World Soil Day

 Soil nutrients are essential for high agricultural productivity, which can only be obtained when all nutrients are in the optimal supply range. Plant available phosphorus can be used as an indicator of chemical soil nutrients as it is a stable element, and its mobility in the soil is limited. When measuring soil nutrients , laboratories may provide a complete analysis containing values for nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). Plant available phosphorus was chosen given the nature of its mobility, but N and K can also be consid

  The concepts of sufficiency and utilization efficiency apply especially to nutrient dynamics in the soil- water-nutrients-plant root continuum . Plant nutrition should be based on crop needs, local soil characteristics and conditions, and weather patterns. Plant nutrition can be enhanced through nutrient recycling or additions including mineral (chemical) fertilizers, organic fertilizers and other soil amendments including primary sources (e.g. rock phosphate) and secondary sources (e.g. phosphorus from sewage sludge). It is crucial to select an appropriate plant nutrient management system and approach alongside assessing the suitability of the land for a given land use. The benefits of sufficient and balanced nutrient supply for plant needs are well-established and include: production of food, feed, fibre, timber, and fuel at levels at, or close to, the optimum potential in the specific geographical context; reduced need for pest control measures, external application of organ...