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Economic and Environmental Benefits of Integrated Nutrient Management in India

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Indian Journal of Fertilisers 16 (11) : 1124-1137, November,
Srinivasarao
2020 et al. Indian Journal of Fertilisers 16 (11)

Economic and Environmental Benefits of

Integrated Nutrient Management in Indian Agriculture
Ch Srinivasarao1, M. Ramesh Naik1, C. Subha Lakshmi1, G. Ranjith Kumar1,
R. Manasa1, S. Rakesh 1, Sumanta Kundu2 and J.V.N.S. Prasad2
1ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management,

Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana

2ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, Telangana

Received : 09/08/2020 Accepted : 10/10/2020

Abstract
Intensive agricultural operations involving external usage of chemical fertilizers is a concern in terms of escalating
input as well as environmental issues in the post-Green Revolution period. Progressively affluent population and
food demand have further laid stress on the agricultural soils for higher productivity. The total nutrient (N+P2O5+K2O)
consumption during 2018-19 was 27.23 million tonnes (Mt) and it is likely to increase to around 48.0 Mt by 2050.
Persistent decline in soil health and the quality of environment are the major constraints coming in the way of
achieving sustainability in Indian agriculture. It is, therefore, pivotal to consider inclusion of organic manures,
biofertilizers, crop residues, etc., in cultivation to bridge the gap between nutrients added and removed, thereby
assuring the optimum nutrient balance in soil systems. Improving crop production without harming the environmental
resources and mitigating climate change must be the priority in today’s agriculture. Integrated nutrient management
(INM) approach is an effective way to deal with low productivity and nutrient-poor soils. Current paper highlights the
economic benefits of adopting INM in different agroecological systems and its advantages on environment assessed
in terms of improving nutrient use efficiency, soil carbon build-up, climate adaptation, and greenhouse gas (GHG)
mitigation. Recent literature on the effect of INM practice involving various treatment combinations of organic and
inorganic nutrient sources under different cropping systems shows the benefits in crop yields, net returns, and B:C
ratio. Strong evidence is presented in this paper to demonstrate that INM is a climate-resilient, effective and
innovative practice for agriculture that brings sustainability in the ecosystem.

Key words: Soil health, food security, INM approach, economic and environmental benefits, diverse agroecosystems,
climate resilient agriculture, sustainability.

Introduction environmental changes, etc. About 14.8% of the

India is world’s second largest populated country and population and 38.4% of children (below 5 years)
most of its people belong to agrarian community. remain malnourished in India. Based on the four
Agriculture sector is the backbone of country‘s parameters (affordability, quality, availability and
economy as it contributes to the GVA (Gross value safety), India ranked 76th out of 113 countries as per
added) 16.5% as reported in Economic Survey 2019- evaluation of the Global Food Security Index (GFSI).
20. Only agriculture sector can help in achieving Since 1960s, Green Revolution facilitated overcoming
nation‘s food security but in the view of restricted of production problems and considerably increased
land usage and increased population pressure, food the food grain production. Currently, the production
security has become a great challenge to the of food grains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, and
humankind. To overcome this challenge, scientists flower and aromatics is about 284.83, 25.23, 31.31,
encouraged the use of chemical fertilizers and high 97.35, 184.39, and 3.65 million tonnes (Mt),
yielding varieties. Subsequently, quantity of the respectively. The production rates for the period
chemical fertilizer application increased to maintain ranging from 2012-13 to 2017-18 are presented in
the production rates to satisfy the nation’s needs. India Figure 1. Even though it is a triumph, Green
needs to take huge initiatives to ensure its food and Revolution in agriculture is frequently criticized for
nutritional security. These initiatives must contain being focused on only two cereal grains (wheat and
solutions for the low gross domestic product (GDP) rice) and putting so much stress on agroecosystems.
per capita, market constraints, shortage of land and Globally, the crop yields are continuously increasing
irrigation, etc. Nation’s food security is a combination year after year, yet the required increment to meet the
of food availability, access and its utilization. It is also food demand by 2050 is insufficient. The annual
interlinked with food prices, agricultural growth, increment of yields of key global crops viz., rice, maize,
chsrao_director@[Link]; cherukumalli2011@[Link] wheat and soybean are 1.0%, 1.6%, 0.9%, and 1.3%,

16
November 2020 Economic and Environmental Benefits of INM 1125

Oilseeds

Figure 1. Production rates of food grains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, and flowers and aromatics in India
(ICAR Data Book 2019)

