{"id":18526,"date":"2026-02-02T13:39:34","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T08:09:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/?p=18526"},"modified":"2026-02-02T13:39:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T08:09:34","slug":"balanced-use-of-fertilizers-a-key-enabler-of-sustainable-farming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/?p=18526","title":{"rendered":"Balanced Use of Fertilizers: A Key Enabler of Sustainable Farming"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Balanced Use of Fertilizers: A Key Enabler of Sustainable Farming<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n


\nAligning Productivity, Soil Health, and Environmental Responsibility<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n

Posted On: 31 JAN 2026 10:15AM by PIB Delhi<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
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\u00a0Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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  • Balanced fertilization entails applying\u00a0all essential macronutrients and micronutrients in appropriate proportions, quantities, timing, and methods, based on crop requirements, soil fertility status, and prevailing climatic conditions.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
  • The\u00a0Government of India\u00a0is proactively promoting the balanced use of fertilizers through\u00a0multiple initiatives,\u00a0including the Soil Health Card Scheme, Nutrient-Based Subsidy, neem-coated urea, customised and fortified fertilizers, and nano fertilizers.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
  • Regenerative agriculture\u00a0strengthens balanced fertilization by improving soil health and enhancing nutrient use efficiency, while reducing losses and sustaining long-term productivity.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
  • Soil test\u2013based recommendations, customised fertilizers, and integrated nutrient management\u00a0approaches enable more precise and efficient fertilizer use.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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    Introduction: The Rationale for Balanced Fertilization<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    The Green Revolution marked a decisive turning point in India\u2019s agricultural history. The introduction of fertilizer-responsive high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of rice and wheat during the mid-1960s, supported by expanded irrigation and the use of chemical fertilizers,\u00a0transformed the country from a \u201chand-to-mouth\u201d situation into a self-sufficient and, eventually, a food-exporting nation. This rapid enhancement in foodgrain production not only ensured national food security but also significantly reduced hunger and improved rural livelihoods, positioning India as a model for other developing countries.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    However, the intensification that underpinned these productivity gains gradually revealed its limitations. Continuous cultivation, coupled with a disproportionate reliance on nitrogenous fertilizers and a decline in the use of organic manures, led to\u00a0nutrient imbalances and a steady deterioration of soil health.\u00a0Excessive and imbalanced fertilizer use accelerated the depletion of secondary and micronutrients, degraded soil structure, and increased nutrient losses through runoff and leaching.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Declining soil fertility is adversely\u00a0affecting crop growth and yield:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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    • by disturbing plant metabolic processes,<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
    • increasing susceptibility to pests and diseases, and<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
    • reducing produce quality.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Imbalanced fertilization has far-reaching consequences beyond soil degradation. These processes further contribute to environmental contamination and pose potential health risks.\u00a0These adverse effects also extend to the livestock sector, as crops cultivated on nutrient-depleted soils often lack essential minerals required in feed and fodder, resulting in compromised animal health and diminished productivity. Consequently, nutrient imbalance constitutes a significant constraint to the long-term sustainability and efficiency of integrated crop-livestock production systems. Therefore, maintaining soil fertility and adopting scientifically sound practices are fundamental to the sustainability of agricultural production. Soil fertility, determined by its chemical, physical, and biological properties, constitutes the basis for efficient nutrient use, economic viability, and environmental protection.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      In response to the emerging challenges of Imbalanced fertilization, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) initiated the\u00a0All India Coordinated Research Project on Long-Term Fertilizer Experiments (AICRP-LTFE). Implemented across a wide range of agro-ecological regions and cropping systems, the study was designed to evaluate the long-term effects of sustained fertilizer application on\u00a0soil health, crop productivity,\u00a0and\u00a0system sustainability.\u00a0The study has provided robust empirical evidence on nutrient mining, soil degradation, and the need for rational fertilizer management, thereby informing policy formulation and promoting rational nutrient management practices to sustain high-input agriculture while safeguarding environmental health. In this context,\u00a0the Government of India has been actively promoting balanced fertilization as a core strategy to restore and sustain soil health, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural productivity.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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      What are Fertilizers?