World Soil Day: Soil degradation threatens Nepal’s crop yields

KATHMANDU: Farmers across Nepal are witnessing declining crop yields as indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides continues to degrade soil health. Farmers who abandoned organic fertilizers in favor of chemical alternatives report that their productivity has not increased—in fact, it has steadily decreased.

Amar Giri of Mahadevsthan, Chandragiri Municipality-6, says he stopped using organic fertilizers five years ago, hoping chemical fertilizers would boost his crop yield. Instead, he has observed declining production. “I suspect the unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers has degraded the soil, reducing productivity,” he said. Similarly, Ravi Dangol of Sanothimi, Bhaktapur, reports that his vegetable yields have fallen each year despite heavy use of chemical fertilizers.

Experts warn that indiscriminate application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to declining soil fertility and increased soil acidity. Unscientific cultivation practices, monocropping, overuse of chemical inputs, and low adoption of organic fertilizers are rapidly deteriorating Nepal’s soil quality. Factors such as erosion, urbanization, desertification, and loss of organic matter further accelerate the degradation, directly affecting farmers’ incomes.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, this year’s crop production—particularly rice, sugarcane, vegetables, and fruits—is expected to drop by around 127,383 metric tons. The ministry estimates total losses across crops, livestock, fisheries, and infrastructure at Rs 376.12 crore, with vegetable production alone accounting for Rs 125.71 crore, approximately 35.45% of the total losses.

Soil scientist Jeevan Subedi points out that declining use of cow dung and organic fertilizers has led farmers to rely excessively on chemical fertilizers, gradually reducing soil fertility and crop yields. Nepal’s soils—mainly alluvial, loamy, silty, and clayey types—require balanced nutrient management for optimal crop performance. For instance, silty soils retain water well, making them suitable for water-intensive crops such as rice, while sandy soils are better for crops like potato, radish, and melons.

December 5 marks the 12th World Soil Day, observed in Nepal under the theme “Healthy Soil, Healthy Villages and Cities.” However, celebrations remain largely formal, with limited public engagement. Urbanization, industrialization, and unregulated farming practices have contributed to soil pollution, loss of arable land, and declining soil fertility. Experts stress that Nepal lacks robust, sustainable soil management plans to preserve soil fertility for future generations.

The Department of Agriculture highlights that excessive fertilizer and pesticide use, low adoption of organic fertilizers, unscientific intensive farming, poor crop rotation, erosion, industrial pollution, and overuse of agricultural machinery have degraded soil quality across the country. According to digital soil mapping data, 54% of tested soils are acidic, 29% neutral, and 17% alkaline. Organic matter content remains low, particularly in the Terai region, while key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, molybdenum, zinc, boron, and sulfur are deficient in many soils.

To restore soil health, experts recommend periodic soil testing, use of balanced chemical fertilizers based on laboratory recommendations, and widespread adoption of organic inputs such as well-decomposed manure, compost, and green manure. Integrated farming systems—including mixed crop-livestock cultivation, crop rotation, and soil-conserving practices—can improve productivity and environmental sustainability.

Despite Nepal’s National Fertilizer Policy (2058 BS) and Agricultural Policy (2061 BS) emphasizing soil fertility improvement and organic farming promotion, full implementation remains a challenge. Experts stress the urgent need for scientific, balanced fertilizer use, proper crop selection, residue management, soil erosion control, and water management to preserve soil health and secure agricultural productivity for future generations.