The event, held at the DAE Deputy Director's office in Rajshahi. Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Sept 12, 2025 (BSS) - Balanced and soil test-based fertilization has been identified as a key strategy to address the ongoing fertilizer crisis while simultaneously preserving soil health, speakers told a discussion here today.

They said that balanced fertilization can increase crop yields by at least 20 percent, a figure consistently demonstrated in field trials across the country over the past few years.

Soil scientists and agricultural researchers made the observation at an awareness campaign on soil health and balanced fertilization, organized by the Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI) in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).

The event, held at the DAE Deputy Director's office in Rajshahi, was part of Tarunner Utsab 2025 celebrations.

Addressing the event as chief guest, SRDI Director General Dr Samia Sultana underscored the harmful effects of reduced use of organic matter, green manure and biofertilizers in agricultural practices. 

These, she said, are among the key factors contributing to declining soil fertility. "Soil test-based and balanced fertilization is now indispensable for preserving soil properties conducive to healthy plant growth," Dr Sultana said.

She called on field-level agriculture officers to rigorously implement the Upazila Land and Soil Resource Use Guideline and to actively engage grassroots farmers in adopting balanced fertilizer use as part of sustainable agricultural practices.

In his keynote address, Chief Scientific Officer at SRDI Laboratory Aminul Islam elaborated on the technical aspects of balanced fertilization. 

He covered issues such as, soil health management, detection of adulterated fertilizers, the role of tools like the Upazila Nirdeshika, developed by SRDI to assist local agricultural planning and farmer guidance. 

Other speakers included SRDI Chief Scientific Officer Altaf Hossain, Principal Scientific Officer Faruque Hossain, Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Mainul Islam, local farmer Sabbir Hossain and Rifat Uddin, a student from Rajshahi University.

The Upazila Land and Soil Resource Use Guideline, referenced throughout the event, put emphasis on the critical need for balanced fertilizer application. 

It is aimed at preventing further soil degradation, enhancing crop productivity and ensuring long-term food security. 

Participants at the meeting included around 50 individuals, comprising officials from SRDI and DAE, farmers, students and local youths.