<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Fertilizer is any material of natural or synthetic origin added to the soil to supply one or more plant nutrients.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Fertilizers are broadly classified into\u00a0inorganic and organic fertilizers:<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Inorganic fertilizers<\/u><\/em>\u00a0are manufactured chemical compounds that contain specific nutrients in concentrated forms, enabling precise and immediate nutrient supply to crops.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Organic fertilizers<\/u><\/em>\u00a0are derived from natural sources such as compost, animal manures, crop residues, seaweed, and bone meal. They supply nutrients gradually in a balanced form while improving soil structure, organic matter, and biological activity, and also include animal by-products like blood meal, feather meal, and horn or hoof meal.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

      \nBalanced Fertilization: A Key to Sustainable Agriculture<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Balanced nutrient management enhances fertilizer use efficiency by maximizing nutrient uptake and minimizing losses, while fostering synergistic interactions among nutrients that support improved plant growth, crop performance, and productivity. It sustains soil fertility over the long term, including soil organic matter and biological health, helps bridge the yield gap between potential and realized crop yields through adequate nutrition, and reduces environmental impacts such as nutrient runoff, leaching, and greenhouse gas emissions arising from imbalanced fertilizer use.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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      <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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      The scientific basis of balanced fertilization can be traced to\u00a0Justus von Liebig\u2019s Law of the Minimum, which states that crop growth is constrained by the nutrient that is most limiting, regardless of the abundance of other nutrients. This principle underscores the futility of excessive application of a single nutrient when other essential nutrients remain deficient.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Balanced fertilization, therefore, refers to the application of\u00a0all essential plant nutrients-macronutrients and micronutrients- in appropriate proportions, quantities, timing, and methods, based on crop requirements, soil fertility status, and prevailing climatic conditions. It goes beyond the conventional practice of applying only nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) and integrates a holistic nutrient management approach.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Benefits of Balanced Fertilization<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Balanced fertilization constitutes a fundamental pillar of sustainable agriculture, delivering wide-ranging agronomic, economic, and environmental advantages:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Higher Crop Productivity<\/u>: Balanced nutrient supply enables crops to reach their full potential, resulting in significantly higher yields.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Optimal Performance of High-Yielding Varieties<\/u>: Balanced nutrition is critical for maximising the productivity gains of improved crop varieties.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Improved Nutrient Use Efficiency:<\/u>\u00a0Adequate micronutrient availability enhances macronutrient use efficiency, reducing waste.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Better Crop Quality and Stress Resistance<\/u>: Well-nourished plants exhibit improved disease resistance and stress tolerance, resulting in higher-quality harvests for human consumption and animal feed.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Improved Soil Health and Sustainability<\/u>: Balanced fertilization enhances soil fertility, microbial activity, soil structure, and water retention capacity<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Reduced Environmental Risks<\/u>: Matching nutrient application with crop demand minimises runoff, leaching, and water pollution.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Cost-Effective Input Use<\/u>: Balanced nutrient management helps farmers use inputs most efficiently, reducing unnecessary fertilizer costs while improving returns through higher yields and better quality, making it a cost-effective approach in the long run.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      \"A<\/strong><\/span>
      \n\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Process of Balanced Fertilization: From Soil to Solution<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Achieving balanced fertilization requires a multi-pronged strategy that integrates\u00a0science, policy, technology,\u00a0and\u00a0farmer participation.\u00a0The following measures are crucial for ensuring sustainable nutrient management in Indian agriculture:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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      1. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)<\/u>\u00a0is a core strategy for achieving balanced fertilization and is grounded in the Smart Nutrient Use principle, a practical, science-based framework. It enables the efficient, economical, and sustainable application of nutrients by judiciously integrating organic inputs, mineral fertilizers, and biological sources.\u00a0INM recognises that neither chemical fertilizers nor organic inputs alone are sufficient to meet the complete nutritional requirements of crops. Accordingly, it promotes a holistic approach that combines:<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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        • Chemical fertilizers-\u00a0for providing essential macronutrients (NPK).<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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          • Organic Matter-Including compost, farmyard manure, cow dung, and green manures like\u00a0Dhaincha<\/em>, to enhance soil structure, water retention, and microbial activity.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
