Revitalising water bodies,conservation of trees, and implementation of local knowledge are some of the factors to improve productivity of the soil. Ecological engineering is an emerging study of integrating ecology and engineering, concerned with the design, monitoring, and construction of ecosystems.
Widespread multinutrient deficiencies in the semi-arid tropics (SAT) are among major factors for large gaps between farmers’ current crop yields and potential yields. In this study, we adopted a stratified soil sampling method to assess soil fertility-related constraints in farmers’ fields in eight districts of Andhra Pradesh in the semi-arid tropics of India. Most of the fields across all eight districts were critical in sulfur (61%–98% deficient fields); and up to six districts each in boron (83%–98% deficient fields), zinc (50–85% deficient fields), and soil organic carbon (55–97% deficient fields). Low soil organic carbon specifically indicates nitrogen deficiency. Phosphorus deficiency was critical in three districts (60–84%) while potassium in general was adequate. Soil test-based nutrient balancing through the application of sulfur, boron, and zinc in addition to farmers’ practice of adding only nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium increased crop productivity by 8%–102%. Benefit–cost ratio (1.60–28.5) proved favourable to scale-up balanced nutrition. Better post-harvest soil health and residual benefits of sulfur, boron, and zinc up to four succeeding seasons indicated sustainability of the practice. Results showed that balanced nutrition is a way forward for sustainably improving farm productivity and livelihoods.http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03650340.2013.871706
The major is adding manure to soil. Along with that we need to conserve water and avoid deforestration. Before hand we need to test for the quality of soil and add nutrients accordingly.
Widespread multinutrient deficiencies in the semi-arid tropics (SAT) are among major factors for large gaps between farmers’ current crop yields and potential yields. In this study, we adopted a stratified soil sampling method to assess soil fertility-related constraints in farmers’ fields in eight districts of Andhra Pradesh in the semi-arid tropics of India. Most of the fields across all eight districts were critical in sulfur (61%–98% deficient fields); and up to six districts each in boron (83%–98% deficient fields), zinc (50–85% deficient fields), and soil organic carbon (55–97% deficient fields). Low soil organic carbon specifically indicates nitrogen deficiency. Phosphorus deficiency was critical in three districts (60–84%) while potassium in general was adequate. Soil test-based nutrient balancing through the application of sulfur, boron, and zinc in addition to farmers’ practice of adding only nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium increased crop productivity by 8%–102%. Benefit–cost ratio (1.60–28.5) proved favourable to scale-up balanced nutrition. Better post-harvest soil health and residual benefits of sulfur, boron, and zinc up to four succeeding seasons indicated sustainability of the practice. Results showed that balanced nutrition is a way forward for sustainably improving farm productivity and livelihoods.http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03650340.2013.871706
The most promising things I have seen are 12-15 species cover crop mixes that use sod forming plants, legumes, and tillage radishes. When combined with inter-cropping of legumes and non legumes you can phyto-mine nutrients from the profile to the near surface, reduce compaction, and elevate organic matter significantly. There is also some indications this may lower pesticide and herbicide use by supporting a larger community of beneficial insects, fungi, bacteria, etc. I have a grant application in for some demonstration plots, and I may harvest some useful data from the demonstrations as well.... time will tell
Productivity of soil from agricultural point of view can be increased by various options as mentioned by others.
From the point of view of recovering the mining waste lands and for th4 purpose of structural building purpose the techniques of improving geo-technical properties play a important role
It is essential to maintain soils in a healthy state. This means feeding the organisms, especially the so called ecosystem engineers that maintain suitable physical conditions through bioturbation and stimulate favourable microbial activities. This is done by providing organic inputs (manure, compost… whatever organic input) and maintaining a permanent cover, if possible with plants that fix N or extract P from deeper soil layers (e.g., Tithonia in the tropics).
We have observed significant increases in soil macro aggregation due to stimulating effects of a cover of Arachis pintoi on earthworm populations in Amazonia (Velasquez et al, 2013 in Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment).
Having high biological activity may not increase production immediately, but will certainly secure their long term suitability and resilience when extreme events (heavy rains or drought) hit the region.
Our GISQ general indicator of soil quality (Velasquez et al., 2007 in SBB) is a tool to monitor soil health.
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