IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v14y2022i14p8561-d861615.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

The Scope for Using Proximal Soil Sensing by the Farmers of India

Author

Listed:
  • Sanjib Kumar Behera

    (ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabibagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal 462038, India
    Macdonald Campus, McGill University, 21,111, Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X3V9, Canada)

  • Viacheslav I. Adamchuk

    (Macdonald Campus, McGill University, 21,111, Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X3V9, Canada)

  • Arvind Kumar Shukla

    (ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabibagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal 462038, India)

  • Punyavrat Suvimalendu Pandey

    (Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi 110012, India)

  • Pardeep Kumar

    (College of Agriculture, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Visvavidyalaya, Palampur 176062, India)

  • Vimal Shukla

    (ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabibagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal 462038, India)

  • Chitdeshwari Thiyagarajan

    (Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India)

  • Hitendra Kumar Rai

    (Faculty of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur 482004, India)

  • Sandeep Hadole

    (College of Agriculture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola 444104, India)

  • Anil Kumar Sachan

    (College of Agriculture, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur 208002, India)

  • Pooja Singh

    (College of Agriculture, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Gwalior 474002, India)

  • Vivek Trivedi

    (ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India)

  • Ashutosh Mishra

    (Faculty of Agriculture, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Satna 485334, India)

  • Nagender Pal Butail

    (College of Agriculture, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Visvavidyalaya, Palampur 176062, India)

  • Praveen Kumar

    (College of Agriculture, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Visvavidyalaya, Palampur 176062, India)

  • Rahul Prajapati

    (College of Agriculture, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur 208002, India)

  • Kshitij Tiwari

    (College of Agriculture, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur 208002, India)

  • Deepika Suri

    (College of Agriculture, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Visvavidyalaya, Palampur 176062, India)

  • Munish Sharma

    (College of Agriculture, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Visvavidyalaya, Palampur 176062, India)

