Soil Health and Sustainable Practices in Horticultural Systems: A Global Perspective

Abstract

Soil health is the fundamental cornerstone of sustainable horticultural production, yet escalating global demand has intensified pressure on limited soil resources, leading to the deterioration of physical, chemical, and biological properties. This paper explores soil health dynamics across global horticultural systems, with a particular focus on the Indian context. It analyzes the interplay between soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial biodiversity, and crop productivity across conventional, integrated, and organic management paradigms.  Evidence from long-term field experiments indicates that Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)—specifically combining 75% of the recommended mineral fertilizer dose with organic amendments like vermicompost and biofertilizer inoculation—provides the optimal trade-off between productivity and conservation. Key sustainable practices reviewed include: Cover Cropping: Utilizing legumes like Sesbania aculeata to fix 90–130 kg N ha⁻¹ and add significant biomass. Biochar Application: Enhancing SOC sequestration and water-holding capacity through pyrolyzed biomass. Microbial Inoculants: Harnessing Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) to facilitate nutrient uptake and pathogen suppression. Mulching: Employing organic and living mulches to regulate temperature and improve moisture retention by up to 50%.  The paper further evaluates global policy frameworks, such as India’s Soil Health Card scheme, the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy, and US NRCS programs. Synthesizing data from over 50 peer-reviewed publications, this work presents a framework for transitioning to knowledge-intensive systems. It highlights emerging frontiers like digital soil mapping, microbiome engineering, and precision nutrient management as essential tools for sustaining ecological health and food security in diverse agro-ecological zones.