Sustainable Soil Management: Development and Adoption of Novel Fertilizers
摘要
Soil is an important natural resource. Healthy soil is necessary for food production, plant growth, animal habitation, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, environmental quality, etc. Soil health is directly or indirectly linked to different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 6 (Sustainable management of water), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 15 (life on land), and SDG 17 (partnerships). With increasing income and time, food preference is also shifting toward a meat-based diet, as well as the demand for global agricultural commodities has risen. Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) suggests that global food grain production has to increase by 70% by 2050 to satisfy the growing demands. One way to increase this production is the application of fertilizers. However, excess and imbalanced fertilizer use has shown a deteriorating impact on soil and environmental health. To protect soil health and maintain food grain production, we need sustainable soil management utilizing best management practices, application of new-generation fertilizers, and enhanced nutrient use efficiency.