Executive Summary : | Rice, an ancient crop and a major source of human civilization's survival, is a significant global crop. India, a major rice producer, faces declining agro-sustainability due to soil depletion. Eastern India is considered the 'rice bowl', with rice diversified in various ecologies and influenced by irrigation water availability. Rice is also prevalent in intensive production systems, including long-term organic/integrated nutrient management/fertilizer-based, cropping system-based, farming system-based, and coastal areas. This study aims to identify key soil indicators in four ecosystems (upland, lowland organic/INM, coastal, and tribal areas) under long-term rice cultivation in Odisha and Jharkhand. These soil indicators will be used to develop a soil quality index (SQI) based on commonality of occurrence, screened through Minimum Data Set (MDS). An integrative approach will be followed, including indicator identification, interpretation, and integration. The study also focuses on the quality parameters of rice grains and their relation to soil quality. The research suggests that adding nutritional aspects of crops may be a management goal in soil quality, such as crop productivity and environmental protection. The triangular relationship between soil quality, crop yield, and grain quality may lead to sustainability in contrasting rice-based ecosystems. The research proposal can serve as a monitoring tool for each system, measuring soil health in relation to sustainable systems in the long run. |