Chemical fertilizers declining crop production: Experts

POKHARA, Dec 18; Soil experts in western Nepal say there is growing indications that rampant use of chemical fertilizers has reduced crop production over the past few years.



According to Sunil Pandey, soil expert at Regional Soil Testing Lab, farmers´ increasing trend of treating their arable lands with chemical fertilizers accelerated the acidity level of the soil, which eventually hampered the natural growth of the crops.

Pandey informed that use of chemical fertilizers had led to the decrease of between 20 to 30 percent of crop production annually in the western regions.



“If farmers don´t stop depending upon the chemical fertilizers soon, the days will come when we have to totally depend on other countries for daily food products,” said Pandey. “Farmer´s direct participation and endeavor in maintaining the quality of soil plays a vital role in the crop production of this region,” added Pandey.



Pandey said the quality of soil had declined because farmers have stopped using cow and buffalo dung which are the best natural fertilizers crops can have.



“Excessive use of urea on the fields has misbalanced the pH level of the soil and as a result, farmers have been left with unexpected less amount of yearly crop production,” said Pandey.



Sharing tips for better production, Pandey suggested to replace the use of urea with limestone. “The limestone, which has calcium carbonate, will help decrease the level of acidity in the soil,” said Pandey. “The acidity level of the soil will gradually meet its balance with the use of limestone and natural fertilizers,” he added.



Pandey dictated that 2 to 3 tons of limestone should be used for around 1 hectares of land. “Sixty percent of agricultural lands in Nepal needs this treatment of limestone,” said Pandey.



Moreover, Pandey claimed that farmers in rural areas of Nepal were still uneducated about the limestone treatment. “Besides the farmers involved in seasonal and non seasonal plantations, the others are unaware of this soil treatment procedure and its fruitfulness,” said Pandey.



However, another soil expert Baburam GC said that the use of chemical fertilizers increased after people ceased the practice of animal husbandry in the rural areas.



“With youths abandonning rearing of domestic animals, the lack of natural fertilizers has mounted. This is one of the major factors forcing the farmers to use urea on their fields.” said GC.

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