Evaluation of Soil Fertility and Nutrient Status for Sustainable Agriculture: Deesa Division, Banaskantha District

This study evaluates soil fertility and nutrient status across the Deesa division of Banaskantha district, Gujarat, during 2023–2025. Using a stratified sampling program spanning agricultural, peri-urban and irrigated areas, we measured key physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, texture, organic carbon), macronutrients (available N, P, K), secondary nutrients (S, Ca, Mg) and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, B). The goal was to map spatial variability, identify nutrient deficiencies or imbalances affecting sustainable crop production, and recommend management practices (soil-test- based fertilization, integrated nutrient management, organic matter restoration) tailored to local cropping systems (bajra, wheat, castor, cumin, vegetables and fodder crops). Results revealed predominant calcareous, neutral-to-slightly-alkaline soils with low organic carbon, widespread nitrogen deficiency, frequent zinc and sulfur shortfalls, and localized salinity/sodicity issues in poorly drained or irrigated tracts. The paper provides prioritized interventions for farmers and policymakers to improve soil fertility while minimizing environmental risks.