The correct answer is Imbalanced and excessive use of chemical fertilizers. Explanation:The concept of integrated nutrient management in agriculture was initiated mainly because of imbalanced and excessive use of chemical fertilizers, increasing prices of chemical fertilizers, Imbalance in the NPK consumption, pollution hazard of chemical fertilizers, Deterioration in soil health and its physical properties and biological activity. Integrated Nutrient management system is promotion and maintenance of soil fertility for sustainable crop productivity through optimum use of all resources of nutrients like organic, inorganic and biological in an integrated manner appropriate to farming situation. The key principle of integrated nutrient management is Improvement of soil fertility and productivity on sustainable basis through appropriate use of fertilizers and organic manures. Integrated nutrient management emphasis the use of all the essential nutrients from different sources like organic manures, green manures, bio-fertilizers, chemical fertilizers, bio-fertilizers, legume crops, locally available plant resources in a balanced proportion for sustainable soil health and productivity. Additional InformationObjectives of INM Reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. Maintaining productivity on sustainable basis without affecting soil health. Conserving locally available resources & utilize them judiciously. Maintaining soil health by providing balanced nutrients through different nutrient sources. Reducing the gap between utilised nutrients & nutrients harvested by the crop. Improving physical, chemical & biological properties of soil. Reducing the ill effects of continuous use of only inorganic chemical fertilizers. Increasing the fertilizer use efficiency (FUE). Improving the economical status of farmers.