Suggested and Actual Application of Chemical Fertilizers in the Agricultural Sector of Kerala

The adverse effects of agriculture on environment are direct and indirect in nature. Direct effects are due to the overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Globally India ranks third in fertiliser consumption compared to other countries. The consumption of chemical fertilisers in Kerala is also high with respect to other states. To study the overuse of chemical fertilisers in the state, among six crops selected, rubber and banana cultivators used overdose of chemical fertilisers and under use of organic manures and lime compared to other crops. The overuse of NPK fertilisers compared to suggested dose as contrast to very low NPK soil fertility status in the rubber plantations is a paradox in the agriculture sector of Kerala.