respectively. However, the required rate of production (Lassaletta et al., 2014). Fertilizer application in India
increment to double by 2050 is 2.4% yr -1 (Ray et al., is already more than that of the cropland in the U.S.
2013). In contrast, there is stagnation in the growth of Thus, to reduce the nutrient losses to the environment,
crop yields in India. As per the analysis, the yield improving soil quality by restoring SOM content, and
records from 1961 to 2008 show that there is a to bring resilience in soil and agroecosystems, we have
stagnation of maize, rice, and wheat of about 31%, to focus more on improving fertilizer use efficiency
36%, and 70%, respectively (Ray et al., 2012). Key (FUE) by integrating fertilizers with organic
reason for this yield stagnation is soil degradation amendments rather than simply increasing the rate
(NAAS, 2018; Agribusiness, 2018). Imbalanced use of of inputs.
chemical fertilizers for maximizing crop production
Different Models of INM
has been cited to be responsible for the deterioration
of soil quality. Status of nitrogen (N) in Indian soils is Integrated nutrient management encompassing the
very low. Deficiencies of phosphorus (P), potassium conjunctive use of chemical fertilizers and organic
(K), sulphur (S), zinc (Zn), boron (B), iron (Fe) and amendments would prove advantageous for soil
manganese (Mn) are 80%, 50%, 41%, 36%, 23%, 13% health management and improvement of soil fertility
and 7%, respectively. Such deficiencies are mainly due as well as the overall crop productivity. Balanced
to low nutrient use efficiencies (NUE): 30-50% for N, fertilization in INM approach is nothing but the
15-25% for P, 50-60% for K, 8-12% for S, and 2-5% for application of nutrient sources in the right proportion
micronutrients. Imbalanced application of fertilizers, with suitable methods specific to crop and
residue burning and climate change are further posing agroclimatic situation leading to soil health building
a risk to the sustainability of soil health. Manna et al. and enhancing NUE (Srinivasarao et al., 2008).
(2007) and Srinivasarao et al. (2013a) observed that Organic manures play a significant role in INM
package; increase the soil organic carbon (SOC) content
the application of recommended doses of NPK
which proliferates the microbial activity in soil, helps
without input of farmyard manure (FYM) leads to
retain soil moisture longer and reduces the leaching
decline in production of biomass (especially the root
of plant nutrients besides imparting drought tolerance
biomass) and its return into the soil; this is responsible
during dry spells. Advantages of INM practices have
for decline in soil organic matter (SOM). A serious
been reported in hundreds of researches in the Indian
problem of soil degradation, manifesting in terms of
subcontinent (Srinivasarao et al., 2013a; Sharma et
decline in SOM is degrading the environment, limiting
al., 2019; Bijay-Singh and Ali, 2020).
the crop productivity, and adversely impacting the
human wellbeing. Globally, more than 50% of the Various sources of soil organic amendments are
applied fertilizer to the cultivated lands is lost to the accessible to growers as on-farm materials viz., crop
environment, leaving adverse impacts on the quality residue, weed biomass, green manures, compost,
of water, soil, air, biodiversity and ecosystems animal bedding material, seri-waste, etc., and also off-

17
1126 Srinivasarao et al. Indian Journal of Fertilisers 16 (11)

amendments and renewed focus on recycling of

existing natural organic nutrient flows further
broaden the concept of INM to make it more context-
specific for local environmental conditions (Wu and
Ma, 2015). As shown in Table 1 there are plenty of
organic and inorganic nutrient source combinations
adopted in the INM model.
Economic Benefits of INM
The economic benefits such as improved crop yields,
reduced cost of cultivation, increased marginal and
net returns, and benefit:cost (B:C) ratio of INM under
different agroecosystems are discussed briefly below.
Cereal-based System
Maruthupandi and Jayanthi (2018) evaluated
various INM treatment combinations under rice-
maize cropping system. Among all those,
application of 100% RDF + vermicompost @ 5 t ha -1
significantly influenced the rice grain equivalent
yield (system yield) i.e., 15,327 kg ha-1 by augmenting
the availability of nutrients for a shorter period.
Further, the total cost of cultivation and net returns
also observed were higher (Rs. 83,610 and Rs.
Figure 2. Impact of INM on better agriculture 1,46,287 ha -1 ) under this combination. Such results
practices in India were followed by the application of 100% RDF +
farm wastages viz., municipal bio-solids, poultry goat manure as pond silt @ 5 t ha-1 (Figure 3). System
manure, coir pith, biochar, tank silt, etc. INM yields of rice were increased with the use of organic
encompasses a holistic approach to nutrient manures in combination with inorganic fertilizers
management for crop production, and involves (Ali et al., 2012).
judicious combination of fertilizers, bio-fertilizers, Yield and net returns of wheat have been
organic manures (FYM, compost, vermicompost, increased by 31.6% through the application of
biogas sludge), green manures, crop residues, etc. [Link] NPK kg ha -1 + FYM @ 5 t ha -1 + seed
There are several benefits of adopting INM in inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB + sulphur @ 40 kg
agriculture. The impact of INM on better agricultural
ha -1 (through gypsum) as compared to other
practices in India is presented in Figure 2.
treatments (Desai et al., 2015). Among numerous
The basic concept of INM model is the adjustment of INM practices, application of 5.0 t vermicompost +
soil fertility and supplementation of plant nutrients 75% recommended dose of NPK gave maximum
in an available form at optimum level in order to maize equivalent yield, gross return, net return and
sustain the crop productivity and optimization of B:C ratio over other INM practices. However, when
advantages of plant nutrients from all possible biofertilizers viz. Azotobacter and PSB were applied
resources in an integrated approach (Srinivasarao et in conjunction with RDF (NPK), net returns of the
al., 2017). Concept of INM started in late 1980s, system (Figure 4) also showed improvement due
importantly to solve the issues related to to increased nutrient solubility, growth and
micronutrient deficiencies and deterioration of soil development of maize under maize + mung bean
health. The major objectives of INM involved were i) intercropping (Yadav et al., 2016). Rice–potato–
restoration of soil carbon content, ii) improvement of mung bean (RPM) cropping systems gave 3.2–5.9 t
NUE, iii) soil health maintenance, iv) minimization ha -1 yr -1 higher productivity than the rice–wheat
of chemical fertilizers and their adverse impact on (RW) cropping system (Sharma and Sharma, 2004).
environment, v) ensuring increased crop productivity,
Significantly highest grain yield and sustainability
and vi) development of sustainable agriculture.
yield index (SYI) of both the crops were obtained in
Adoption of new interventions has added new treatments which had received organic amendments
dimensions in the INM system. Improved farm in combination with mineral fertilization over
mechanization, conservation agriculture system unfertilized control and 100% fertilized treatments
intensification (CASI) technologies, various organic under maize-black gram cropping system (Figure 5),

