SOIL NUTRIENT DEPLETION AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: INTEGRATING GEOCHEMISTRY WITH ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION STRATEGIES

Abstract

Soil nutrient depletion is one of the most pressing global challenges to sustainable agriculture and food security. Intensive farming practices, overuse of chemical fertilizers, monocropping, and poor land management have caused significant declines in essential macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients (zinc, iron, boron) in soils worldwide. The geochemical dynamics of nutrient depletion, including leaching, erosion, and chemical immobilization, further exacerbate the issue. This article presents an interdisciplinary analysis, integrating geochemistry and ecological restoration approaches for sustainable agriculture. The study highlights three thematic dimensions: (1) biological and geochemical mechanisms of nutrient depletion, (2) applied strategies such as soil amendments, organic recycling, biochar, and microbial consortia for nutrient restoration, and (3) challenges, opportunities, and policy implications for scaling sustainable practices. Two illustrative graphs and one table demonstrate global trends in nutrient loss and potential restorative solutions. The discussion emphasizes the synergy between soil geochemistry, ecological principles, and policy frameworks as pivotal for maintaining soil fertility under climate change. The article concludes that integrated nutrient management, ecological engineering, and investment in restoration technologies are essential pathways toward resilient and sustainable food systems.