Monday 15 April 2013

Soil Science and Plant Nutrition



Soil is one of the most important constituent of Agriculture. Plants derive almost all nutrients from soil and so its purpose serves beyond the fact that it’s the substrate on which the plant grows.The soil types vary from region to region and so do the type of plants that grow on them. All types of soil are made up of two basic components which are biotic and abiotic.  It’s the continuous nutrient cycle that takes place at the biotic-abiotic interface that plays a crucial role in plant growth and sustainable agriculture. There are tremendous amounts of biochemical reactions occurring in what seems like a lifeless soil. Increased use of fertilizer has increased the cost of production and decreased the soil quality. In order to better understand basic needs of the plants, it is important to go to the root cause, literally. In this article we will have an insight into the underworld nutrient cycle that occurs in the soil and better understand the need to focus on the need to take care of soil.
The soil health is without doubt vital for good yield of plant. The right balance of biotic and abiotic constituents in the soil can lead a way to sustainable and optimal agriculture. The following conclusions can be drawn from the studies reflected in this article.
Presence of good amount of organic and inorganic matter is essential to support nutrient cycle.
Soil biota help plant growth by supporting nutrient uptake, providing disease resistance and holding up soil structure
The presence of a healthy population of soil biota reduces the need for external inputs for soil growth.


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