Sunday, October 12, 2025

October 12, 2025

Soil Health Management in India: Complete Guide for Farmers | SHC, PKVY & Organic Farming

🌱 Soil Health Management in India 2025 — Importance, Testing & Government Schemes

(Educational Guide • English | हिन्दी | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ) — Practical steps for farmers, students & agri-enthusiasts.

🌱 Introduction — Why Soil Health Matters 

Soil is the living foundation of every farm. A healthy soil doesn’t just hold the crop — it breathes, absorbs, and feeds millions of tiny organisms that support plant growth. Soil Health Management simply means taking care of that life by keeping the right balance between its physical, chemical, and biological properties.

In India, soil fertility is slowly declining because of overuse of chemical fertilizers, erosion, and lack of organic matter. Many farmers unknowingly apply the same dose of NPK every season, even when their fields don’t need it. This not only increases input costs but also reduces soil strength over time. The simple truth is — when the soil is weak, the crop can never reach its full potential.

That’s why regular soil testing and balanced nutrient management are essential for sustainable farming. A basic test under the Soil Health Card Scheme helps farmers know the exact nutrient status of their soil, so they can plan fertilizers more wisely. Adding compost, green manure, and practicing crop rotation further improves soil structure and microbial activity.

Healthy soil means better yield, lower costs, and long-term sustainability. For those who want to go deeper into natural farming, reading about Organic Farming in India can help understand how traditional methods and modern science can work together to rebuild soil fertility. 


Soil Health Management in India Complete Guide for Farmers SHC, PKVY & Organic Farming

🌾 What is Soil Health Management (SHM)? 

Soil Health Management (SHM) is all about helping farmers understand their soil like a living system — not just a layer of dirt. It focuses on maintaining the balance of nutrients, improving structure, and keeping soil organisms active so that crops grow stronger and more naturally productive.

At its core, SHM includes simple yet powerful steps: regular soil testing, applying balanced fertilizers, using organic manure and compost, crop rotation, and promoting bio-fertilizers instead of heavy chemicals. These practices don’t just improve soil fertility — they also reduce dependence on costly inputs and make farming more climate-resilient.

In India, the government promotes SHM through various initiatives under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and the Soil Health Card Scheme, helping farmers test their soil and receive fertilizer recommendations. By following these methods, farmers can save money, improve yield quality, and protect the environment at the same time.

For farmers who want to explore eco-friendly techniques, learning about Organic Farming in India and the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) can be a great next step toward restoring long-term soil health and profitability.

🌱 Benefits of Healthy Soil

Healthy soil is the real secret behind successful farming. When the soil is alive and balanced, it gives crops everything they need — naturally. The most visible benefit of good soil health is higher crop yield and better-quality produce. Plants growing in nutrient-rich, biologically active soil develop stronger roots and resist diseases better.

Another major benefit is cost saving. Farmers with healthy soils spend less on chemical fertilizers and irrigation, because fertile soil holds nutrients and moisture for longer. Over time, this reduces input costs and dependency on external inputs, helping farmers earn more from the same land.

Good soil also supports the environment. It prevents soil erosion, improves moisture retention, and captures more carbon from the atmosphere — all of which make farming more sustainable. Healthy soils are also home to millions of beneficial microorganisms that improve fertility and keep harmful pests under control naturally.

In the long run, maintaining soil health builds climate resilience and supports the next generation of farming. Whether through composting, green manuring, or organic farming, every small step taken today leads to a stronger, more productive soil tomorrow.

🧪 Step-by-Step: How to Get Soil Tested (Practical Guide)

Soil testing is the first and most important step in Soil Health Management. It helps farmers understand what their soil really needs — and what it already has in abundance. A simple soil test can prevent overuse of fertilizers, save money, and improve yield quality.

1️⃣ Collect the sample properly:
From each field block, take 8–10 subsamples at a depth of 0–15 cm (topsoil). If you’re growing deep-rooted crops like sugarcane or cotton, also take samples from 15–30 cm depth. Mix these subsamples together in a clean bucket to make one composite sample.