18
November 2020 Economic and Environmental Benefits of INM 1127

Table 1. Various INM strategies under different agroecosystems

Crop INM strategies under different agroecosystems Source
Rice Poultry manure at 5 t ha-1 with fertilizer N at 40 kg ha-1 Yadvinder-Singh et al. (2009)
Rice 25% N through vermicompost or Sesbania green manure Singh et al. (2018)
combined with 75% RDF-N (RDN)
Maize –Wheat 10 t of FYM ha-1 along with recommended NPK fertilizers Brar et al. (2015)
Hybrid rice 50% RDF and 50% RDN through mustard oil cake Mondal et al. (2016)
Maize -Cauliflower - Soil test + organics + biofertilizers + lime Sarkar et al. (2020)
Cowpea
Rice Press mud cake at 5 t ha-1 along with 60 kg fertilizer N ha-1 Yadvinder-Singh et al. (2008)
Rice - Wheat system Rice husk ash (RHA) and bagasse ash (BA) along with RDF Thind et al. (2012)
Groundnut – FYM 10 tonne ha-1 + 100% RDF (NPK)
Finger millet Srinivasarao et al. (2009)
Soybean-based 6 tonne FYM ha–1 + 20 kg N ha-1 + 13 kg P ha-1
Pearl millet-based 50% N (inorganic fertilizer) + 50% N (FYM)
Tomato 150N – 60P – 60K (kg ha-1) – Azotobacter – phosphate solubilizing Kumar and Srivastava (2006)
bacteria (50 g culture kg-1 seed)
Brinjal 75N – 37.5 P – 22.5 K (kg ha-1) – FYM (12.5 Mg ha-1) – Nanthakumar and
Azospirillum (50 g culture kg-1 seed) – phosphate solubilizing Veeraragavathatham (2001)
bacteria (100 g culture kg-1 seed)
Rose 60 N (gm-2) – GYM (5 kg m-2) Singh (2006)
Bitter gourd 70 N – 25 P – 25 K (kg ha-1) – neem cake (2.5 t ha-1) Rekha and Gopalkrishnan (2001)
Papaya 50% RDF (100 N – 100 P2O5 – 125 K2O g plant-1) - Singh and Varu (2013)
Azotobacter sp @ 50 g plant-1 – phosphate solubilizing
bacteria @ 2.5 g m-2
Guava 50% RDF (250 g N – 100 g P2O5 - 250 K2O g plant-1) - Dwivedi (2013)
FYM @ 25 kg plant-1 – vermicompost @ 5 kg plant-1
Sapota 1500 g N – 1000 P2O5 – 500 g K2O plant-1 – 75 kg Dalal et al. (2004)
FYM plant-1 – 12.5 g plant-1 phosphate solubilizing bacteria
Banana 50% RDF- FYM @ 20 kg plant-1 – Azotobacter sp. @ 50 g plant-1 – Patil and Shinde (2013)
phosphate solubilizing bacteria @ 50 g plant-1 – VAM @ 250 g plant-1

RDF + RDF + turkey RDF + quail RDF + goat RDF + FYM

vermicompost manure as manure as manure as at 12.5 t ha-1
pond silt pond silt pond silt
Figure 3. Impact of INM on cost of cultivation, net returns, and yield under rice-maize cropping system
(Source: Maruthupandi and Jayanthi, 2018)

thereby showing the beneficial effects of addition of solubilizing bacteria (PSB) resulted (Table 2) in
organic amendments on crop performance significantly higher grain yield (3.63 t ha-1) of summer
(Srinivasarao et al., 2019). pearl millet, net returns (Rs. 43,435 ha-1) and B:C ratio
Millet-based System (1.94) (Thumar et al., 2016).

