Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)
- Integrated Nutrient Management refers to the maintenance of soil fertility and of plant nutrient supply at an optimum level for sustaining the desired productivity through optimization of the benefits from all possible sources of organic, inorganic and biological components in an integrated manner.
- INM involving a mix of organics, biological nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilizing microbes and need based chemical fertilizer would be crucial far the sustainability of production and soil as resource base for it.
- In INM approach, organic manures like farm yard manure, compost etc. are first considered for application.
- The balance crop nutrient requirements are supplemented with the appropriate fertilizer application.
- Improved method of application along with proper timing of application are also considered to achieve the best efficiency of used organic manures and fertilizers.
Components of INM
- Inorganic/ chemical nutrient sources.
- Organic nutrient sources.
- Organic manure.
- Green manure.
- Crop residue.
- Biofertilizers.
- Rhizobium spp.
Sources of INM
- Compost
- Chemical
- Fertilizers
- Bio fertilizers
- BGA
Common constraints encountered by the farmers in adoption of INM technology
- Non-availability of FYM
- Difficulties in growing green manure crops
- Non-availability of biofertilizers
- Non-availability of soil testing facilities
- High cost of chemical fertilizers
- Non-availability of water
- Lack of knowledge and poor advisory services
- Non-availability of improved seeds
- Soil conditions