Himachal’s soil rich in phosphorus, new guidelines issued for fertiliser use

Farmers in Himachal Pradesh have been advised to use phosphorus fertilisers every alternate year due to the high levels of phosphorus already present in the soil. Excessive use of phosphorus can lead to its buildup in pockets, causing inefficient utilisation, environmental pollution and increased costs for farmers.

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Scientists from Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, have issued these recommendations based on comprehensive soil analyses conducted across the state. The university’s NABL-accredited Advanced Soil and Leaf Analysis Laboratory and the Soil Testing Laboratory at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Shimla, Rohru, analysed 3,698 soil samples, focusing on both conventionally fertilised soils and natural farming systems. The results confirmed high phosphorus content in the soil, prompting the advice for farmers to apply the recommended dose of phosphorus every alternate year.

The analysis led to the development of a series of fertiliser application guidelines for both conventional and natural farming systems. Farmers practicing conventional chemical farming are encouraged to use straight phosphatic fertilisers, such as Single Super Phosphate (SSP), in alternate years instead of complex phosphatic fertilisers like 12:32:16. SSP, which is subsidised by the government, contains multiple nutrients, including phosphorus, making it a cost-effective alternative.

For natural farming systems, where soil analysis revealed high levels of available phosphorus and no deficiencies in micronutrients, the use of chemical fertilisers is being discouraged. Instead, natural farming inputs or decoctions are recommended to replace conventional fertilisers.

Additionally, the farmers have been advised to apply the recommended doses of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilisers, ensuring balanced nutrient application.

Dr Sanjeev Chauhan, Director of Research at the university, emphasised that the new recommendations aim to optimise the use of phosphorus fertilisers, potentially reducing costs without compromising crop productivity. He further pointed out that excessive phosphorus can hinder the plant’s ability to absorb essential micronutrients like iron and zinc, even when these micronutrients are present in adequate amounts in the soil.

Government data shows that the state’s total fertiliser consumption was 55.98 thousand metric tonnes in 2021-22, 57.85 thousand metric tonnes in 2022-23 and 52.38 thousand metric tonnes in 2023-24. Phosphorus-based fertilisers accounted for a significant portion of this consumption, at 9.17 thousand metric tonnes in 2021-22, 10.89 thousand metric tonnes in 2022-23 and 10.00 thousand metric tonnes in 2023-24.

The state’s new fertiliser usage guidelines are expected to help farmers manage their resources more effectively while protecting the environment.