Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B (2024)

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) plays a critical role in sustainable plant nutrition by harmonizing the use of organic, inorganic, and biological resources to enhance soil fertility and optimize crop productivity. As global agricultural systems face the twin challenges of increasing food demand and declining soil health, INM offers a holistic approach that balances nutrient supply with environmental stewardship. INM involves the judicious use of chemical fertilizers, organic manures, composts, green manures, crop residues, and biofertilizers to meet plant nutrient requirements while improving soil structure, microbial activity, and long-term fertility. This integrated approach reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers, minimizes nutrient leaching and soil degradation, and promotes nutrient cycling within the soil-plant system. INM not only enhances nutrient use efficiency but also improves plant resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, resulting in healthier crops with better yields. Furthermore, the incorporation of organic and biological inputs fosters biodiversity in the soil, aiding in carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change. Research demonstrates that INM leads to sustained crop productivity and improved nutrient availability in soils with varying fertility levels. Therefore, INM is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems, maintaining soil fertility, and addressing the growing demand for food in an environmentally sound manner. Adoption of INM practices can also support economic gains for farmers by reducing input costs and enhancing soil health, contributing to global food security and environmental protection.