Urbanization, industrialization, and increasing population have led to the increased amount of per capita waste generated per annum and also increased its unscientific disposal. For inclusive growth, reduced levels of poverty, and overall development of the economy of any country, decent growth in agricultural growth is a prerequisite. For agricultural growth, it depends on various important factors which are- soil, availability of rainwater, seeds, availability of appropriate fertilizers, the optimum range of environmental conditions, etc. Soil health, an attribute of several physical, chemical, and biological processes, is showing signs of fatigue due to intensive cultivation, over-mining of nutrients by crops with lesser replenishments through organic and inorganic sources.

Modern agricultural practices have led to degradation of the ecosystem, land fertility, and environment. modern-day pesticides and fertilizers are laden with artificial chemicals to deal with pests and insects that are potentially causing harm to the cultivar. Using these manures and chemicals can cause nutrient imbalance if not used in the proper amount. This nutrient imbalance can cause nutrient pollution in agricultural land which can, in turn, have tragic consequences on agricultural and survival of organisms dependent on land. According to New Delhi-based National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), the annual soil loss rate in our country is about 15.35 tonnes per ha, resulting in loss of 5.37 to 8.4 million tonnes of nutrients. The loss of soil has another immediate major impact on crop productivity.

The fertilizers and artificial chemicals used to protect soil and crop can reduce the yield as they remain in the soil for a long period of time. the increased use of industrial-born products like fertilizers and phytosanitary products can cause toxic damage to crop and crop consumers. The usage of such products in the wrong way or inefficient way can create trouble for soil by losing its fertility over a period of time. The deterioration in fertilizer mix will not only have an impact on the productivity of crops but also on long-term soil health. No wonder, over the years, there has been a decline in the fertilizer response ratio. While the worsening of the NPK ratio at the all-India level is a matter of concern, the fact that this has reached alarming proportions in some states should be a cause for worry for the health of the soil and its nutrient content. Overuse of fertilizers can lead to fertilizer burn in the soil causing the scorching of crops grown and in the availability of excessive nitrogen salts.

But the bigger challenge is to change the pattern of fertilizer use. This not only involves revamping and re-energizing the extension services. Using compost as mulch, in the soil, or as potting media is beneficial in many ways. Compost contains a full spectrum of essential plant nutrients. You can test the nutrient levels in your compost and soil to find out what other supplements it may need for specific plants.

• Compost contains macro and micronutrients often absent in synthetic fertilizers.

• Compost releases nutrients slowly—over months or years, unlike synthetic fertilizers

• Compost enriched soil retains fertilizers better. Less fertilizer runs off to pollute waterways.

• Compost buffers the soil, neutralizing both acid & alkaline soils, bringing pH levels to the optimum range for nutrient availability to plants.