The global imperative of sustaining food production to meet the needs of a growing population requires innovative agricultural approaches that enhance crop productivity while mitigating environmental impacts. This summary delves into the concept of integrated nutrient management (INM) as a comprehensive strategy for maintaining maize productivity while concurrently minimizing environmental footprints. INM entails a careful blend of organic and inorganic fertilizers, cover cropping, and other agronomic techniques to optimize nutrient availability and utilization in maize cultivation. The review examines existing literature and research outcomes on the effects of INM, with a specific focus on its capacity to improve nutrient use efficiency, decrease nutrient runoff, and counteract soil degradation. Through the incorporation of organic nutrient sources like crop residues and green manure with precisely calibrated inorganic fertilizers, INM seeks to enhance soil health, nutrient cycling, and overall agricultural sustainability. The abstract also explores cover cropping as a complementary INM strategy, contributing to soil conservation, weed control, and increased biodiversity. Addressing environmental concerns such as nutrient runoff and greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizer use is crucial in contemporary agriculture. This abstract underscore the potential of INM to tackle these challenges by promoting a balanced nutrient supply, reducing nutrient losses to water bodies, and mitigating the environmental impact associated with excessive fertilizer application. Through a thorough examination of existing literature, the abstract underscores the necessity for further research and the adoption of INM practices to ensure sustained maize productivity while safeguarding the environment. The integration of nutrient management strategies not only boosts crop yields but also aligns with goals of sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the importance of adopting practices that balance economic viability with environmental stewardship for global food security.
cover cropping, integrated nutrient management (INM), mitigating environmental
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