Improved Nutrient Management and Fertilizer Optimization in Rice-Based Cropping Systems

The optimization of nutrient management and fertilizer application is critical for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of rice-based cropping systems. There are various approaches for optimizing fertilizer-use efficiency and precision agriculture techniques. For future generations, the goal is no longer to enhance agricultural production but also to optimize nutrients, energy, and water usage while minimizing environmental impact. Hence, there has been a huge increase in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the agriculture sector, primarily due to the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in recent years, both of which are rapidly expanding. One of the primary causes of environmental pollution, such as eutrophication and GHG emissions, is the injudicious use of fertilizer. The integrated nutrient management (INM) and PA practices in the cropped fields showed a 1355% reduction in methane over conventional nutrient management. Thus, it is high time to search for innovative practices that guarantee higher yields with the least amount of additional environmental damage possible, especially for developing countries. Therefore, the adoption of INM and precision agriculture (PA) techniques and practices is vital to revive sustainable soil health without compromising yield potential and sustainable rice production.