From the undulating hills to the plains close to the sea, the bright green canopy thrown by the rubber trees stretch over a vast area across 11 Indian States. Each plantation has a unique ecosystem, the character of which is determined primarily by the diversity and abundance of its soil.
With a view to helping the rubber farmers understand the diversity of soil and its relationship with the crop, experts with the Rubber Board have drawn up soil fertility maps for the rubber growing areas – a first for any crop in India. The project seeks to empower the growers by visually representing the fertility status of their holdings and plan sustainable soil management.
Sustaining soil health, according to K.N. Raghavan, Executive Director, Rubber Board, is important for mitigating drought and reducing the incidence of pests and diseases by improving plant health. “The fertility map is a great leap forward in precision farming, which will empower farmers with the knowledge of the fertility status of their holding so that they can apply fertilizers where needed and in the required quantity,” he said.
