Assessment of Probable Impacts of Synthetic Fertiliser Use on Soil Health in Ardhapur Taluka, Nanded District, Maharashtra

Abstract

The issue of synthetic fertiliser overuse in agriculture is not only extensive but also urgent, particularly in regions like Ardhapur Taluka, Nanded District, Maharashtra. The dominance of cash crops, such as cotton, pulses, bananas, and sericulture, in these areas has led to a significant increase in the use of fertilisers like urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and muriate of potash (MOP). While these fertilisers are essential for crop productivity, their overuse has been linked to soil degradation, nutrient imbalances, changes in soil pH, and reduced microbial activity, posing long-term risks to agricultural sustainability. This study, which aims to synthesise existing secondary data to assess the probable impacts of synthetic fertiliser overuse on soil health and agricultural productivity in Ardhapur Taluka, is of significant importance. The ultimate goal is to provide insights that can guide the development and implementation of sustainable nutrient management strategies. These strategies are vital for the long-term health and productivity of the region\'s soil, and the findings of this study will play a crucial role in shaping them, underscoring the significance of our research.

Introduction

Fertilisers are essential for modern agriculture and have significantly contributed to rising crop yields in India, where consumption reached 601 lakh metric tonnes in 2023–24. This growth has supported steady agricultural expansion. However, excessive and imbalanced use of synthetic fertilisers has led to soil degradation—characterised by declining Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), nutrient imbalances, and environmental impacts such as water contamination and greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable practices like balanced fertilisation and organic amendments are increasingly important for protecting long-term soil health.

Ardhapur Taluka in Nanded District, Maharashtra, is an agriculturally intensive region dominated by cotton, pulses, banana cultivation, and sericulture. The mixed irrigated–rainfed farming systems rely heavily on fertiliser inputs. Studies show declining SOC, excessive nitrogen application, and insufficient phosphorus and potassium—factors that negatively impact crop yield and soil fertility. These issues reflect broader soil health challenges across Maharashtra’s cash-crop regions.

The study aims to assess the effects of synthetic fertiliser overuse on soil health in Ardhapur by analysing secondary data on soil nutrients (SOC, N, P, K), irrigation patterns, crop productivity, and fertiliser practices. It also proposes sustainable nutrient management strategies suited to local conditions.

Materials and Methods

The study uses secondary data (2000–2023) from government reports, research publications, and irrigation plans. Analysis includes soil characteristics (SOC, N, P, K, micronutrients, pH, EC), crop productivity data, and fertiliser usage trends. Major crops reviewed include cotton, pulses, banana, and sericulture. Fertiliser data covers urea, DAP, and MOP application.

Results and Discussion

• Crop Patterns: Cotton dominates Kharif cultivation; pulses, wheat, and banana are significant contributors. Sericulture is emerging as an important income source.

• Irrigation: Around 60% of banana farmers use drip irrigation, improving water efficiency. Irrigation depends on canal systems and groundwater, which remains suitable but requires monitoring.

• Soil Fertility:

  • SOC is low (0.28–0.55%), below the optimal 0.75%.

  • Nitrogen levels are low to medium (88–154 kg/ha).

  • Phosphorus is severely deficient (5–6 kg/ha).

  • Potassium is medium to high (328–748 kg/ha), sometimes causing imbalance.

  • Micronutrient deficiencies are common; soils are neutral to slightly alkaline.

• Impact of Fertiliser Use: Overuse of synthetic fertilisers has depleted SOC, caused nutrient imbalance, increased soil alkalinity, and led to potential groundwater contamination. These trends threaten long-term productivity.

Conclusion

1) Soil Fertility Decline: The soils in Ardhapur Taluka show low levels of soil organic carbon (SOC 0.28–0.55%), nitrogen (88.4–154.4 kg/ha), and phosphorus (5.39–6.33 kg/ha), while potassium levels are medium to high (328–748 kg/ha). This indicates nutrient imbalances due to over-reliance on synthetic fertilisers, such as urea, DAP, and MOP. 2) Crop Productivity and Irrigation: Cotton, pulses, bananas, and sericulture are major crops in the region. Productivity is influenced by rainfall variability and irrigation practices. The adoption of drip irrigation in banana cultivation (60% of farmers) demonstrates improved water-use efficiency and yield potential. 3) Environmental Implications: Excessive fertiliser use can lead to changes in soil acidification or alkalinity, groundwater contamination, and depletion of microbial biomass, resulting in nutrient inefficiency, especially of nitrogen, which can cause wastage and environmental risks. 4) Comparison with Regional Trends: The trends in Ardhapur reflect broader patterns observed in Maharashtra\'s cash crop zones, where soils frequently suffer from nutrient deficiencies and organic matter depletion. Integrated approaches to nutrient and water management are crucial for maintaining soil health and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.

References

Fertilisers play a crucial role in modern agriculture by enhancing crop yields, and their use in India has steadily increased, reaching about 601 lakh metric tonnes in 2023–24. This rise has supported agricultural growth, with the sector expanding at an average of 4.18% annually over the past five years. However, excessive and imbalanced use of synthetic fertilisers has led to soil degradation, including nutrient imbalances, reduced organic matter, and weakened microbial activity. Sustainable practices, such as balanced nutrient application and organic amendments, are essential to preserve soil fertility and long-term food security. Ardhapur Taluka in Nanded District, Maharashtra, is an agriculturally important region dominated by cash crops such as cotton, pulses, banana, and sericulture. Despite its agricultural significance, the area faces soil health challenges. Declining Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), excessive nitrogen use, and insufficient phosphorus and potassium have created nutrient imbalances that affect crop productivity and environmental health. Overuse of synthetic fertilisers has also contributed to water contamination and greenhouse gas emissions, raising concerns about long-term sustainability. This study aims to assess the effects of fertiliser overuse on soil health in Ardhapur Taluka. The objectives include analysing soil nutrient status (SOC, N, P, K), evaluating irrigation and fertiliser practices, examining crop productivity impacts, and proposing sustainable nutrient management strategies. Materials and Methods Study Area: Ardhapur Taluka, part of Nanded District (10,528 km²), features both irrigated and rainfed farming. Cotton dominates the Kharif season, while wheat and pulses are grown during Rabi. Banana cultivation is notable, with yields reaching 60 tons/ha. Data Collection: The study relies entirely on secondary data from published research, government reports, district irrigation plans, and agricultural databases covering soil nutrients, fertiliser consumption, irrigation, and crop productivity from 1984–2023. Soil and Fertiliser Analysis: Secondary soil data include SOC, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, micronutrients, pH, and EC. These indicators were used to assess fertility status and detect nutrient imbalances caused by excessive fertiliser application. Crop and Fertiliser Data: Major crops studied were cotton, pulses, banana, and sericulture. Fertiliser inputs examined included urea, DAP, and MOP. Trends in application rates, crop yields, and irrigation were analysed to understand nutrient-crop relationships. Data Analysis: Trends in soil health, fertiliser use, nutrient deficiencies, and irrigation efficiency were evaluated using tables, graphs, and statistical summaries. The analysis helped identify sustainable nutrient management strategies suited to the region.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Pawale R. G., Nandkumar Gachche. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.