The paper provides an overview of soil-based constraints which are limiting the sustained productivity of agriculture in India. It covers the research activities of the National Agricultural Research network on characterization, genesis and amelioration of soil-related physical, chemical, and biological constraints. Some of the constraints are natural whereas others have arisen due to human interventions. Waterlogging and salinization in irrigation commands of arid and semi-arid regions, overmining of nutrients, and excessive exploitation of underground fresh waters have decreased the productiviy of crops in several region of India. Alternative methods of soil management for improverent of degraded land qualities and maintenance of environment and productivity of the soil resources have been discussed.