The basic objective of LTFE was to understand the dynamics in ecological functioning of soil as a result of adoption of different management practices. Over the years several lessons were learnt from long term fertilizer experiments, and emerged technologies were transferred to farmers’ fields.
- Integrated use of inorganic and organic fertilizers not only sustained the productivity on long term basis but also improved the nutrient use efficiency irrespective of soils and cropping systems.
- In Alfisols use of lime is essential to sustain the productivity. However, LTFE proved that continuous use of FYM is better option than lime to sustain productivity. The use of FYM would save not only costly material but also transportation charges from point of view of over mining of liming material. If FYM is in short supply the high yield levels could be sustained with frequent applications of lime @ 1/10th of lime requirement in furrows in acidic soils.
- In situ green manuring in rice-rice system in southern part of country has increased productivity with saving of fertilizer and economic benefit to farmer by up to Rs. 5000 to 6000 ha-1.
- In intensively cultivated area of the country continuous use of P fertilizer resulted in accumulation of P in soil. The strategy developed in LTFE proved that reduction of P dose to half could be used without loss in productivity. This has not only reduced the input cost but also reutilized accumulated P which otherwise may contaminate the underground water bodies. As a result of implementation of technology in Punjab and Haryana 1 million tons of P I being saved each year’s which is worth Rs. Five thousand crors.