil quality. The recently created state Uttaranchal reparesents two districts agro-ecological zones viz. hill zone and Bhabar and Tarai zone. In the present paper, important characteristics of each zone including soil, climate, crop, cropping system and constraints in farming system as well as soil productivity constraints have been explained for describing nutrient mining in soils of Uttaranchal and to develop future strategy. Based on the data collected and analytical approach as explained in the paper, mining of K is highest followed by N and P. Similary, keeping in view of the low status of nutrients like S, Zn B, Mo and Cu in the soils of Uttaranchal and their mining through various crops, there is an urgent need to supplement these nutrients for sustaining soil health and crop productivity. Suggestions for arresting nutrient mining have also been made for the state through sustaining the productivity base and preserving environmental security.