ABSTRACT
India occupies an important position, in both area and production of rice. It has the largest area (42.9 M ha), accounting for about 27.1% of the world's total rice-growing area. In India, rain-fed rice is cultivated in Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and the northeastern hill region. The productivity of rain-fed rice depends on the indigenous soil nutrients available and the adopted nutrient management practices. Several attempts have been made to develop certain nutrient management practices, which could significantly increase yields and have the potential to maintain soil health and sustain food security. Soil C and N stocks and functioning of soils depend on the interaction between soil properties, mineral matrixes, agricultural inputs, and management practices. It is these interactions that lead to decomposition of biomass and buildup of soil organic matter, availability and preservation of the available nutrients, and plant growth and development.