Combined application of FYM @ 2.5 t ha -1 along with Supplement of FYM @10 t ha-1 increased the grain yield
RDF of 120 kg N + 60 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 and seed of sorghum by 28.16% (Jat et al., 2013). They also
inoculation with Azotobacter and phosphate recorded the highest net returns with B:C ratio of 1.93

19
1128 Srinivasarao et al. Indian Journal of Fertilisers 16 (11)

T1: Control; T2: 75% RDF of NPK; T3: 100% RDF of NPK; T4: 5.0 t vermicompost + 75% RDF of NPK + Azotobacter + 75% N and
RDF of P&K; T5: PSB + 75% P & RDF of N & K; T6: Azotobacter + PSB.+75% NP and RDF of K; T7: Azotobacter + PSB +5.0 t
vermicompost and 50% RDF of NPK
Figure 4. Effect of INM on gross expenditure, net returns and B:C ratio of maize crop (Source: Yadav et al., 2016)

Table 2. Impact of INM on summer pearl millet yield and profitability (Source: Thumar et al., 2016)

Treatments Grain yield (t ha-1) Gross return (Rs. ha -1) Net return (Rs. ha-1) B:C ratio

T1 : RDF (120-60-00 NPK kg ha-1) 3.12 56,810 37,047 1.87

T2 : T1 + 5 t FYM ha-1 3.46 62,704 37,941 1.53
T3 : T1 + 5 t bio-compost ha-1 3.40 61,728 34,465 1.26
T8 : T1 + 2.5 t biocompost ha-1 + 3.52 63,934 40,301 1.71
Azotobacter + PSB
T9 : T1 + 2.5 t FYM ha -1 + Azotobacter + PSB 3.63 65,818 43,435 1.94
T14 : 50% RDF + 2.5 t biocompost ha-1 + 3.00 54,550 30,705 1.29
2.5 t FYM ha-1 + Azotobacter + PSB

T1: Control; T2: 100% RDF of NP; T3: 25 kg ha-1 N (FYM) + 25 kg N ha-1 (urea) + 30 kg P ha-1; T4: 25 kg ha-1 N (compost) + 25
kg N ha-1 (urea) + 30 kg P ha-1; T5: 25 kg N ha-1 (crop residue) + 25 kg N ha-1 (urea) + 30 kg P ha-1; T6: 15 kg ha-1 N (FYM) + 10
kg N ha-1 (crop residue) + 25 kg N ha-1 (urea) + 30 kg P ha-1; T7: 15 kg ha-1 N (FYM) + 10 kg N ha-1 (compost) + 25 kg N ha-1 (urea)
+ 30 kg P ha-1; T8: 15 kg ha-1 N (FYM) + 10 kg N ha-1 (green leaf) + 25 kg N ha-1 (urea) + 30 kg P ha-1, and T9: 100% recommended
N (urea) without P
Figure 5. Mean yield and sustainability yield index (SYI) as influenced by the INM in maize – black gram cropping sequence
under different treatments (Source: Srinivasarao et al., 2019).

20
November 2020 Economic and Environmental Benefits of INM 1129

T1: Control; T2: 100% RDN; T3: 75% RDN + 25% N through press mud; T4: 75% RDN + 25% N through vermicompost; T5:
75% RDN + 25% N through FYM; T6: 75% RDN + 25% N through FYM+ ZnSO4 @ 20 kg ha-1; T7: 75% RDN + 25% N through
vermicompost + ZnSO4 @ 20 kg ha-1
Figure 6. Impact of INM on gross monetary returns, cost of cultivation, net monetary returns and yield of sorghum crop
(Source: Gaikwad et al., 2018)

over no FYM. Co-inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB in Maximum grain yield of finger millet (3.77 t ha-1) was
sorghum registered highest grain yield and economic recorded with the application of FYM (10 t ha -1 ) +
returns over no inoculation (Arbad et al., 2008). biofertilizer + zinc sulphate (12.5 kg ha-1) + borax (5 kg
Biofertilizers transform fixed and in-soluble forms of ha -1) + 75% RDF; also the highest gross return (Rs.
nutrients into soluble forms and make them readily 72,740 ha-1), net return (Rs. 52,272 ha-1) and B:C ratio
(2.55) were observed under this combination (Roy et
available to plant and ultimately improve the
al., 2018). Combined application of organic and
performance of crop. With their experiment, Gaikwad inorganic manures along with biofertilizer led to the
et al. (2018) showed that application of 75% RDN + enhanced availability of nutrients and improved the
25% N through vermicompost + ZnSO4 @ 20 kg ha-1 soil properties, hence resulting in better root growth
produced significantly highest sorghum grain yield, and yield.
gross monetary (Rs. 57,354 ha -1 ) and net monetary
Oilseed Crops
returns (Rs. 32,225 ha -1 ) and B:C ratio (2.28)
(Figure 6). Among various INM practices followed Higher pod yield, gross returns, net returns and B:C
for sorghum cultivation, addition of 100% RDF ratio were found in treatment combination of 125%
through inorganic fertilizer + biocompost @ 10 t ha-1 RDN through vermicompost + 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 under
provided significantly superior grain yield summer groundnut cultivation (Chaudhary et al.,
compared to rest of the treatments (Patil et al., 2018). 2015). Maximum grain yield of mustard (2.28 t
Maximum net returns of Rs. 59,146 ha-1 were recorded ha -1 ), maximum gross income (Rs. 81,575 ha -1 ) and
with this treatment followed by application of 100% net profit of mustard (Rs. 35,725 ha-1) were recorded
RDF through inorganic fertilizer with net returns of in RDF + vermicompost @ 5.0 t ha-1 followed by yield
Rs. 53,449 ha -1. of 2.13 t ha-1 in RDF + vermicompost @ 2.0 t ha-1 +
FYM @ 5.0 t ha-1 (Table 3).

