AICRP-LTFE National Workshop on “Long Term Fertilizer Experiments: organized

16-17^th December, 2022 ,Akola

The ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal and Dr PDKV, Akola jointly organized a National Workshop on ‘Long Term Fertilizer Experiments: Status and Future Strategies’ at Akola in the University campus during 16-17^th December, 2022.

The AICRP on Long Term Fertilizer Experiment started in 1972, continued for more than 50 years at 18 centres across the country in different agro-climatic and soil types to study the changes in soil quality, crop productivity and sustainability under major crops/cropping systems.

DDG (NRM), ICAR-New Delhi, Dr SK Chaudhari graced the inaugural function .Dr S K Chaudhari, DDG (NRM) emphasized the importance of AICRP (LTFE) which is working on basic and strategic research for understanding the soil processes for sustainable soil management in India. He gave an historical perspective of LTFE taking the examples of national and international research and developments, and the future directions in the context of sustainable agriculture. He highlighted that AICRP (LTFE) completing five decades with immense wealth of information on soil and crops, which we need to appropriately synthesize to address the national challenges of natural resource management.

The Chief Guest. Vice Chancellor Dr SR Gadakh presided over the function virtually. Dr SR Gadakh, VC, Dr PDKV stressed upon the use of biofertilizers, vermicompost, soil test equations, etc in LTFE to address use of nutrient sources in efficient manner, if applicable in these trials.

Dr A S Dhawan opined that LTFEs are national repository for carrying out the basic and strategic research. Dr Kharche signified the on-going LTFEs at Akola and stressed upon the importance of balanced and INM in maintaining soil quality and crop yield.

Dr. Ashok K Patra, Former Director, ICAR-IISS highlighted the importance of efficient fertilizers management, and strongly advocated to use the experience of LTFE in major soils, crops/cropping systems in different agro-ecological regions for sustainable soil management. On the occasion, he also pointed out the work done at Rothamsted Classical Experiments and urge upon the centres to address emerging challenges with basic and strategic research.

On this occasion. Dr AS Dhawan, Former VC, VNMKV, Parbhani and Dr Ashok K Patra, Former Director, ICAR-IISS, Bhopal graced the function as Guest of Honour & Experts. Dr VK Kharche, Director (Research), Dr. PDKV welcomed the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.

 Dr. AB Singh, Director (Acting) highlighted the significance of LTFEs in the national context for long-term monitoring of soil health and better nutrient management. He urged for better use of the information for national planning of fertilizer use and inclusion of new alternative practices in the system.

Dr. SM Bhoyar and other dignitaries elaborated the importance of studies on soil processes in LTFE to maintain soil health and environmental sustainability in the background of increasing climate change and soil degradation.

On this occasion, several publications such as Books, Annual Reports, Folders, Brochures, Leaflets emerged from AICRP (LTFE) were released by the dignitaries. Review of the activities of 18 centres of LTFE was made during 2019-2022 and future activities have been recommended.  There was also an interface meeting on 17 December with the Industry and Scientists, in which several developments on new fertilizers which have potential in the Indian agriculture were presented and discussed.

The workshop was also attended by Dr AB Singh, Director (Acting), ICAR-IISS, Bhopal, Dr SM Bhoyar, Head, Dept. of SSAC; Dr RH Wanjari, Pr Scientist, ICAR-IISS, Bhopal, Dr SD Jadhao, I/c Scientist, LTFE, Dr PDKV, Akola. The delegates from different centres of AICRP LTFE participated in this Workshop.

Delegates from 18 centres in different states viz., Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, New Delhi, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand and West Bengal presented their research findings and actively participated in this Workshop.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal)