Integrated soil fertility strategies for improved yield: A comprehensive review

Sustainable intensification of agriculture demands a balanced and holistic approach to soil fertility management. Traditional reliance on single methods has given way to integrated systems that combine multiple strategies organic amendments, mineral fertilizers, biological inputs and improved agronomic practices to enhance crop yields while preserving or improving soil health. This review examines a broad spectrum of soil fertility strategies, including organic amendments (manures, composts, crop residues), synthetic fertilizers, legume-based green manures and cover crops, agroforestry systems, conservation tillage, crop rotation, biofertilizers and microbial inoculants, on-farm composting and other integrated nutrient management practices. Both Indian and global perspectives are considered, highlighting how these practices are applied in diverse farming systems and climates. We discuss the benefits (higher yields, better nutrient use efficiency, increased soil organic matter) and challenges (input availability, labour demands, knowledge gaps) associated with each approach. Four summary tables present key data on nutrient content of amendments, typical crop yield responses, comparative effects of different strategies and regional adoption trends. The review concludes that combining complementary fertility strategies in a site-specific manner generally produces the best outcomes: yield increases of 10-50% are commonly reported in integrated systems versus sole reliance on chemical inputs, along with long-term improvements in soil carbon and resilience. Wider adoption of integrated soil fertility management supported by extension, policy incentives and continued research will be essential for meeting rising food demands while sustaining environmental quality.