Azeem Ahmed Khan

An agricultural expert has urged farmers across the country to adopt Targeted Nutrient Management (TNM) to boost food security, protect the environment, and ensure long-term economic growth.

 Talking to WealthPK, Agricultural Advisor Concave AGRI Muhammad Rizwan said TNM is a modern farming method that moves beyond the traditional practice of applying the same type and amount of fertilizer to all fields. “Instead, it uses specific information about each field to give the crops exactly what they need. TNM helps farmers use fertilizers more efficiently by combining traditional farming knowledge with modern technology. This leads to better crop growth, healthier soil, and reduced waste,” he said.

 Rizwan said, “TNM focuses on site-specific soil improvements and providing crops with the right nutrients in the right amount, at the right time, and in the right place.“ Today’s farmers are facing growing challenges, including rising input costs, environmental concerns, and pressure to feed an expanding global population, he said. To stay productive and sustainable, he suggested that farmers must adopt smarter practices to ensure long-term success.

Improvement of crop productivity and soil health is necessary for Pakistan, as agriculture plays a key role in the country’s economy, employing more than 38% of the labour force and contributing 20% to the GDP, he said. Many tools and techniques are applied in TNM to achieve the desired results, he added.

Checking the soil and plant condition is the first and most important step in using fertilizers the right way, he said. Soil tests help identify which nutrients are missing, while plant tests indicate how well crops are absorbing those nutrients, he added. “This helps farmers use fertilizers only when and where they are needed, saving money and improving crop growth,” he stressed. Rizwan said that while basic fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are important, they may not be enough on their own. The TNM has special fertilizer blends that also include other important nutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and boron.

“These custom mixes are designed to meet the specific needs of different crops and regions, helping improve crop health and yields,” he added. He said the timing of fertilizer use is very important because if fertilizers are applied too early, especially when the soil is wet, they can wash away before the plants can use them. The TNM helps farmers apply fertilizers at the right time by using crop growth models and tracking plant stages. This ensures that crops receive the nutrients when they need them most, leading to improved growth and reduced waste.

Just like humans, he said, plants need a wide range of nutrients to stay healthy. In TNM, experts recommend using biostimulants to help plants absorb nutrients more effectively, better handle stress, and grow stronger. Although micronutrients like zinc and iron are required in small amounts, they play a significant role in helping plants grow and remain healthy. Rizwan said modern TNM uses digital tools like sensors, drones, mobile apps, and mapping systems to help the farmers. These tools collect real-time information about the soil and crops, making it easier for the farmers and experts to decide when and how much fertilizer to use, which leads to better results and more efficient farming, he added.

Discussing the future of TNM, he noted that it is becoming even smarter and more eco-friendly. Artificial intelligence and satellite images are now being used to give accurate fertilizer advice based on crop needs and past data, he added. He said TNM is also working well with regenerative farming methods, such as cover crops and reduced ploughing, which help keep the soil healthy. At the same time, new types of fertilizers – such as slow-release, natural, and nano-based ones – are being developed to use nutrients more efficiently and protect the environment, he added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk