Impact of Micronutrient Soil Deficiency, Crop Residue Usage and Soil Health Assessment on Wheat Crop Productivity: A Study of Indian Punjab

Abstract

Micronutrient soil deficiency, usage of crop residue and assessment of soil health are the critical factors that have strong bearing on crop productivity. Therefore, in this backdrop, the present study has utilized the econometric tools of ANOVA regression and ordinal logistic regression approach to capture the impact of micronutrient soil deficiency, crop residue usage and soil health assessment on wheat crop productivity across selected wheat growing areas (districts) of Indian Punjab. The empirical analyses pointed out that the farmlands suffering from micronutrient soil deficiency witnessed decreased levels of wheat crop productivity. The results further indicated that farmers are more likely to suffer from low wheat crop productivity and the probability of high wheat yield status of their farmlands is significantly lowered in the absence of crop residue usage and soil health assessment. Thus, from the perspectives of wheat productivity augmentation and provision of higher economic returns, there is a strong need for motivating the farmers to (a) adopt effective soil fertility management practices, (b) utilize crop leftovers to restore the nutrient content of the farming fields and (c) avail soil health assessment facilities and apply fertilizers in amounts recommended by the soil test results.