Table 3. Effect INM on grain yield, gross income, net profit and B:C raio of mustard crop
(Source: Thaneshwar et al., 2017)

Treatment Grain yield Gross income Net profit B:C ratio

(t ha-1) (Rs. ha-1) (Rs. ha-1)

RDF (120 : 60 : 40 : 30 kg ha -1 NPKS) 1.92 69,419 34,049 1.96

RDF + 5.0 t vermicompost ha-1 2.28 81,575 35,725 1.77
RDF + 2.0 t vermicompost ha-1 + 5.0 t FYM ha-1 2.13 78,491 33,281 1.73
RDF + 6.0 t FYM ha-1 2.00 72,788 30,938 1.73

21
1130 Srinivasarao et al. Indian Journal of Fertilisers 16 (11)

T1-Soybean T2-FYM T3-SR @ 2.5 t + T4- 100% RDF T5-100 % RDF + T6-100 % RDF +
residue @ 5 t ha-1 @ 5 t ha-1 FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 SR @ 5 t ha-1 FYM @ 5 t ha-1 SR @ 2.5 t +
FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1

Figure 7. Impact of INM on seed yield and net monetary returns of sunflower crop (Source: Ashok et al., 2018)

Significantly highest sunflower seed yield (1,866 kg 100% and 75% RDF (25.71 and 24.81 t ha -1 ,
ha -1 ) and net monetary return (Figure 7) was respectively). Higher net returns were also recorded
recorded with the application of 100% RDF+ FYM in the INM treatments. Use of FYM in conjunction
@ 5 t ha-1 followed by 100% RDF + soybean residue with chemical fertilizer is an effective means of
(SR) @ 5 t ha-1 and 100 % RDF + SR @ 2.5 t ha-1 + FYM @ increasing potato yield (Venkatasalam et al., 2012;
2.5 t ha-1 (Ashok et al., 2018). Combined use of NPK Islam et al., 2013). Integrated application of FYM at 10
and FYM produced higher mean pod yield (1,217 kg t ha-1 + NPK + dipping seedlings in 1% Azotobacter +
ha-1) of groundnut with the application of FYM + 50% foliar spray of 20 ppm ferrous ammonium sulphate
NPK over recommended NPK (719 kg ha-1 ) and the in tomato cultivation enhanced the growth
control (403 kg ha-1) (Srinivasarao et al., 2012c). parameters (Pandey and Chandra, 2013) and the
maximum marketable yield of tomato i.e., 102.5 and
Vegetable Crops 95.5 t ha-1 obtained, respectively during kharif and rabi
seasons with the B:C ratios of 4.25 and 4.23,
INM practice in potato crop cultivation where FYM, respectively.
crop residues and bio-fertilizers were combined with
RDF benefited the potato tuber yield and net returns Application of bacterial fertilizers, alone as well as in
(Figure 8). Maximum tuber yield (25.80 t ha -1) was combination with micronutrients (Thingujam et al.,
obtained in 100% RDF + 20 t FYM ha -1 followed by 2020) significantly enhanced the yields of brinjal
crop residue incorporation and inoculating of seed (13.10–15.35 t ha-1) over the control (9.83–12.39 t ha-1).
tubers with bio-fertilizers before planting at both Research further showed that the application of

-1 -1
Net returns (Rs. ha-1)
Total yield (t ha-1)

-1 -1

Figure 8. Yield of tuber and net returns of potato (Source: Banerjee et al., 2016)

22
November 2020 Economic and Environmental Benefits of INM 1131

Table 4. Effect of INM on yield and economics of garland chrysanthemum (Source: Angadi, 2014)

Treatments Flower yield (t ha-1) Net returns (Rs. ha-1) B:C ratio

Absolute control 2.27 20,600 0.57

100% RDF + FYM (20 t ha-1) 6.52 1,16,962 2.54
50% vermicompost (VC) equivalent to RDN + 50% RDF 4.70 73,585 1.63
Azospirillum + 75% RDN + 100% RDP and K 4.20 65,839 1.62
PSB + 75% RDP + 100% RDN and K 6.25 1,15,814 2.86
Azospirillum + 50% VC equivalent to RDN + 50% RDF 5.73 97,360 2.12
PSB + 50% VC equivalent to RDN + 50% RDF 8.15 1,57,860 3.44
Azospirillum + PSB + 50% RDN and P + 100% RDK 4.93 83,720 3.12
Azospirillium + PSB + 50% VC equivalent to RDN+50% RDF 9.65 1,95,135 4.23

