How does climate change and unbalanced fertiliser use together affect the long-term sustainability of Indian agriculture?

Climate change and unbalanced fertiliser use are two major challenges facing Indian agriculture today. Both factors not only independently harm the soil and crop productivity but also interact in ways that worsen the long-term sustainability of farming. Recent ICAR studies highlight how these issues accelerate soil organic carbon loss, which is crucial for soil health and agricultural resilience.

• Soil Organic Carbon Loss:
  • Climate change leads to higher temperatures and erratic rainfall, increasing the rate at which soil organic matter decomposes and is lost as carbon dioxide.
  • Unbalanced fertiliser use—especially excessive nitrogen without adequate organic or balanced nutrient inputs—reduces the build-up of organic carbon in soils.
  • This loss of soil organic carbon weakens soil structure, reduces fertility, and makes soils more prone to erosion and degradation.
• Reduced Soil Fertility and Productivity:
  • Continuous use of chemical fertilisers without replenishing organic matter depletes essential micronutrients and disturbs soil microbial balance.
  • Climate change-induced stresses (like heatwaves and droughts) further reduce crop yields, making farmers more dependent on fertilisers, creating a vicious cycle.
• Lower Water Retention and Increased Vulnerability:
  • Loss of organic carbon reduces the soil’s ability to retain moisture, making crops more vulnerable to droughts and irregular rainfall—both of which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
  • Poor water retention also means higher irrigation needs, increasing costs and pressure on water resources.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
  • Excessive use of nitrogen fertilisers releases nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, contributing further to climate change.
  • Soil carbon loss also releases carbon dioxide, amplifying the greenhouse effect.
• Threat to Long-term Sustainability:
  • The combined effect of degraded soils, lower productivity, higher input costs, and increased climate risks threatens the viability of Indian agriculture in the long run.
  • It also undermines food security and rural livelihoods, making adaptation and sustainable practices urgent priorities.