Restoration of Soil Health through Soil Organic Carbon Management: A Case Study of N-Carb and Fertisil in Drylands of Adoni, Andhra Pradesh

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of N-Carb, fermented organic manure (FOM),for improving soil health through soil organic carbon (SOC) management in dryland chilli-growing areas ofAdoni, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. The study focused on soils characterized by low organic carbon,nutrient deficiencies and localized salinity problems, which can adversely affect crop productivity andnutrient-use efficiency. N-Carb contains fermented organic extracts along with organic matter and plantnutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients. Its application was evaluated forits potential to improve soil organic matter, soil structure, moisture retention and nutrient availability in theroot zone. A field-based assessment was conducted in selected chilli-growing areas of Adoni. A total of 32surface soil samples (0–15 cm depth) were collected from the experimental plots and analyzed using rapidsoil-testing kits and the Krishitantra soil-testing system developed by ICAR–IIRR, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad.The study examined the soil conditions associated with low SOC and nutrient stress and assessed theresponse to the application of N-Carb and Fertisil under farmer-managed conditions. The observationsindicated that SOC management through organic inputs has potential to improve soil physical conditions,nutrient availability and crop growth under dryland conditions. Improved soil moisture retention, aerationand root-zone conditions may contribute to better nutrient uptake and improved crop tolerance to abioticstresses such as drought and salinity. The findings suggest that the integration of fermented organic manurewith balanced fertilizer management may be a useful approach for improving soil health and promotingsustainable and regenerative agricultural practices in degraded and nutrient-stressed soils.