          • Crop Rotation & Residue Management-\u00a0Enhance system diversity, disrupt pest and disease cycles, and improve nutrient use efficiency.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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            1. Customised Fertilizers through Technology:<\/u>\u00a0Customised fertilizers are formulated to meet the nutrient needs of a specific crop and soil. These fertilizers contain both\u00a0macro and micronutrients\u00a0in scientifically determined proportions.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              For example, micronutrients like\u00a0zinc, boron,\u00a0and\u00a0sulphur\u00a0can be blended with urea or DAP based on local soil deficiencies. This targeted application helps\u00a0reduce nutrient losses, improve fertilizer efficiency,\u00a0and\u00a0lead to better crop response.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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              1. Soil Test-Based Fertilizer Recommendations:<\/u>\u00a0Soil testing is a fundamental and essential step in balanced fertilization. Based on test results, soils are classified as\u00a0low, medium, or high\u00a0in nutrient content. Fertilizer doses are increased for nutrient-deficient soils and reduced where nutrient levels are already sufficient. The\u00a0Soil Health Card Scheme\u00a0supports this approach by providing farmers with\u00a0field-specific soil data, enabling them to apply fertilizers more accurately and avoid excessive use.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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                  \n
                1. Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) Approach:<\/u>\u00a0The STCR approach links fertilizer application directly with crop yield targets. It takes into account soil nutrient status, crop type, and local climatic conditions to calculate the exact nutrient requirements to achieve a desired yield. This method prevents over- and under-application of fertilizers, improves nutrient-use efficiency, and supports sustainable crop production.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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                  1. Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS):\u00a0<\/u>This approach analyses plant tissue to evaluate nutrient ratios such as nitrogen to phosphorus (N\/P) or nitrogen to potassium (N\/K), rather than focusing solely on absolute nutrient values<\/strong><\/span>
                    \nWhen imbalances are detected, corrective measures-usually through top dressing-are recommended. This approach is beneficial for\u00a0long-duration crops\u00a0and has also shown positive results in wheat and soybeans.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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                    1. Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM):\u00a0<\/u>It focuses on applying fertilizers according to a crop\u2019s actual needs and soil variability within a field. Instead of using a uniform fertilizer dose, it ensures nutrients are applied only where and when they are required. It involves:<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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                      • Assessing field variability\u00a0to understand differences in soil fertility within the same field<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                      • Using existing nutrient sources\u00a0such as soil reserves, crop residues, and organic manure<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                      • Applying fertilizers only to fill nutrient gaps, avoiding excess use<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        The approach follows three steps:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • \n
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                          • Set a realistic yield target\u00a0based on local conditions<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Estimate the indigenous nutrient supply\u00a0from soil and organic sources<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Apply fertilizers to meet the remaining deficit.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            Regenerative Agriculture: A Complimentary Approach to Balanced Fertilization<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                            Regenerative agriculture\u00a0is a holistic farming approach centred on\u00a0restoring soil health and enhancing biodiversity. Its core practices include reducing soil disturbance, promoting crop rotation, cultivating cover crops, and integrating agroforestry systems. \u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                            By improving soil structure and increasing organic matter content, regenerative practices enhance the soil\u2019s capacity to retain nutrients and moisture, thereby improving nutrient uptake by crops. This leads to reduced nutrient losses, lower need for repeated fertilizer applications, and more efficient nutrient use, supporting balanced fertilization. In the Indian context, widely adopted regenerative practices include micro-irrigation, precision mechanization, natural farming, cover cropping, mulching, and a climate-resilient agricultural system.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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                            Government Initiatives Driving Balanced Fertilization<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                            Recognising the importance of balanced fertilization for improving soil health, sustaining crop productivity, and minimising environmental degradation,\u00a0the\u00a0Government of India has undertaken a\u00a0range of proactive initiatives\u00a0to promote its adoption across the agricultural sector.