Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

The agricultural sector is fundamental to human civilization since it provides food and other basic needs to billions of people. Given that 9.7 billion people are expected to live on Earth by 2050, food production needs to increase by 70%. The population is predicted to become more urbanized by 2050, with 75% of people likely to live in metropolitan regions. Improved agricultural techniques and the promotion of high-yielding cultivars are essential to addressing the issues of sustainability and food security. The Green Revolution changed agriculture in India, resulting in a food surplus. However, it has resulted in difficulties such as lower crop output, resource depletion, and environmental deterioration. In response, new techniques such as zero-budget natural farming (ZBNF) have evolved. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a sustainable farming approach aimed at improving soil health, increasing crop output, and lowering production costs. The foundations of ZBNF are examined in this review study along with how they affect agricultural output, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic advantages. ZBNF places a strong emphasis on using organic inputs and natural resources such as jeevamrita, bijamrita, acchadana and whapasa to increase microbial diversity, improve soil fertility, encourage nutrient cycling, and save water. ZBNF can lower production costs, boost crop yield, and enhance soil health. It also confers better emergence parameters, relative leaf water content, root parameters, and overall yield and productivity on plant growth. Additionally, ZBNF supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals by encouraging sustainable agriculture, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and improving rural lives.