2️⃣ Prepare and label your sample:
Air-dry the soil, remove stones and roots, and pack about half a kilogram of soil in a clean polythene or paper bag. Label it with your name, village, survey number, and GPS location if possible.

3️⃣ Submit your sample:
Take the soil sample to your nearest Soil Testing Laboratory, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), or State Agriculture Department Lab. Many states also allow online or courier-based submission through official portals.

4️⃣ Get your Soil Health Card:
Within a few weeks, you’ll receive a report showing Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), pH, Organic Carbon, and Micronutrients. Use these values to plan your fertilizer doses wisely.

To know the nearest testing center or to apply online, visit the official Soil Health Card Portal (soilhealth.dac.gov.in).

🏛️ Key Government Schemes for Soil Health Management 

The Indian government has introduced several initiatives to help farmers maintain healthy and productive soil. These schemes not only provide technical support but also offer guidance and financial incentives for adopting sustainable farming practices.

1️⃣ Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme
The Soil Health Card Scheme provides farmers with a detailed report on the nutrient status of their soil. It includes information about Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, pH, organic carbon, and other micronutrients. Using this card, farmers can adopt balanced fertilization, reduce unnecessary chemical use, and save costs. For more details or to apply online, visit the official portal: soilhealth.dac.gov.in.

2️⃣ Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
The PKVY scheme promotes organic farming by encouraging the use of natural fertilizers and organic inputs. It helps restore soil organic carbon, improve biodiversity, and create long-term sustainability. Farmers participating in PKVY receive training, certification, and financial support to switch to eco-friendly practices.

3️⃣ National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
The NMSA supports components of Soil Health Management such as micronutrient promotion, composting, integrated nutrient management, and soil testing infrastructure. This mission aims to make Indian agriculture more resilient to climate change while improving productivity and soil fertility.

These schemes, when combined with organic farming practices, not only enhance soil health but also ensure higher crop yield, cost savings, and environmental protection. Farmers are encouraged to check with their local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or state agriculture department to take full advantage of these programs.

🌾 Recommended On-Farm Practices for Healthy Soil 

Maintaining soil health doesn’t happen overnight — it requires consistent, practical actions on the farm. Following simple, science-backed practices can dramatically improve soil fertility, crop yield, and farm sustainability.

1️⃣ Apply fertilizers wisely:
Use fertilizers according to your Soil Health Card (SHC) recommendations. Avoid blanket NPK doses, as over-fertilization can harm soil microbes, reduce organic matter, and increase input costs. Balanced fertilization ensures crops get exactly what they need without damaging long-term soil productivity.

2️⃣ Incorporate organic matter:
Adding farmyard manure (FYM), compost, and green manure enriches the soil with essential nutrients and improves its water-holding capacity. Organic matter supports beneficial microorganisms that help plants absorb nutrients naturally.

3️⃣ Crop rotation, intercropping, and cover crops:
Rotating crops and intercropping not only prevents pest buildup but also maintains soil structure and fertility. Cover crops protect soil from erosion, retain moisture, and increase organic carbon content.

4️⃣ Micronutrient supplementation:
Follow SHC guidelines for micronutrients like Zinc (Zn), Sulfur (S), and Boron (B). Micronutrients are crucial for plant growth, and deficiencies can reduce yield and crop quality.

5️⃣ Minimum tillage and residue retention:
Avoid excessive plowing. Minimum tillage helps preserve soil structure, and leaving crop residues in the field adds organic carbon and feeds soil microbes.

By combining these on-farm practices, farmers can make their soil more resilient, productive, and sustainable. These steps, along with government support schemes like PKVY and NMSA, create a strong foundation for long-term soil health management.

👩‍🌾 Practical Tips for Farmers & Students 

Maintaining soil health is not just a task — it’s a continuous learning process. Both farmers and students can benefit from practical use of Soil Health Cards (SHC) and on-field observations.

For Farmers:

  • Keep a record of SHC results for each field every 2–3 years. Use these results to plan fertilizer applications and crop rotations effectively.

