Rice-wheat monoculture impacting Punjab’s soil health, says study
A Punjab Agricultural University study found continuous rice–wheat monoculture contributes to soil degradation through repeated puddling, intensive tillage and mono-cropping. The Centre said the damage can be reversed with crop rotation, legumes, balanced fertilisation, organic manure and residue incorporation.
A study conducted by Punjab Agricultural University has revealed that continuous rice-wheat monoculture has often been associated with concerns regarding soil degradation in Punjab.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, attributed soil degradation to repeated puddling, intensive tillage, the lack of legumes or green manuring, and mono-cropping.
Puddling during rice transplanting disrupt soil aggregation, reduce porosity, and increase sub-surface compaction, which adversely affect soil physical health without appropriate management practices. However, these effects are largely reversible through scientifically recommended package of practices such as inclusion of legumes, crop rotation, balanced fertilizer application, integrated nutrient management, addition of organic manure and residue incorporation, he said.
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Source : The Hindu Businessline
