What techniques can improve nutrient use efficiency in agriculture?

The selection of soil testing and precision agriculture techniques is a fundamental approach to enhancing nutrient use efficiency in agriculture. Soil testing provides essential information about nutrient availability, pH levels, and other critical soil characteristics. This data enables farmers to make informed decisions on the appropriate types and amounts of fertilizers needed, which helps avoid both nutrient deficiencies and excesses that can lead to environmental harm.

Precision agriculture employs technology such as GPS and data analytics to monitor and manage field variability in crops. This allows for targeted application of nutrients based on actual crop needs, rather than applying fertilizers uniformly across the entire field. As a result, nutrients can be delivered more efficiently, optimizing their use while minimizing waste and reducing the risk of runoff into water bodies.

Other options, while they may have certain merits in specific contexts, do not directly support the objective of improving nutrient use efficiency in a sustainable and scientifically informed manner. For example, relying exclusively on organic fertilizers might limit the range of nutrients readily available for crops and may not align with the specific nutrient needs determined through soil testing. Residual burning of crop remnants can lead to nutrient loss and soil degradation, detracting from long-term soil health. Lastly, the random application of chemical inputs can lead to over-application, nutrient runoff, and environmental