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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                            Soil Health Card<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                            Launched in 2015, the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme provides farmers with a scientifically generated, plot-wise diagnostic report for each landholding, based on scientific soil testing. The card assesses soil health across twelve key parameters, including\u00a0Macronutrients:\u00a0nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur;\u00a0Micronutrients:\u00a0zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese, and Boron; and\u00a0critical soil properties\u00a0such as soil reaction (pH), Electrical Conductivity (EC), and Organic Carbon. \u00a0(OC).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                            Issued every two years, the soil health card provides farmers with a comprehensive understanding of the nutrient status and physicochemical conditions of their soils. It also offers crop-specific recommendations on the appropriate use of chemical fertilizers, bio-fertilizers, organic inputs, and soil treatments to support informed decision-making and long-term soil health management. By July 2025, the scheme had provided more than\u00a093,000 farmer training programmes, approximately 6.8 lakh field demonstrations, and thousands of awareness campaigns. As of mid-November 2025, over\u00a025.55 crore\u00a0soil health cards have been distributed across the country, reflecting the scale and outreach of the scheme in promoting balanced nutrient management.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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                            Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                            The Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme\u00a0promotes balanced use of essential nutrients\u00a0such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur, helping farmers\u00a0avoid over-reliance\u00a0on a single fertilizer and maintain soil health while improving crop productivity. Under the scheme, the Government provides a fixed subsidy on phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers, including DAP, with subsidy rates linked to each fertilizer’s nutrient content and revised periodically. The approved \u00a0NBS rates for Rabi 2025-26 are effective from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Between 2022\u201323 and 2024-25, more\u00a0than \u20b92.04 lakh crore in subsidies\u00a0were allocated for both indigenous and imported phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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                            Neem Coated Urea<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                            The Government mandated\u00a0a 100 percent\u00a0neem coating on all domestically produced urea, permitting fertilizer manufacturers to levy a maximum retail price (MRP) up to 5 percent higher, to offset the associated costs. This requirement was implemented from September 2015 for indigenously manufactured urea and from December 2015 for imported urea, resulting in the complete transition of the national urea supply to neem-coated formulations.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                            Neem-coated urea is conventional urea treated with neem oil, which acts as a nitrification inhibitor and slows the release of nitrogen in the soil, thereby synchronizing nutrient availability with crop demand. This improves nitrogen use efficiency, reduces nutrient losses, and reduces fertilizer overuse. It enables farmers to reduce\u00a0urea consumption.\u00a0Consequently, the adoption of neem-coated urea contributes to improved soil health and greater efficiency in agricultural production systems.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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                            Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                            Launched in 2015, the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) promotes organic farming by providing financial assistance of\u00a0\u20b931,500 per hectare\u00a0over a three-year period. The scheme supports balanced nutrient management by integrating traditional agricultural practices with sustainable soil fertility approaches, including the use of compost, biofertilizers, and organic matter. As of 31st<\/sup>\u00a0October 2025, a\u00a0total area of 16.90 lakh ha\u00a0has been covered under\u00a0PKVY\u00a0since its inception.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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                            PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                            The PM-PRANAM Scheme (Prime Minister Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth) focuses on reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and\u00a0promoting balanced nutrient application. The scheme encourages the adoption of\u00a0eco-friendly alternatives\u00a0such as organic manure, bio-fertilizers, and compost. The scheme includes a provision to incentivise States and UTs to reduce chemical fertilizer (urea, DAP, NPK, and MOP) consumption during a given financial year compared to the average consumption of the preceding three years, with incentives equivalent to\u00a050 percent\u00a0of the fertilizer subsidy savings achieved. During FY 2023\u201324,\u00a014 States\u00a0recorded a reduction of\u00a015.14 lakh metric tonnes\u00a0in chemical fertilizer consumption relative to the average of the previous 3 financial years.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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                            Promotion of Nano Fertilizers<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                            Nano Fertilizers are plant nutrients packaged in tiny particles called nanomaterials, allowing nutrients to be released slowly and absorbed by crops more efficiently, with minimal waste.