Indian soil study reveals urgent need for smarter land management

INDIA – A newly published soil study from India has revealed that farmland in Maharashtra’s Akole and Nandurbar regions may not be as healthy as it seems.

Despite appearing fertile, large sections of land show signs of nutrient loss, low organic matter, and growing erosion risks, factors that threaten the long-term success of farming in the region.

The July 2025 analysis, according to an article published by AgTechNavigator and led by researchers from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, covered more than 40,000 hectares. The team tested for pH levels, salinity, organic carbon, and key nutrients. What they found points to both opportunity and risk.

“Soils in both regions show potential for crop production, but serious weaknesses are emerging, especially where organic matter is low,” said a researcher involved in the study.

Akole’s soils were mainly loamy and clay-based, with pH values ranging from 5.5 to 7.7. Nandurbar’s sandy loam soils were more varied, with pH ranging between 5.0 and 7.4.

While salinity was low in both locations, a good sign for crop health, the deeper problem lies in the declining organic carbon.

In Akole, organic carbon levels ranged between 0.16 and 0.84 percent. In Nandurbar, results stretched from 0.12 to 1.44 percent, with the lowest values recorded in fields already showing signs of damage. These low levels reduce soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients, placing more pressure on farmers to use costly inputs.

The study also found widespread shortages in phosphorus and key micronutrients like sulfur, zinc, and iron. These problems were especially common in areas with heavy rainfall or bare soil, where nutrients are easily washed away.

To address these issues, the report recommends practices such as adding compost and green manure, planting cover crops, and using natural barriers to prevent soil erosion. It also calls for real-time soil monitoring to help farmers adjust their practices as conditions change.

“This study shows that soil health cannot be taken for granted. A field may look productive, but the data tells a different story,” said one of the CIAT researchers who contributed to the findings.

The study’s insights can be linked to East Africa, where similar problems are unfolding. In Kenya, over 30 percent of farmland is either too acidic or too alkaline, affecting crop yields. Most regions also report low organic carbon, typically under 1 percent, and widespread nutrient deficiencies.

In response, Kenya has built a digital soil database known as NASIS and expanded testing through KEPHIS labs.

Other countries in the region, including Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, are also investing in data tools, organic practices, and improved fertilizer use.

The Indian findings add weight to these efforts. By identifying the gaps early, the study offers a clear path forward, not just for Maharashtra, but for any region facing silent threats beneath the soil.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.