Concept of Organic Fertilizers
Organic fertilizers are derived from organic matter and are essential for providing a variety of nutrients to crops while improving soil fertility. They play a crucial role in agricultural production by enhancing soil health and crop growth.
Types of Organic Fertilizers
Farmyard Manure: These are slow-release fertilizers containing biological substances, plant and animal residues, excreta, and biological wastes. Examples include human excrement, manure, compost, slurry, biogas fertilizers, green manure, crop residues, mud fertilizers, seaweed fertilizers, and humic acid fertilizers.
Bio-fertilizers: Produced using specific microorganisms to enhance nutrient supply, promote plant growth, increase yields, and improve the ecological environment. Includes microbial inoculants, compound microbial fertilizers, and bio-organic fertilizers.
Organic-Inorganic Compound Fertilizers: These combine organic matter with chemical fertilizers to offer a balanced nutrient supply.
Functions of Organic Fertilizers
Nutrient Supply: Rich in macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), secondary nutrients (calcium, magnesium, sulfur), and trace elements (iron, manganese, boron, zinc, copper, molybdenum). They offer comprehensive nutrition, enhance soil organic matter, and improve soil properties.
Soil Improvement: Contain humic acids that help form soil aggregates, improve soil aeration, and water retention, benefiting root growth and microbial activity.
Enhancing Product Quality: Promote photosynthesis and increase resistance to drought, diseases, and pests, improving crop quality and reducing pesticide use.
Role of Organic Fertilizers in Agricultural Production
Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture: Organic fertilizers, alone or with inorganic fertilizers, improve soil structure, enhance fertility, and sustain productivity. Historical evidence highlights their importance for sustainable agriculture.
Source of Energy for Soil Microorganisms: Increase soil organic matter, providing nutrients and energy for microbial activities that promote crop growth.
Enhancing Soil Water and Nutrient Retention: Increase humus content, enhancing the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients while reducing loss.
Primary Nutrient Source for Green Food Production: Essential for green food production, which emphasizes organic and bio-fertilizers while minimizing chemical use. Organic fertilizers support all-round nutrition, soil health, and crop quality.
Organic fertilizers, derived from organic matter, are vital for providing essential nutrients, improving soil structure, and promoting microbial activity. Types include farmyard manure, bio-fertilizers, and organic-inorganic compounds. They enhance soil fertility and water retention, crucial for green food production. Home waste disposers aid this process by converting kitchen waste into organic fertilizers, supporting eco-friendly agricultural practices.
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