Reviving the earth: Soil health insights from Akole and Nandurbar, Maharashtra, India

In the pursuit of sustainable agriculture, soil is more than just dirt. It is a dynamic, living ecosystem that supports crop growth and health, regulates water and nutrient cycling, and contributes to climate change action. Recognizing this, scientists from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, under the CGIAR Initiative on Nature Positive Solutions conducted a soil baseline study in 2024, in two key agricultural zones of Maharashtra, India: Akole and Nandurbar.

Nestled within the Sahyadri mountain range, these regions are agriculturally rich yet ecologically fragile. The diverse topography, ranging from highland slopes to fertile lowlands, creates a mosaic of soil types and challenges. From waterlogging in clay-heavy soils to erosion in lateritic slopes, the study provides valuable data for building resilient agricultural systems.