boron with Azospirillum and PSB benefited the yield, in south-eastern Rajasthan (Meena et al., 2019).
soil nutrient availability and plant nutritional Combinations of organic and chemical fertilizers have
recoveries in brinjal cultivation. a better influence on synthesis and translocation of
metabolites resulting into better fruit yield
Flower Crops
(Palaniappan and Annadurai, 2000). Similarly, Kumar
Integration of Azospirillum, PSB, 50% vermicompost et al. (2012) also reported the improved yields of lemon
equivalent to RDN with 50% recommended NPK under combined fertilization of NPK and organic
produced greater yields of garland chrysanthemum manures.
(9.65 t ha-1) with the maximum net returns (Rs. 1,95,135 Combined application of organic fertilizer with
ha -1 ) and high B:C ratio (4.23) compared to control inorganic fertilizer and micronutrients benefited the
(Table 4). Better root proliferation, uptake of nutrients guava fruit yields over supplementation of NPK
and water, and better plant growth were greatly through only fertilizers. Guava plants which had
influenced by the effect of vermicompost and received 75% RDF + 10 kg FYM plant-1 + micronutrients
biofertilizers combined with inorganic fertilizers. (Zn+B+Mn @ 0.5%+0.2%+0.1%) produced significantly
Supplement of Azospirillum + PSB in combination with higher fruit yields (116.76 and 82.36 q ha-1 in winter
50% RDF in China Aster significantly improved the and rainy seasons, respectively) followed by 75% RDF
flower diameter, yield and the overall yield per unit + 10 kg FYM plant-1 (106.35 and 79.89 q ha-1 in winter
area (Chaitra and Patil, 2007). Application of 400 g and rainy seasons, respectively) over the lowest yields
neem cake + 1 g PSB + 1 g Azotobacter m -2 in rose recorded where only 100% NPK had been added
cultivation significantly increased the number of (Figure 9).
flowers (201.03) followed by 400 g mustard cake + 1 g Environmental Benefits
PSB +1 g Azotobacter m-2 (166.88). Vase life (6.0 days) of
flowers also increased in the former treatment Improving Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE)
(Lambat and Pal, 2012). Study conducted by Sunitha The widespread utilization of fertilizers has
and Hunje (2010) showed a significant effect of drastically contributed to global food security, but
applying 50% RDF + VC (50% RDF) on number of their indiscriminate and long-term application
flowers per plant. Minimum days for sprouting after heightens the issues of environmental pollution. The
cutting (18.47 days), maximum plant height at full proportion of nutrients not utilized by the crop is at
bloom stage (61.67 cm) were recorded where FYM @ risk of loss to the environment, the susceptibility of
30 t ha-1 + PSB @ 2 g m-2 + Azotobacter @ 2 g m-2 were loss varies with nutrient, soil and climatic conditions
applied. Presence of Azotobacter and PSB helped better (Roberts, 2008). The use efficiency of applied nutrients
nutrient uptake and triggered physiological and has remained extremely low. The utilization efficiency
biochemical activities (Mayuri et al., 2013).
of fertilizer nitrogen seldom exceeds 35% under
Fruit Crops lowland and 50% under upland conditions while it is
Among different INM treatment combinations studied 15-25% for P, 50-60% for K, 8-12% for S and 2-5% for
in sapota fruit cultivation, application of 2/3rd part of most of the micronutrients (FAI, 2017). The
RDF + 50 kg FYM + 250 g Azospirillum + 250 g Azotobacter simultaneous attainment of high nutrient use
plant -1 significantly enhanced the number of fruits efficiency, high crop productivity and environmental
plant-1 (327.88), yield plant-1 (29.03 kg) and yield ha -1 protection has become a challenge. This situation calls
(4.52 t) over control. Combined application of organic for adopting efficient strategies which would aid in
and inorganic nutrient sources proved efficient in enhancing the utilization efficiency of applied
sustaining higher fruit yield of sapota and soil health nutrients. Agronomic indices commonly used to

23
1132 Srinivasarao et al. Indian Journal of Fertilisers 16 (11)

50% RDF+10kg FYM plant-1 + Azotobactor + VAM

50% RDF+10kg FYM plant-1 + VAM

50% RDF+10kg FYM plant-1 + Azotobactor +

PSB (100g plant-1)
50% RDF+10kg FYM plant-1 + Azotobactor

50% RDF+10kg FYM plant-1 + Micronutrients (Zn+B+Mn)

(0.5,0.2,0.1%)
75% RDF+10kg FYM plant-1 + Micronutrients (Zn+B+Mn)
(0.5,0.2,0.1%)
50% RDF+10kg plant-1 FYM

75% RDF+10kg plant-1 FYM

50% RDF+2.5 kg Vermicompost plant-1

75% RDF+2.5 kg Vermicompost plant-1

100% RDF (NPK-180,90,90g plant-1)

Yield (q ha-1)

