Healthy soil is the foundation of agriculture, yet more often than not fertilizer policy wrongly focuses on bagged nutrients rather than what truly matters, which is the soil beneath our feet. In recent debates, Amit Gupta Agrifields DMCC has emphasized that India’s soils are far from uniform; they are a patchwork of strengths and deficiencies shaped by climate and cropping history. The numbers show this. A 2025 survey showed that roughly 58 per cent of India’s soils are deficient in nitrogen, 49 per cent lack phosphorus, and 48 per cent are short of potassium. Micronutrient deficiencies are also widespread, with nearly half of soils low in zinc and a third lacking boron. These deficits silently erode productivity and make blanket fertilizer recommendations increasingly ineffective.
Why One-Size-Fits-All Fertilizer Fails
The consequences of neglecting soil variability go beyond wasted inputs. When farmers apply a standard NPK blend to soil that lacks other nutrients, crops may still suffer stunted growth or low yields. Conversely, overuse of nitrogen where it is not needed contributes to runoff and pollution. Recognising this, agronomists have advocated site-specific nutrient management: tailoring fertilizer type and dose to local conditions. Yet implementation has lagged because mapping soil needs at scale is expensive and farmers have little access to test results. This gap was on display when Amit Gupta Agrifields DMCC participated in a workshop on digital agriculture; he noted that without clear soil diagnostics, even the most advanced fertilizers are blunt instruments.
Global Examples of Soil-Specific Solutions
Some countries offer instructive examples. Ethiopia’s EthioSIS project mapped soils across regions, revealing deficiencies and guiding the creation of new fertilizer blends. Trials doubled wheat yields, from one tonne per hectare to three, when tailored combinations replaced generic diammonium phosphate. Similarly, Rwanda’s Soil Information System developed blends like Twihaze, which neutralises acidity and supplies specific nutrients; early tests suggest these customised fertilizers could increase yields by up to 20 per cent and reduce costs. While such programs are still rare in India, some states are experimenting with digital soil cards and local blending plants.
The Need for Policy Reforms in Agriculture
A broader policy shift may be required. Current subsidies encourage the use of certain products regardless of local soil status. Aligning incentives with soil health could involve subsidising soil testing and rewarding farmers who adopt balanced nutrient plans. Investment in regional blending facilities would allow companies to adjust formulas based on local maps rather than shipping a single product nationwide. Extension services and agri-tech start-ups could help translate test results into actionable guidance. Voices like Gupta Agrifields DMCC highlight that soil health is not just a scientific concern but a social one: imbalanced soils reduce yields, lower farm incomes and undermine food security.
Long-Term Solutions for Sustainable Soil Health
Ultimately, replenishing nutrient-depleted soils will require more than adding fertiliser; it will involve integrating organic matter, rotating crops and protecting microbial life. But recognising the hidden costs of nutrient deficiencies is a necessary first step. By listening to the soil and designing policies that respond to its messages, India and its neighbours can move toward a more sustainable and productive future.
