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Studies carried out by a team of scientists at the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) have revealed high levels of phosphorus in the soil samples from Kozhikode and Wayanad districts.
Overuse of chemical fertilisers and neglect towards soil test-based fertiliser recommendations have resulted in imbalances in the nutrient levels of the soils, according to IISR.
The initial findings of the research projects on soil-based nutrient management plans for agro ecosystems of Kerala and ‘Sugandhi' – Technology Mission on Black Pepper for Wayanad – sponsored by the State Department of Agriculture, have shown alarming rise of phosphorus levels in soils from Wayanad district.
As much as 62 per cent of the total samples collected from Thirunelli panchayat in the district showed phosphorus content of 40 kg/ hectare, while the optimum range is 10-25 kg per hectare
More disturbingly, 35 per cent of the samples had a phosphorus level of more than 100 kg per hectare.
Similar results have been observed in the more than 5,000 soil samples collected from 17 panchayats in Kozhikode district.
Crop failure
The IISR scientists say that the findings are a startling reminder of bad nutrient management through careless use of certain chemical fertilisers. The farmers, though unaware, have been using a particular chemical fertiliser that contributed mainly nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur. The imbalances caused by the practice to the soil could be the major reason for crop failures in recent years.
For long-term gains in terms of crop yield and quality and also for preserving the innate qualities of the soil, the researchers have suggested therapeutic interventions like Integrated Nutrient Management, which involves a combination of chemical fertilisers and biological sources such as organic manures and bio-fertilisers.
The findings also underline the need for a soil test-based nutrient management practice in agriculture. The testing should be done in reputed laboratories. And in soils with phosphorus toxicity, the application of fertilisers should be avoided until the available phosphorus content reach the desired levels, say the researchers.
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