Abstract

Knowledge about spatial distribution patterns of soil attributes is very much needed for site-specific soil nutrient management (SSSNM) under precision agriculture. High spatial heterogeneity exists in the agricultural soils of India due to various reasons. The present practice of assessing the spatial variability of the vast cultivated landscape of India by using traditional soil sampling and analysis is costly and time consuming. Hence, proximal soil sensing (PSS) is an attractive option to assess the plot-scale spatial variability pattern (SVP) of soil attributes for SSSNM. A PSS system, either in a fixed position or mounted on a vehicle (on-the-go), can be used to obtain measurements by having direct contact with soil. PSS measurements provide low-cost and high-density data pertaining to the SVPs of soil attributes. These data can be used to generate digital elevation and soil attribute variability maps at the field scale in a crop production environment. Based on the generated variability maps, locally available and economically feasible agricultural inputs can be applied using variable rate application strategies for sustainable cropping and enhanced farm profit. This overview presents the potential of adopting PSS in India and other developing countries. The scope, challenges, and probable solutions are also proposed. There is ample scope for adoption of PSS in India in view of diverse soil types, climatic conditions, cropping patterns, crop management practices, and ultimately, the ever-increasing demand for higher agricultural production. However, the successful adoption of the PSS technique in India will be dependent on the proper design and adoption of strategies which require adequate planning and analysis. There are several studies that have highlighted the usefulness of soil sensing technologies in Indian soils. There are also certain challenges and limitations associated with PSS in India, which could be addressed. The available proximal soil sensing technologies will be of great help in improving the understanding of soil heterogeneity for adopting SSSNM in order to optimize crop production in India and other developing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Sanjib Kumar Behera & Viacheslav I. Adamchuk & Arvind Kumar Shukla & Punyavrat Suvimalendu Pandey & Pardeep Kumar & Vimal Shukla & Chitdeshwari Thiyagarajan & Hitendra Kumar Rai & Sandeep Hadole & Ani, 2022. "The Scope for Using Proximal Soil Sensing by the Farmers of India," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:14:p:8561-:d:861615
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/14/8561/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/14/8561/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Karolina Pawlak & Małgorzata Kołodziejczak, 2020. "The Role of Agriculture in Ensuring Food Security in Developing Countries: Considerations in the Context of the Problem of Sustainable Food Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-20, July.
    2. Tiziano Gomiero, 2016. "Soil Degradation, Land Scarcity and Food Security: Reviewing a Complex Challenge," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-41, March.
    3. Ranjan Bhattacharyya & Birendra Nath Ghosh & Prasanta Kumar Mishra & Biswapati Mandal & Cherukumalli Srinivasa Rao & Dibyendu Sarkar & Krishnendu Das & Kokkuvayil Sankaranarayanan Anil & Manickam Lali, 2015. "Soil Degradation in India: Challenges and Potential Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-43, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Eduardo Oliveira & Silvia Tobias & Anna M. Hersperger, 2018. "Can Strategic Spatial Planning Contribute to Land Degradation Reduction in Urban Regions? State of the Art and Future Research," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-23, March.
    2. Hanna Dudek & Joanna Myszkowska-Ryciak & Agnieszka Wojewódzka-Wiewiórska, 2021. "Profiles of Food Insecurity: Similarities and Differences across Selected CEE Countries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-19, August.
    3. Timothy E. Crews & Douglas J. Cattani, 2018. "Strategies, Advances, and Challenges in Breeding Perennial Grain Crops," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-7, June.
    4. Io Carydi & Athanasios Koutsianas & Marios Desyllas, 2023. "People, Crops, and Bee Farming: Landscape Models for a Symbiotic Network in Greece," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-25, February.
    5. Lohan, Shiv Kumar & Jat, H.S. & Yadav, Arvind Kumar & Sidhu, H.S. & Jat, M.L. & Choudhary, Madhu & Peter, Jyotsna Kiran & Sharma, P.C., 2018. "Burning issues of paddy residue management in north-west states of India," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 693-706.
    6. Danilo Đokić & Bojan Matkovski & Marija Jeremić & Ivan Đurić, 2022. "Land Productivity and Agri-Environmental Indicators: A Case Study of Western Balkans," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-13, December.
    7. Drall, Anviksha & Mandal, Sabuj Kumar, 2021. "Investigating the existence of entry barriers in rural non-farm sector (RNFS) employment in India: A theoretical modelling and an empirical analysis," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    8. Marco Bascietto & Enrico Santangelo & Claudio Beni, 2021. "Spatial Variations of Vegetation Index from Remote Sensing Linked to Soil Colloidal Status," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-15, January.
    9. Rombeallo, Intan Parumbuan & Jamil, Muhammad Hatta & Rukmana, Didi, . "Factors affecting farmers’ decision to join coffee producer cooperatives to improve their welfare," Agricultural and Resource Economics: International Scientific E-Journal, Agricultural and Resource Economics: International Scientific E-Journal, vol. 10(4).
    10. Robert Ugochukwu Onyeneke & Roseline Daberechi Ejike & Emeka Emmanuel Osuji & Nneka Maris Chidiebere-Mark, 2024. "Does climate change affect crops differently? New evidence from Nigeria," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(1), pages 393-419, January.
    11. Elżbieta Goryńska-Goldmann & Michał Gazdecki & Krystyna Rejman & Joanna Kobus-Cisowska & Sylwia Łaba & Robert Łaba, 2020. "How to Prevent Bread Losses in the Baking and Confectionery Industry?—Measurement, Causes, Management and Prevention," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-24, December.
    12. Sharina Shariff & Siti ‘Aisyah Baharudin & Nor Asmat Ismail, 2025. "A Systematic Review of the Challenges and Opportunities of the Agriculture Economic Sector in Malaysia," Information Management and Business Review, AMH International, vol. 17(1), pages 285-303.
    13. Michael I. E. Edaba & Anthony O. Onoja & Zelda A. Elum, . "Analysis of Farm Credit Access Among Cassava-Based Farmers in South-South Nigeria," International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research, Malwa International Journals Publication, vol. 11(2).
    14. Eleftherios Giovanis & Oznur Ozdamar, 2025. "The transboundary effects of climate change and global adaptation: the case of the Euphrates–Tigris water basin in Turkey and Iraq," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 68(4), pages 1935-1972, April.
    15. Bonginkosi E. Mthembu & Thobani Cele & Xolile Mkhize, 2025. "Climate Change Impacts on Agricultural Infrastructure and Resources: Insights from Communal Land Farming Systems," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-20, May.
    16. Shukla, Sumedha & Arora, Gaurav, 2023. "Soil quality perceptions: Characterizing bias and linkage with farming decisions for rice- growers in India," 2023 Annual Meeting, July 23-25, Washington D.C. 336014, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    17. Felicia Cheţan & Teodor Rusu & Cornel Cheţan & Camelia Urdă & Raluca Rezi & Alina Şimon & Ileana Bogdan, 2022. "Influence of Soil Tillage Systems on the Yield and Weeds Infestation in the Soybean Crop," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-13, October.
    18. Suresh Kumar & Dharam Raj Singh & Alka Singh & Naveen Prakash Singh & Girish Kumar Jha, 2020. "Does Adoption of Soil and Water Conservation Practice Enhance Productivity and Reduce Risk Exposure? Empirical Evidence from Semi-Arid Tropics (SAT), India," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-16, August.
    19. Ying Zhang & Xinyu Xie & Xiaoping Qiu & Zheng Jing & Yongqian Yu & Yan Wang, 2023. "Study on Livelihood Resilience of Rural Residents under the Rural Revitalization Strategy in Ethnic Areas of Western Sichuan, China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-19, October.
    20. Patricia Mussali-Galante & María Luisa Castrejón-Godínez & José Antonio Díaz-Soto & Ángela Patricia Vargas-Orozco & Héctor Miguel Quiroz-Medina & Efraín Tovar-Sánchez & Alexis Rodríguez, 2023. "Biobeds, a Microbial-Based Remediation System for the Effective Treatment of Pesticide Residues in Agriculture," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-25, June.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:14:p:8561-:d:861615. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.