Integrated nutrient management (INM): A way to improve ecological balance and farm income

The transformation of agriculture subsistence farming with the use of efficient varieties, pesticides, fertilizers and mechanization has increased the production, but at cost of natural resources destruction. In the present context, therefore there is need to sustain and enhance the physical, chemical and biological health of the ecosystem. Through Integrated Nutrient Management which refers to the maintenance of soil fertility and of the plant nutrient supply at an optimum level for sustaining the desired productivity through optimization of all possible sources of organic, inorganic and biological components in an integrated manner. The main aim of Integrated Nutrient Management is to integrate the use of natural and man-made soil nutrients to increase crop productivity and preserve the soil productivity for the future generations, rather than focusing nutrition management on one crop. INM is an ideal combination of agronomical, biological, chemical and other method in a planned sequential and sustainable manner to achieve the desired objectives. It encompasses organic manures (FYM, Compost, vermicompost, animal wastes, green manure, plant residues, agro-industrial by-products etc.), biofertilizers (N-fixing, P-solubilizing and different consortia),inorganic fertilizers (simple, mixed, complex fertilizers and nano fertilizers, slow release fertilizers, liquid fertilizers etc.).The adoption of INM leads to increased net return of the farmers, development of rich biodiversity including soil micro- organisms and ecosystem, quality food and fodder production as well as sustainable output growth and adequate buffer stocks.