Figure 9. Effect of INM on fruit yield of guava (Source: Gupta et al., 2019)

describe nutrient use efficiency are (i) partial factor sustainability. Low soil organic carbon levels
productivity (PFP); (ii) agronomic efficiency (AE); (iii) aggravate the problem of soil erosion particularly,
apparent recovery efficiency (RE); and (iv) resulting in soil degradation posing problems such
physiological efficiency (PE) (Mosier et al., 2004). The as decline in soil fertility and loss of soil biodiversity.
amalgamation of organic sources and chemical Soil degradation assumes prominence as a major
fertilizer (INM) would prove useful in maintaining environmental concern in developing countries. The
continuous nutrient supply, check losses and thus help excessive application of fertilizers practiced with the
in more efficient utilization of the applied nutrients objective of enhancing production levels leads to
(Dwivedi et al., 2016). multiple hazards, the major ones include loss of soil
The impact of integrated use of urea and FYM in and water quality. INM emphasizing on the
sorghum in Vertisols of Solapur under semi-arid conjunctive use of organic and inorganic sources of
conditions on nitrogen use efficiency is presented in nutrients would aid in curtailing the heavy usage of
Table 5. synthetic fertilizers along with enhancing the soil
organic carbon levels (Srinivasarao et al., 2020 a, b).
Soil Carbon Improvement
Improvement in soil carbon status contributes to
Soil organic carbon is the principal component of soil better soil aggregate formation resulting in better
organic matter. It assumes importance as an indicator soil structural stability, water holding capacity,
of soil health which plays significant role in elevating nutrient storage and turnover properties that are
crop production levels and attaining environmental fundamental in maintaining and enhancing the soil
Table 5. Nitrogen use efficiency during 22 years of sorghum cropping on Vertisols of semi-arid Solapur
(Source: Srinivasarao et al., 2011)
Treatment Mean yield (kg ha-1) AEN(kg grain kg-1 N) PFPN (kg grain kg-1 N)
Control 608 - -
25 kg N ha-1 (urea) 894 11.5 35.7
50 kg N ha-1 (urea) 1,044 8.7 20.9
25 kg N ha-1 (FYM) 945 9.5 37.8
25 kg N ha-1 (urea) + 25 kg N ha-1 1,048 8.8 20.9
(crop residue)
25 kg N ha-1 (urea) + 25 kg N ha-1 (FYM) 1,087 9.7 21.8
LSD (P = 0.05) 120 - -

24
November 2020 Economic and Environmental Benefits of INM 1133

quality. Application of 50% RDF coupled with 50% long-term impacts on environment, natural
FYM produced higher biomass and subsequently ecosystems and human societies. Agriculture
higher C input as crop residues (2.4 Mg C ha-1 yr-1) contributes about 42% of the increasing N2O into the
compared to 100% RDF treatment (2.0 Mg C ha-1 yr-1) atmosphere, a significant share of this potent
in rice-lentil cropping sequence (Srinivasarao et al., greenhouse gas with a global warming potential over
2012a). The inclusion of legumes in cropping system a 100-year period being 298 times higher than CO 2
as a strategy of INM holds potential to improve the
(IPCC, 2007) comes from the manufacture of
soil health. Legumes with deeper root system (e.g.,
pigeon pea) can explore nutrients from deeper layers synthetic fertilizers. Also, application of nitrogenous
of the profiles and recycle them to the surface layer fertilizers is considered as the most important factor
through leaf litter. These crops add C to soil in the contributing to direct N 2 O emissions from
form of rhizodeposition also (Srinivasarao et al., agricultural soils. Enhancing food production
2013b). Recycling the residues of legumes (i.e., soybean) continues to be an unending demand to meet the
as mulch during the crop growing period or needs of burgeoning population. Efficient nutrient
incorporating into the soil along with an management plays significant role in augmenting
appropriate rate of chemical fertilizer can sustain production and no doubt fertilizers hold prominence
system’s productivity, reduce the expenditure as boosters to enhance yields but as they contribute a
incurred on synthetic fertilizers and increase the
major share to GHG emanations, curtailing their use
SOC stock (Srinivasarao et al., 2012b).
by way of nutrient supplementation through
Climate Adaptation utilization of available other nutrient rich sources is
Climate change exerts both direct and indirect impacts a viable option. Inclusion of available organic sources
on agricultural productivity including changing viz. FYM, poultry manure, crop residues, and
rainfall patterns, droughts and floods. Extreme vegetable and market wastes as part of the nutrient
drought can greatly affect the function, structure and management programme along with fertilizers (INM)
productivity of soil ecosystem. In instances when would prove beneficial in minimizing the usage of
severe flood occurs, it might result in erosion of soil synthetically manufactured fertilizers towards crop
leaving the land low in organic carbon and nutrient yield enhancement which ultimately would offset
status. Embracing adaptation strategies to combat the GHG emissions. Huge amount of residue being
hazardous impacts of climate change is crucial. generated from agricultural sector could be utilized
Adaptation refers to actions that aid in reducing the as a source to supplement the nutrient needs of crops.
vulnerability to climate change. Nutrient and water The practice of burning crop residues leads to the
management practices exert profound influence on soil emission of CO2, CH4 and N2O which has resulted in
properties and ultimately crop production. Organic multiple environmentally degrading phenomena
sources being major components of INM or IPNS aid such as air pollution, global warming, smog and
in enhancing the soil organic matter content.
climate change (Mathur and Srivastava, 2019). The
Increased levels of organic matter and associated soil
fauna lead to greater pore space with the incorporation of crop residues or their conversion to
instantaneous result that water infiltrates more biochar through the process of pyrolysis would help
readily and can be held in the soil. Increased water in its utilization as soil health enhancer and nutrient
infiltration coupled with high organic matter content supplement to crop aiding in cutting down on the
consequently results in increased soil storage of quantity of fertilizer application and accruing
water. Organic matter aids in enhancing the stability multiple benefits viz. reduced emission of GHGs,
of soil aggregates and pores through the bonding or efficient waste management and reduction in
adhesion properties of organic materials viz., bacterial expenditure spent on fertilizers. Biochar
waste products, organic gels, fungal hyphae and amendment to soil when carried out sustainably may
worm secretions and casts. Also, organic matter annually sequester an amount of C equal to 12% of
mixed with mineral soil materials has a substantial the current anthropogenic CO 2 emissions (Woolf et
impact in increasing moisture holding capacity. al., 2010) indicating biochar as a potential source to
Enhanced moisture retention capacity aids in mitigate GHG emissions. Inclusion of legumes in
overcoming the impacts of drought, enhancing crop rotation as component of INM practice also
resilience of crops to climate change ultimately
could be regarded as a promising approach as these
minimizing the losses which could have incurred
would supplement part of the nitrogen requirement
otherwise.
of the crop, lessening the usage of nitrogenous
Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) fertilizers ultimately reducing N2O emissions.
Global warming caused by emission of greenhouse Different economic and environmental benefits of
gases (N2O, CH4 and CO2) will exert far reaching and INM are presented in Figure 10.