  • Monitor soil moisture, organic matter levels, and micronutrients to adjust farm practices as needed. Farmers interested in organic practices can refer to our Organic Farming Guide in India to learn how composting, green manuring, and natural inputs restore soil fertility.

  • Farmer groups can also explore benefits of FPO registration to access government support, bulk inputs, and technical guidance (FPO Registration & Benefits).

For Students & Extension Workers:

  • SHC data can be used for field projects, such as nutrient mapping, soil health interventions, and demonstration plots.

  • Participating in local projects helps in understanding practical challenges and creates high-impact community learning opportunities.

  • For soil testing support, students and researchers can use official government resources like the Soil Health Card portal or check the nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) / ICAR lab for technical guidance (ICAR).

By integrating these resources naturally into your workflow, both farmers and students can make informed decisions, improve soil fertility, and promote sustainable agriculture practices.

FAQs (English)❓ FAQs: Soil Health, SHC & Sustainable Farming (60 Q&A)

Category 1: Soil Testing & SHC (10 Q&A)

  1. How often should I test soil?

    • Test every 2–3 years for stable crops, or before major crop changes.

  2. What is a Soil Health Card (SHC)?

    • A detailed report showing soil nutrient levels (N, P, K, pH, micronutrients) for better farm management.

  3. Can SHC recommendations reduce fertilizer costs?

    • Yes, they guide balanced nutrient use, prevent wastage, and save money.

  4. How to collect soil samples properly?

    • Take 8–10 subsamples per field block at 0–15 cm (topsoil), mix, and label. For deep-rooted crops, collect 15–30 cm samples.

  5. Can I submit soil samples online?

  6. What nutrients are tested in SHC?

    • Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), pH, organic carbon, and micronutrients like Zinc, Sulfur, Boron.

  7. Can SHC help with organic farming decisions?

    • Yes, it guides the use of compost, FYM, and bio-fertilizers alongside balanced mineral fertilizers.

  8. Are SHC reports valid for multiple years?

    • Usually valid for 2–3 years depending on cropping system and soil changes.

  9. Can SHC data be used for research projects?

    • Yes, students and extension workers can use it for nutrient mapping and field interventions.

  10. Where can I get my soil tested?

    • Nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), State Lab, or via official SHC portal.

Category 2: Fertilizer & Nutrient Management (10 Q&A)
11. Can I rely only on chemical fertilizers?
- Continuous use can harm soil microbes; balanced use with organic inputs is better.

  1. Is combining organic and mineral fertilizers better?

    • Yes, it improves soil fertility and ensures higher yield sustainably.

  2. What is balanced fertilization?

    • Applying nutrients according to crop requirement and SHC recommendations.

  3. How to know NPK requirements for my crop?

    • Check SHC report or consult local KVK experts.

  4. How to correct micronutrient deficiencies?

    • Apply specific nutrients like Zn, S, or B as per SHC guidance.

  5. Can over-fertilization harm soil?

    • Yes, it reduces soil fertility, affects microbes, and increases cost.

  6. How much compost should I add per acre?

    • Around 5–10 tons per acre yearly, depending on soil type and crop.

  7. Which crops need more potassium?

    • Potatoes, sugarcane, and cotton have higher potassium requirements.

  8. Should I test soil before using fertilizers?

    • Always — it ensures precise nutrient application and cost savings.

  9. Can foliar sprays replace soil application of nutrients?

    • Only partially; main nutrients should come from soil applications.

Category 3: Organic Farming & PKVY (10 Q&A)
21. What is organic farming?
- Farming using natural inputs like compost, manure, bio-fertilizers, without synthetic chemicals.

  1. How does PKVY help farmers?

    • It promotes organic practices, restores soil carbon, and improves biodiversity.

  2. Can I get certified under PKVY?

    • Yes, after training and following organic practices, certification is provided.

  3. Are organic inputs cheaper than chemical fertilizers?

    • Often yes, but they take time to show effect; combining with SHC-based fertilizers is optimal.

