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Published on:

February 26, 2025

Alankar Mishra

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Understanding the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme: Parameters, Online Registration, and More

The Government of India initiated the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme in 2015 as a way to enhance productivity on farms while promoting sustainable agriculture development. This program empowers farmers to make informed choices regarding the crops they want to plant and how they want to nurture them by providing them with detailed information about the health of their soil. The following guide aims to shed light on the benefits, the objectives, the parameters assessed, and the SHC scheme itself, along with the process for registration online.

Objectives of the Soil Health Card Scheme

Soil health cards need to be provided to farmers every three years, mainly to give an insight into the nutrient status in their soil. This is the primary objective of the SHC Scheme. Other key objectives are listed below.

Resolving Deficient Soil Nutrients: Advising on how to fix nutrient soil imbalances.

Supporting Soil Test Results Based Fertilizing: The use of fertilisers based on soil tests as one form of nutrient management ensures that crops receive the required balance of nutrients.

Improving Soil Testing Capacity: Development of soil testing laboratories through STL strengthening and STL standardisation.

Raising Farmer Awareness: Educating on soil sustainability issues and health.

Parameters Assessed in the Soil Health Card

The SHC offers an in-depth assessment of soil health through 12 key indicators:

Category	Parameter	Function
Macronutrients	Nitrogen (N)	Essential for vegetative growth.
	Phosphorus (P)	Vital for root development and energy transfer.
	Potassium (K)	Essential for disease tolerance and water management.
Secondary Nutrients	Sulfur (S)	Contributes to protein synthesis.
Micronutrients	Zinc (Zn)	Aids in enzyme function and growth regulation.
	Iron (Fe)	Crucial for chlorophyll formation.
	Copper (Cu)	Involved in reproductive growth.
	Manganese (Mn)	Helps with photosynthesis as well as nitrogen incorporation.
	Boron (B)	Crucial in constructing cell walls and in the development of reproduction.
Physical Parameters	pH Level	Determines the soil’s acid or base value, which impacts nutrients’ accessibility.
	Electrical Conductivity (EC)	Monitoring salt concentration in the soil which impacts farming activities.
	Organic Carbon (OC)	Important for soil structure and fertility, it reflects the content of soil organic matter.

Comprehending these variables helps farmers implement specific soil management strategies, which leads to better crop production and maintains the health of the soil.

Benefits of the Soil Health Card Scheme

Many benefits arise in the farming industry from the SHC Scheme – South Hill Consulting.

Enhanced Fertilizer Application: Recommendations on a particular site reduce costs for farmers and protect the environment.

The Proper Use of Nutrients Boosts Crop Production: Correct nutrient use increases crop yields.

Sustaining Soil Fertility: Regular soil tests promote actions that maintain the health of the soil in the long run.

Other Gains: Enhancement in production coupled with lower input costs improves profitability among farmers.

Prevention of Environmental Pollution: Responsible application of fertilisers reduces the pollution of water bodies and other ecosystems.

Online Registration Process for the Soil Health Card

To make the SHC more accessible, the process of registering online has been simplified by the government:

1. Soil Sample Collection:

‍Grid-Based Collection: For irrigated regions, soil samples are extracted from grids of 2.5 hectares, while for rain-fed regions, a grid of 10 hectares is used.

‍Depth and Method: V-shaped sampling allows the cut to go as deep as 15-20 cm to guarantee ably appropriate sample representation.

2. Submission of Samples:

‍Designated Laboratories: Samples that have been collected are dispatched to predefined laboratories which have the authority to test soil samples.

3. Analysis and Card Creation:

‍Testing: The laboratories test samples for the following 12 parameters listed below for analysis.

‍Issuance: A Soil Health Card with nutrient status and replenishment suggestions is issued after the analysis has been conducted.

4. Accessing the SHC:

‍Online Portal: By entering their identification details, farmers can access their SHC through the official portal.

Farmers can then use this systematic approach to ensure that they receive pertinent information about their soil and make better choices in agriculture.

Success Stories and Impact

The journey of the SHC Scheme continues to excel:

Increased Coverage: As of 2023, over 23.58 crore Soil Health Cards have been issued to farmers throughout the country.

Achievements: Farmers who actively pursue SHC usages have reported an increase in crop yield and a decrease in input costs, which has improved income and standard of living.

Fact: In Gujarat, a farmer switched from growing conventional crops to planting tissue-cultured bananas and papayas. As a result of the SHC, he used modern techniques such as improved production techniques and efficient use of fertilisers, which increased his production profitably.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Even though the SHC Scheme came in handy and was beneficial, some issues continue to exist, as stated below:

Achieving comprehension of Shc Guidelines: Educating and making sure all farmers are well informed about the Shc recommendations

Soil testing facilities: Expanding and modernising soil testing facilities to meet the growing mind.

Distribution of SHC: Making sure all farmers have access to SHCs without delay.

To address those concerns, the government is enhancing awareness campaigns, integrating resources digitally, and improving the soil testing infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Soil Health Card Scheme stands to benefit Indian agriculture by advancing scientific soil management and promoting sustainable farming practices. By meeting the criteria needed to obtain SHC points, farmers can enhance the smart use of fertilisers, soil health, and crop yields. Government action to promote the SHC scheme and participation of the farming community could change the face of Indian agriculture towards better food security and ecological balance in the foreseeable future.

FAQs

1. What is the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme?

In 2015, the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme started to give farmers a scientific estimation regarding the health of their soil. It gives farmers recommendations on how to manage nutrients and use fertilisers to greatly improve crop yields.

2. What information does a Soil Health Card provide?

The SHC has information on soil attributes that comprise soil macronutrients Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium and secondary nutrients Sulfur and microminerals, which may include Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese, or Boron. It also has some of the physical characteristics like pH, organic carbon, and electrical conductivity of the soil.

3. How can farmers register for the Soil Health Card online?

With their Aadhaar number and land info in hand, farmers can conveniently sign up for the SHC through the government’s official website. Gathering and analysing soil samples is done, and SHC is then made available for downloading.

4. How often is the Soil Health Card issued?

The SHC is provided to every farmer who owns the land as a recommendation on soil analysis every three years.

5. What are the benefits of the Soil Health Card Scheme?

The SHC Scheme allows farmers to lower the use of fertilisers, increase the productivity of crops, reduce input expenses, enhance the fertility of the soil, as well as foster sustainable agricultural practices.