25
1134 Srinivasarao et al. Indian Journal of Fertilisers 16 (11)

Figure 10. Economic and environmental benefits of integrated nutrient management (INM)

Way Forward farmers is most essential to develop site-specific

INM technologies.
♦ Farmers need to be further trained and educated
about the knowledge of soil degradation and its ♦ Farmers should be fully educated regarding the
worse impacts on crop productivity and actual fertilizer dosages based on soil tests and
environment caused by the non-consideration of monitored for the balanced application of organic
organic nutrient sources in agriculture. and inorganic nutrient sources in an integrated
manner.
♦ To achieve the widespread adoption of INM
practices, it should be site-specific and related to ♦ Policy interventions related to adaptation of INM
the local circumstances as there will be no solution are critical for judicious management of available
for the complex problems of smallholder farmers. nutrient resources, enhancing SOC build-up,
avoiding residue burning, and minimizing
♦ Achieving the goals of INM will require expanded emission of greenhouse gases.
efforts nationwide to invent new technologies
Conclusions
through the inter-disciplinary team of researchers
and make them adaptive at small-holding farmers Agriculture is risk-prone with poor soil fertility and
scale. poor crop yields. Majority of the Indian farmers apply
fertilizers non-judiciously to harvest more crop
♦ Authentic research trials on large scale to evaluate yields. Such imbalanced applications neither
the performance of INM with respect to economic contribute to improvement in crop yields on long-
and environment sustenance is the need of the term basis nor sustain the environment. Moreover,
hour. emission of GHGs into atmosphere through such
♦ Consideration of locally available resources, improper agricultural practices is further aggravating
indigenous technology and conditions of the the issues related to climate change. In order to

26
November 2020 Economic and Environmental Benefits of INM 1135

promote judicious and balanced nutrient management Chaitra, R. and Patil, V.S. 2007. Integrated nutrient
in agriculture, farmers need to be encouraged to management studies in China Aster [Callistephus
consider the inclusion of organic amendments such chinensis (L.) Nees]. Karnataka Journal of Agricultural
as farmyard manure, crop residues, bio-fertilizers, Sciences, 689-690.
concentrated manures, etc., in conjunction with Chaudhary, J.H., Ramdev, R., Sutaliya, S. and Desai,
chemical fertilizers to achieve maximum yields. INM L.J. 2015. Growth, yield, yield attributes and economics
is one such practice that is sustainable in both of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as
influenced by integrated nutrient management. Journal
economic and environment perspectives. Results from
of Applied and Natural Science 7, 369-372.
the experiments conducted in different
Dalal, S.R, Gonge, V.S., Jogdande, N.O. and Moharia, A.
agroecosystems have provided the answer on
2004. Response of different levels of nutrients and PSB
sustenance of crop productivity (improved yields, net on fruit yield and economics of sapota. PKV Research
returns, B:C ratio, etc.) and soil (improved NUE and Journal 28, 126–128.
SOC build-up) thereby mitigating the impact of Desai, H.A., Dodia, I.N., Desai, C.K., Patel, M.D. and
climate change through INM adoption. Bringing Patel, H.K. 2015. Integrated nutrient management in
sustainability in agricultural ecosystem should be our wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Trends in Biosciences 8(2), 472-
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