Akole and Nandurbar are two agricultural areas in Maharashtra, India. They are situated in the Sahyadri mountain range and have significant agricultural potential yet are ecologically vulnerable.
Their varied landscape with steep highlands and fertile lowlands presents a patchwork of soil types and challenges that come with it.
For instance, the land in Akole is dominated by loamy and clay soils that are prone to waterlogging. On the other hand, Nandurbar’s sandy loam soils are more susceptible to erosion.
To better understand the soil in these regions, a study was conducted by scientist from the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).
Soil results
The research covered over 40,000 hectares across both sites.
Soil samples were tested for physical and chemical properties, including pH, salinity (EC), organic carbon, and nutrients.
Soil pH and salinity levels across the two regions revealed more difference between the regions.
Akole soils were found to be moderately acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 5.5–7.7), offering relatively stable conditions for crop cultivation.
On the other hand, Nandurbar had greater variability in pH (5.0–7.4) because of its more diverse terrain and fluctuating rainfall patterns.
Encouragingly, salinity levels were generally low across both regions, indicating favourable conditions for most crops.
While organic carbon levels were moderate in Akole at 0.16% to 0.84%, levels were more varied in Nandurbar at 0.12% to 1.44%.
Degraded fields had “worrying lows” of carbon, signalling an urgent need for organic matter enrichment.
An analysis of macro and micronutrients revealed a mixed picture across both regions.
While nitrogen levels were adequate in Akole, the levels were inconsistent in Nandurbar, highlighting the need for careful fertiliser management.
Both regions had showed low levels of phosphorus due to nutrient fixation.
While potassium levels range from moderate to high, researchers highlighted a risk of nutrient imbalance if not properly managed.
Additionally, sulfur, zinc, and iron deficiencies were found to be common, particularly in soils with low organic matter or in heavy rainfall areas.
Key recommendations
Tackling these key vulnerabilities is crucial l to protect long-term soil productivity and support the transition to resilient, sustainable farming systems.
Tailored fertilisation strategies will be essential, to overcome phosphorus fixation and the widespread micronutrient deficiencies.
The researchers also suggested a focus on building soil organic matter using compost, green manures, and cover crops. These will be able to boost fertility and carbon content.
To further support soil regeneration, embracing agroecological practices such as crop rotation, reduced chemical inputs, and organic farming will be key.
As both regions have hilly terrains, preventing erosion is critical. This can be achieved through techniques like contour farming, mulching, and vegetative barriers.
Lastly, the study emphasised the need for integrated soil monitoring.
This would include regular testing which will allow farmers to respond in time to changing conditions and optimise their inputs
The researchers concluded: “The work in Akole and Nandurbar is a blueprint for other regions, showing that a nature-positive path is not only possible but also necessary especially at a time when the globe is grappling with numerous challenges such as climate change.”
