Impact of integrated nutrient management on the performance of kharif rice and its effect on succeeding crops for sustainable productivity

Mono-cropping of riceby applying chemical fertilizers, time after time, has led to a decline or stagnation in yield due to multiple nutrient deficiencies, the degradation of soil physico-chemical properties,and an increase in insect pests and disease attacks. The core principle of integrated nutrient management (INM) is to maintain or adjust soil fertility at optimal levels and provide plant nutrients to sustain desired crop productivity. This is achieved by maximizing the benefits from all available sources of plant nutrients in acompatible and sustainable manner. Adding legumes to a rice-based cropping system is a traditional practice in rainfed conditions and is an ethical practice commonly followed by farmers.The residual effect of INMapplied to rice exhibits a beneficial impact on soil fertility and the yields of the following season's leguminous crops. This natural fertilizing effect is a significant advantage of including leguminous crops in crop rotationsand making judicial use of residual nutrients applied to the previous crop, contributing to enhanced productivity across the farming system.The ability of legumes to fix atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules makes it a viable option for developing more sustainable production systems by providing nitrogen to the componentsand subsequent crops. Moreover, legumes are an important source of protein and minerals in human diets and animal feed for small and marginal landholders.