Integrated nutrient management, which involves the use of organic sources such as FYM, vermi-compost, crop residue, green manure, Bio-fertilizer, and the in-situ role of legumes, as well as balanced use of both major and micro-nutrients, is an area that deserves attention. Despite numerous experiments and studies conducted throughout the country on nutrient management for various crops in various soil environments representing different agro-climatic zones, information on system-based integrated nutrient management is still lacking and has yet to be documented.

This publication includes several sections that address general issues and management options for integrated nutrient management, particularly in irrigated ecosystems (sections 1, 3, and 4), crop residue management (section 2), soil-test-based nutrient management for sustainable soil health (sections 5 and 10), nutrient economy through integrated farming systems and the inclusion of legumes in cereal-based cropping systems (sections 6 and 7), integrated nutrient management in rice-wheat cropping systems (section 8), oilseed-based cropping systems (section 9), soybean-based cropping systems (section 11), vegetable-based cropping systems (section 13), and seed spices-based cropping systems (section 23). Additionally, sections 12, 14, and 18 discuss issues related to soil nutrient management, protected agriculture, soil chemical, biological, and microbial diversity.

The remaining sections (19-25) focus on system-based nutrient budgeting, soil carbon management and sequestration, balanced crop nutrition in relation to crop diseases, economics, and nutrient modeling. Overall, this publication provides valuable insights and recommendations for improving integrated nutrient management practices in various cropping systems, with a focus on sustainability and economic viability.