Recent Advances in Soil Nutrient Monitoring: A Review

Soil nutrient monitoring assumes a critical role in advancing modern agriculture. Precise evaluation of soil nutrient levels lays the foundation for creating systematic and informed fertilization strategies. This, in turn, amplifies crop growth and yield, all the while optimizing soil well-being. This review provides a comprehensive survey of prevalent soil nutrient analysis techniques, with a specific emphasis on laboratory methodologies, spectroscopy approaches, and electrochemical methods. The merits and demerits of these techniques are meticulously examined and deliberated upon, along with prospects for future advancements. Among the array of methods discussed, spectroscopy methods take the spotlight, encompassing visible light, near-infrared (NIR), and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Additionally, the incorporation of ion-selective membranes for electrochemical evaluation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium also finds a notable place. In the grand scheme, the exploration and application of soil nutrient testing bear profound significance in augmenting agricultural productivity, guaranteeing food security, and realizing sustainable agricultural progress.