  4. How to make farmyard manure?

    • Decompose cattle dung, crop residues, and green waste for 2–3 months.

  5. What is green manuring?

    • Growing crops like dhaincha, sunhemp, and plowing them back to enrich soil organic matter.

  6. Can organic farming improve soil biodiversity?

    • Yes, it increases microbial activity and supports beneficial organisms.

  7. How long does it take to restore soil organically?

    • Typically 2–3 years for measurable improvements, depending on practices.

  8. Can I mix organic with chemical fertilizers safely?

    • Yes, when following SHC recommendations, it enhances productivity.

  9. Are there financial incentives for organic farming?

    • Yes, through PKVY and state-level schemes.

Category 4: Sustainable Practices & Crop Management (10 Q&A)
31. What is crop rotation?
- Growing different crops in sequence to improve soil nutrients and prevent pests.

  1. How does intercropping help soil health?

    • Different plants enrich soil differently, reduce erosion, and suppress pests.

  2. What are cover crops?

    • Plants grown to cover soil, prevent erosion, and add organic matter.

  3. Should I retain crop residues in field?

    • Yes, it increases organic carbon and improves soil microbes.

  4. What is minimum tillage?

    • Reducing plowing to maintain soil structure and moisture.

  5. How does mulching improve soil?

    • Conserves moisture, regulates temperature, and adds organic matter as it decomposes.

  6. How to increase organic carbon in soil?

    • Use compost, green manure, crop residues, and reduced tillage practices.

  7. Does irrigation affect soil health?

    • Yes, overwatering can leach nutrients; proper irrigation maintains structure and microbes.

  8. How to reduce soil erosion naturally?

    • Plant cover crops, retain residues, and use contour farming.

  9. Can crop rotation reduce pests and diseases?

    • Yes, alternating crops breaks pest cycles and improves soil balance.

Category 5: Government Schemes & Resources (10 Q&A)
41. What is NMSA?
- National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture supports soil testing, micronutrients, and sustainable practices.

  1. How does NMSA support farmers?

    • Provides financial aid for SHM components like composting, bio-fertilizers, and lab infrastructure.

  2. Can I get financial help for composting?

    • Yes, under NMSA or state schemes supporting organic amendments.

  3. How to join SHC scheme?

  4. What is FPO and its benefit?

    • Farmer Producer Organization helps with input supply, marketing, and technical guidance.

  5. How to find nearest KVK?

  6. Can ICAR help with soil testing?

    • Yes, through research centers and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

  7. Are there state-level soil health programs?

    • Many states run soil testing and SHC-related initiatives alongside national schemes.

  8. How to apply for PKVY benefits?

    • Contact local agriculture office or visit state PKVY portal for registration.

  9. Is SHC mandatory for all farmers?

    • Not mandatory, but highly recommended for informed fertilization.

Category 6: Miscellaneous / Advanced Tips (10 Q&A)
51. Can I test soil at home?
- Simple pH kits are available, but lab testing is more accurate.

  1. How does climate affect soil health?

    • Rainfall, temperature, and drought can change nutrient availability and microbial activity.

  2. Which crops improve soil nitrogen naturally?

    • Legumes like beans, peas, and lentils fix nitrogen.

  3. Can bio-fertilizers replace chemical fertilizers completely?

    • Not entirely; best used in combination with SHC-based fertilization.

  4. How often should organic matter be added?

    • Annually or per crop season to maintain fertility.

  5. Are micronutrients really important?

    • Yes, deficiencies reduce crop growth and yield quality.

  6. Can we monitor soil microbes?

    • Advanced labs can analyze microbial populations; healthy soils have higher diversity.

  7. How to know soil pH of field?

    • Through SHC testing or portable pH meters.

  8. Can cover crops help in drought conditions?

    • Yes, they conserve soil moisture and protect topsoil.

  9. Should I adjust fertilizers every season?

    • Yes, based on SHC results, crop type, and soil condition.

Note: This article is for educational purposes. Always verify latest scheme details on official portals before applying.

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By - October 12, 2025
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