**7. Future research gaps**

Many studies on soil amendments have highlighted the positive impact of soil amendments viz., manure, compost, biofertilizers, biosolids etc. on crop yield. Gypsum application on oilseed crops has enhanced oilseed yield and quality. However, studies on nutrient release pattern, carbon sequestration and build-up of contaminants in soil with amendments application, though are slow process, but could be evaluated in oilseed cropping sequence. Influence of biosolids, animal manures, industrial waste etc. effect on oil quality can be tested to determine the impact of soil amendments. Biochar amendment is added to many field crops, but its application on oilseed crop is less studied. Studies on impact of biochar amendment on oilseed crop will improve understanding on carbon sequestration and oilseed quality. Exploring the possibility of converting woody CR like cotton, castor, pigeonpea stalks etc. into biochar amendments for soil carbon management. Biofertilizers or microbial inoculants for improving composting process of CR and its impact on oilseed crops is lacking. Most of the studies in oilseed are associated

### *Soil Amendments: An Ecofriendly Approach for Soil Health Improvement and Sustainable… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.106606*

with rhizobial strains in soybean and groundnut crops. Limited studies are reported on the use of phosphate solubilizing microbes, sulfur oxidizing organisms, micro-nutrient activating microbes etc. in oilseed crop production of semi-arid regions. Studies on the effect of soil amendments on oilseed crops such as safflower, seasame are lacking. More research is needed to enhance nutrient content in composts and accelerate process of composting using suitable microbial consortia. More research is needed to transfer the advanced scientific knowledge for composting, enriching with micro-nutrients, use of different strains of microbes, reducing nutrient loss with additives should be promoted. Sound approaches to educate and create awareness among farmers about the benefits of various soil amendments in improving soil health, rather than supplying nutrients.
