Improving soil fertility is essential for sustainable agriculture and increasing crop yields. Here are some soil management practices that can help increase the fertility status of soil:

1. Organic Matter Addition: Incorporating organic matter into the soil through practices like composting, cover cropping, and applying animal manure helps to increase soil fertility. Organic matter enhances nutrient availability, improves soil structure, and encourages beneficial microbial activity.

2. Crop Rotation: Implementing a diverse crop rotation system can help break pest and disease cycles, prevent nutrient depletion, and promote the build-up of soil nutrients. Different crops have different nutrient requirements and interactions with the soil, so rotating crops helps maintain soil fertility.

3. Green Manure and Cover Crops: Planting cover crops or green manure between cash crop cycles helps to protect the soil from erosion, fix nitrogen, and scavenge nutrients from deeper soil layers, making them available for the subsequent crops.

4. Reduced Tillage or No-Till Farming: Minimizing soil disturbance through reduced tillage or no-till farming conserves soil structure, prevents erosion, and reduces nutrient losses. It also encourages the build-up of organic matter in the soil.

5. Mulching: Applying organic or inorganic mulches on the soil surface helps retain moisture, regulate temperature, suppress weed growth, and gradually release nutrients back into the soil as the mulch decomposes.

6. Balanced Fertilization: Using fertilizers that supply a balanced mix of essential nutrients tailored to the crop’s needs helps maintain soil fertility. Soil testing can guide the appropriate application of fertilizers, avoiding nutrient imbalances and overuse.

7. pH Management: Maintaining the soil’s pH within the optimal range for the specific crop is crucial for nutrient availability. Liming can be done to raise pH if it is too acidic, and sulfur amendments can be used to lower pH if it is too alkaline.

8. Compost Tea and Microbial Inoculants: Applying compost tea or microbial inoculants can introduce beneficial microorganisms into the soil, promoting nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and overall soil health.

9. Irrigation Management: Efficient water management is crucial for soil fertility. Overwatering can lead to nutrient leaching, while under-watering can limit crop growth. Adopting proper irrigation practices helps optimize nutrient uptake by crops.

10. Crop Residue Management: Leaving crop residues on the soil surface after harvest can protect the soil from erosion and add organic matter, which gradually decomposes and enriches the soil.

11. Nutrient Recycling: Implementing practices like crop residue recycling and using agricultural by-products as inputs can recycle nutrients back into the soil, reducing the need for external inputs.

12. Agroforestry and Alley Cropping: Introducing trees into agricultural systems through agroforestry or alley cropping can enhance nutrient cycling, soil structure, and biodiversity, improving overall soil fertility.

Remember, soil fertility management is a dynamic process that should be adapted to specific soil types, crops, and local conditions. A comprehensive soil testing and analysis will help tailor the best-suited practices for your particular situation.