Integrated Nutrient and Disease Management Practices in Root and Tuber Crops

Root and tuber crops are the second group of cultivated species after cereals as global sources of carbohydrates. These crops have become the major issue of interest in the last few years since their production requires very low inputs and hence they contribute significantly to world food and nutritional security with immense industrial uses. The flexible adaptability of these crops to marginal soils and contribution to food security in households have made them an important component in improving the welfare of poor farmers. However, the repeated use of fertilizers, fungal chemicals, and antibiotics for prolonged times has not only led to resistance development in concerned crops but also enhanced toxicity in the environment. Also, diseases due to bacterial and fungal pathogens are the second major cause of concern for reducing the productivity that causes fiscal losses to the growers. Sustainable methods to enhance the income of the farmers growing these tropical food crops employ the judicious use of natural resources like soil microbes, crop residues, and applied resources such as chemical fertilizers, organic manures, and bio-fertilizers. Further, the use of bio-agents/biological control offers the best possible option to increase crop yields by managing the pathogens in an environment-friendly manner. This chapter presents, collates, and discusses the application of sustainable management practices for the improvement of soil health and use of potential biocontrol agents which paves way for enhanced productivity to the development of these crops.