Soil fertility management in semi-arid India: Its role in agricultural systems and the livelihoods of poor people. A review of field experiences, literature and policies.
Abstract
This document synthesises the findings of several sub-components of NRSP project R7974, 'Human and social capital aspects of soil nutrient management, semi-arid India'. The document aims to span issues relating to the role of soil fertility management in agricultural production (part 1) with an emphasis on rainfed cropping, and in the livelihoods of rural families (part 2) who may not have access to land, but are nevertheless involved in aspects of soil fertility management as producers, processors or traders of inputs. Although part 1 is focused on rainfed agriculture, it is recognised that in many areas there is a complex mosaic of irrigated and dryland land which are part of the same system and with important impacts on flows of nutrients. The second part of the review focuses on organic inputs, the use of which is less well understood and documented than inorganic fertilisers.
The review concentrates on Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, two states with large semi-arid areas but both located in southern India, and which form the study areas for the project. However, information from other semi-arid areas in India is also utilised.
Citation
Adolph, B. and Butterworth, J.A (2001) Soil fertility management in semi-arid India: Its role in agricultural systems and the livelihoods of poor people. A review of field experiences, literature and policies. Chatham: NRI, UK, 67 pp.
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