Digital Soil Mapping Initiative Launched
SLUSI Launches Digital Soil Fertility Mapping for Sustainable Agriculture: The Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) has launched a digital soil fertility mapping project to enhance soil health monitoring and sustainable farming. This initiative integrates geo-spatial technologies and data from the Soil Health Card Scheme, starting with 351 villages in Maharashtra, to promote precision agriculture across India.
Role of Soil Health Cards
The Soil Health Card Scheme offers individual farmers insights into the nutrient profile of their soil, classifying levels as low, medium, or high for better fertiliser use. These customised recommendations help reduce overuse or underuse of inputs, leading to improved yield and balanced soil nutrition.
Geospatial and AI Techniques in Use
SLUSI employs remote sensing, AI-driven analysis, and GPS geo-coding for soil evaluation. Key metrics include pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, and NPK levels. Each sample receives a QR code, enabling easy digital access and location-specific guidance for farmers.
Improving Yields Through Targeted Fertilisation
With real-time, location-specific fertility data, farmers can apply fertilisers more precisely, optimising input costs and agricultural profits. This approach not only boosts productivity but also reduces environmental harm such as soil degradation and water contamination caused by blanket fertiliser use.
Accessibility and Ground-Level Challenges
While Soil Health Card data is available through a dedicated government portal, remote and hilly areas face access and infrastructure issues. To address this, the government has deployed Village-Level Soil Testing Labs and mobile mini-labs, ensuring that soil diagnostics are available to all farmers regardless of region.
Combatting Soil Degradation and Nutrient Loss
Digital mapping has revealed nutrient deficiencies and widespread soil erosion in many areas. With scientific diagnosis and corrective recommendations, the project helps restore soil fertility, thereby supporting long-term agricultural sustainability and climate-resilient farming practices.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
SLUSI Launches Digital Soil Fertility Mapping for Sustainable Agriculture:
| Feature | Details |
| Project Lead | Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) |
| Associated Scheme | Soil Health and Fertility Scheme |
| Technology Used | Geospatial mapping, Remote sensing, AI, GPS, QR coding |
| Parameters Analysed | pH, EC, Organic Carbon, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) |
| Beneficiary States | All States and Union Territories |
| Number of Villages Mapped (Maharashtra) | 351 |
| Card Access | Through dedicated online portal |
| Local Support | Village-Level Soil Testing Labs, Mini Labs |
