Role of Integrated Nutrient Management on Oat: A Review

Abstract

Food security and environmental safety are the two important areas receiving major setback with the use of chemical fertilizers. Sustainable food supply in response to population demand urges for a paradigm shift from chemical-based agriculture to some eco-friendly approaches. Integrated nutrient management or combined approach of using different sources of nutrients is relevant in this context as it optimisez profitable crop production and improves soil health without deteriorating environment further. Food supply not only comes from agriculture but also from livestock sector. Therefore, cultivation of dual purpose (food and fodder) crop like oat is gaining importance day by day. Adequate nutrition to oat directly reflects on livestock and human nutrition. Researches around the globe indicate that integrated nutrient management in oat is now gaining momentum as it holds good promise as a successful replacement of sole chemical fertilizer. However, poor extension service and lack of policies make this technology to remain as a dormant. Therefore, further research works regarding integrated nutrient management on oat and its true transfusion to farming community are the needs of the hour to protect livestock and human food security and to free the environment from clutches of chemical hazards in coming days.