A review: Enhancing crop productivity and soil health through natural farming practices

Abstract:

Natural farming is sustainable approach to conserve soil health and increase soil biodiversity by using the key components are Jeevamrit, Ghanjeevamrit, mulching and intercropping. Jeevamrit and Ghanjeevamrit increases the microbial diversity and population that facilitate nutrient cycling, nutrient solubilization and promote the plant growth. Mulching with crop residue cover the soil that helps to maintain the appropriate moisture, food for microbes and enhances the activity of earthworms. Decomposition of organic mulch improve the organic carbon, stabilize the soil structure, store house for nutrients and holding moisture etc as organic carbon is heart of soil. Intercropping of different crops in the same area creates synergistic interactions that enhance resource utilization and soil biological activity. Diverse root exudates stimulate beneficial microbial populations, while the presence of multiple crops reduces production risks under drought and other abiotic stresses, thereby improving system resilience and stability. Beyond improving soil health and agricultural sustainability, natural farming also contributes to the production of safe and nutritious food, thereby supporting human health and well-being. However, for the wider adoption and successful scaling of natural farming, strong policy support, research investments, and extension services are essential. Furthermore, the development of standardized protocols and location-specific packages of natural farming practices is required to improve their scientific credibility, farmer acceptance and large-scale implementation.