Organic carbon also low in more than half of tested samples
Nearly three-fourth of the soil samples tested in India under the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme in the financial year 2025-26 had lower nitrogen content. According to the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, a total of 97.49 lakh soil samples were collected in the FY 2025-26, of which about 93.82 lakh were tested, and soil health cards were generated.
Out of 93.82 lakh samples tested, nitrogen content was found lower in about 59.39 lakh (73%) samples while about 19.37 lakh (24%) samples had medium and about 2.37 lakh (3%) had high nitrogen respectively.
About 33.32 lakh (36%) samples had high, 44.69 lakh (48%) samples medium and 14.36 lakh (16%) samples had low phosphorus content.
About 51.84 lakh (56%) samples had medium, 29.84 lakh (32%) samples high and 10.64 lakh (16%) samples had low potassium content.
Over half 53% (49.75 lakh) of the soil samples had low organic carbon while about 26.58 lakh (28%) samples had medium organic carbon. Organic carbon was found high in about 17.15 lakh (18%) samples.
Soil samples collected: 97,49,844
Soil health cards generated: 93,82,766
Soil Health Card data for FY 2025-26
| Parameter | High | Medium | Low | Key insight |
| Nitrogen (N) | 2.37 lakh (3%) | 19.37 lakh (24%) | 59.39 lakh (73%) | Severe deficiency in most soils |
| Phosphorus (P) | 33.32 lakh (36%) | 44.69 lakh (48%) | 14.36 lakh (16%) | Balanced, but many soils medium |
| Potassium (K) | 29.84 lakh (32%) | 51.84 lakh (56%) | 10.64 lakh (12%) | Mostly medium |
| Organic Carbon (OC) | 17.15 lakh (18%) | 26.58 lakh (28%) | 49.75 lakh (53%) | Half of soils low in organic matter |
Impact on farmers
Yield improvements: Demonstration plots show 15–20% higher yields when SHC recommendations are followed.
Cost savings: Balanced fertilizer use reduces input costs.
Soil sustainability: Organic carbon management (compost, manure) is emphasized to restore fertility.
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