It has been recognized that the vital function of soil is its support for food production. Food availability relies on the soil. Healthy living soil is, therefore, a crucial ally to food security and nutrition.
It is imperative to take soil health into consideration for a shortage of any one of the 15 nutrients required for plant growth can limit crop yield. With a global population that is projected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, compounded by competition for land and water resources and the impact of climate change, our current and future food security hinges on our ability to increase yields and food quality using the soils that are already under production today. By 2050, agricultural production must increase by 60 percent globally – and by almost 100 percent in developing countries – in order to meet food demand alone (according to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN).
Sustainable soil management is one such way out which could produce up to 58 percent more food (FAO, UN). Soil testing is one of the effective approachesto soil management. It is well recognized as a sound scientific tool to assess the inherent power of soil to supply plant nutrients. And a smart integrated soil information system that consolidates the soil testing information is a great source that informs policies, interventions, and recommendations.This is of key importance to all major players of the food industry, starting from the farmer to the institutional growers to government bodies.