Rajshahi: Soil test-based as well as balanced fertilization enhances crop yield by at least 20 percent and it has been proven in different crop-cutting ceremonies at farmers' fields during the last couple of days in Rajshahi. Helal Uddin, 48, a farmer from Soronjai village under Tanore upazila in the district, reported a harvest of 97 mounds of potato per bigha from his conventional farming system, compared to 116 mounds from a research plot, demonstrating a 20 percent rise in yield.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Helal Uddin shared these findings during a farmers' field day meeting titled "Acidic Soil Management through combined application of dolomite technology" held at Soronjai playground. The event, organized by the Soil Resource Development Institutions (SRDI) under its 'Acidic Soil Management Programme', aimed to motivate and educate grassroots farmers about the benefits of the liming soil management system.
SRDI Chief Scientific Officer Amir Muhammad Zahid, Principal Scientific Officer Dr Nurul Islam, and Upazila Agriculture Officer Saifullah Ahmed addressed the meeting, providing expert insights on the subject. Chief Cotton Development Officer Muzadded Al Shameem and Soronjai Union Parishad Chairman Mozammel Haque also participated in the discussions.
The experts emphasized the necessity of balanced fertilisation for maintaining soil health and productivity. They noted that soil nutrients are declining due to disproportionate fertilizer use, adversely affecting soil productivity. Farmers were encouraged to take responsibility for protecting soil health to ensure food security.
Dr Nurul Islam highlighted that the yield of various crops, including wheat, potato, pulse, mustard, and vegetables, could increase by 15-40 percent with the use of dolomite on excessively acidic soil. He identified the reduced use of organic matter and leguminous green manure as factors contributing to soil degradation. Dr Islam underscored the importance of soil test-based and balanced fertilization to sustain soil properties conducive to plant growth.