\u00a0To promote their adoption, the Department of Fertilizers has undertaken key initiatives:<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Awareness campaigns\u00a0through workshops, webinars, field demonstrations, street plays, and regional films<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                            • Availability of nano urea\u00a0and nano Diammonium Phosphate\u00a0(DAP) at Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs) nationwide<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                            • Integration of nano urea\u00a0into monthly fertilizer supply planning to ensure availability.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                            • Nationwide\u00a0promotion of balanced fertilizer use, including nano variants<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                            • Organization of a \u201cMaha Abhiyan\u201d\u00a0to promote the adoption of nano Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) across all 15 agro-climatic zones, supported by \u00a0field demonstrations and structured farmer interactions<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                            • Promotion of drone-based spraying and battery-operated sprayers\u00a0to enable efficient and cost-effective application, supported by trained village-level entrepreneurs<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                            • Encouragement to fertilizer companies\u00a0to expand and scale up the production of nano-fertilizer<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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                              Development of Customised and Fortified Fertilizers<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                              The government has been promoting the adoption of\u00a0fortified, soil-,\u00a0crop-,\u00a0and\u00a0area-specific fertilizers\u00a0tailored to nutrient needs. Under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) policy, subsidised phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizer variants fortified or coated with micronutrients such as boron and zinc are eligible for subsidy support. In addition, these fortified or coated fertilizers receive an additional subsidy per metric tonne (MT) to incentivise their use alongside primary nutrients and encourage balanced nutrient application.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                              \n

                              Enforcement Initiatives to Safeguard Fertilizer Supply and Farmer Interests<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                              The Department of Fertilizers (DoF), in close coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers\u2019 Welfare (DA&FW), Government of India, undertook a comprehensive enforcement drive during the Kharif and the ongoing Rabi season 2025\u201326 (April\u2013Mid Jan,26) to\u00a0safeguard farmer interests\u00a0and ensure the integrity of the national fertilizer supply chain.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                              In collaboration with State Governments and district-level authorities, extensive enforcement actions, including inspections, raids, and legal proceedings, were carried out to curb the diversion and misuse of fertilizers. As part of the drive,\u00a014,692 show-cause notices\u00a0were issued,\u00a06,373 licenses were suspended or cancelled, and\u00a0766\u00a0first information reports (FIRs) were registered. These proactive and stringent measures ensure the\u00a0timely availability of fertilizers, strengthen market discipline, and preserve the integrity of fertilizer distribution systems nationwide.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                              Balanced fertilization has become central to India\u2019s strategy for\u00a0sustaining agricultural productivity\u00a0while addressing emerging challenges of soil degradation, nutrient imbalance, and environmental stress. Recognising the risks arising from skewed fertilizer use, the Government has undertaken proactive, coordinated measures to correct nutrient imbalances and improve fertilizer-use efficiency through science-based, farmer-centric interventions.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                              Initiatives such as\u00a0soil test\u2013based recommendations\u00a0under the Soil Health Card Scheme, the Nutrient-Based Subsidy, promotion of Integrated Nutrient Management, encouragement of customised and fortified fertilizers, and the adoption of innovative inputs such as nano fertilizers reflect an intensive policy effort to address nutrient imbalances and improve fertilizer-use efficiency. Collectively, these interventions underscore the Government\u2019s commitment to\u00a0restoring soil health, optimising input use,\u00a0and\u00a0strengthening the long-term resilience\u00a0and productivity of the agricultural sector.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                              Balanced Use of Fertilizers: A Key Enabler of Sustainable Farming Aligning Productivity, Soil Health, and Environmental Responsibility Posted On: 31 JAN 2026 10:15AM by PIB Delhi \u00a0Key Takeaways Balanced fertilization entails applying\u00a0all essential macronutrients and micronutrients in appropriate proportions, quantities, timing, and methods, based on crop requirements, soil fertility status, and prevailing climatic conditions. The\u00a0Government …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":18527,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18526","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18526","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18526"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18526\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18528,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18526\/revisions\/18528"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/18527"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18526"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18526"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18526"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}