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Message

The sustenance and wellbeing of humankind are inevitably linked to the stocks, cycling and
manipulation of essential nutrients in the bio-geosphere. The capacity to produce adequate and
quality plant biomass depends greatly upon the adequacy of mineral nutrients in the soil. India has
become self-reliant in food grain production to feed its burgeoning population at the cost of
deterioration of precious natural resources. The knowledge about native nutrient stocks is utmost
essential for manipulation of nutrient supply through chemical fertilizers and devising appropriate
application technologies. In this regard, soil testing is the first and foremost important step to know
the fertility status and developing balanced fertilization schedule for higher crop production and
maintaining soil health. Assessing the status of micronutrients is even more important owing to their
indispensible role in human nutrition. Widespread micronutrient deficiencies recorded across the
country have led to severe losses in yield and nutritional quality of produce. Stagnation in crop
productivity could also be eliminated by proper micronutrient management with balanced
fertilization schedule, leading to reduction in cost of cultivation.

It gives me immense pleasure to know that on the initiative of Indian Council of Agricultural
Research, the scientists of ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project on Micro and Secondary
Nutrients and Pollutant Elements, Bhopal have prepared an e-Atlas on Micronutrients of Indian
Soils, covering more than 5000 talukas across the country. The Atlas will be highly useful in
achieving twin objectives of strengthening the “Soil Health Card” mission and doubling farmers'
income.

I wish all the best for the success and wide adoptability of the e-Atlas and congratulate the team of
scientists involved in this endeavour.