Unit 2

ORGANIC FERTILIZERS

Organic fertilizers, such as farmyard manure and biofertilizers, play a vital

role in sustainable agriculture by providing essential nutrients to crops
while improving soil health and fertility. Here's a detailed explanation of
each:

Farmyard Manure (FYM):Farmyard manure, also known as organic manure or

compost, is a traditional and widely used organic fertilizer derived from
decomposed animal waste, crop residues, and organic matter.Preparation: FYM
is typically produced by composting a mixture of animal dung (from cattle,
horses, poultry, etc.), crop residues, straw, leaves, and other organic materials.
The composting process involves stacking these materials in layers, adding
water and microbial inoculants, and periodically turning the pile to promote
decomposition.Nutrient Content: FYM is rich in organic matter, nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and other micronutrients. Its nutrient content
varies depending on the source materials and composting process.

Benefits:Soil Enrichment: FYM improves soil structure, water retention, and

aeration, enhancing soil fertility and promoting microbial activity.Nutrient Supply:
It releases nutrients slowly and steadily, providing a balanced supply of essential
nutrients to crops over time.Organic Matter: FYM increases soil organic matter
content, contributing to long-term soil health and sustainability.Environmental
Benefits: Using FYM reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers, minimizing nutrient
runoff and environmental pollution.Uses: FYM can be applied as a soil
amendment or incorporated into the soil before planting. It is suitable for a wide
range of crops, including vegetables, fruits, cereals, and ornamental plants.

Biofertilizers:Biofertilizers are natural or microbial-based products containing

beneficial microorganisms that enhance nutrient availability, promote plant
growth, and improve soil health.Types of Biofertilizers:Nitrogen-fixing
Biofertilizers: These contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium,
Azotobacter, and Azospirillum, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form
usable by plants (ammonia or nitrates).Phosphorus-solubilizing Biofertilizers:
These contain phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, such as
phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and mycorrhizal fungi, which help
solubilize insoluble phosphorus in the soil, making it available to
plants.Potassium-mobilizing Biofertilizers: These contain microorganisms, such
as potassium-solubilizing bacteria (KSB), that enhance the availability of
potassium to plants by releasing it from soil minerals.

Benefits:Nutrient Cycling: Biofertilizers improve nutrient cycling in the soil,

making nutrients more accessible to plants and reducing the need for chemical
fertilizers.Soil Health: They enhance soil fertility, structure, and biological activity,
leading to improved plant growth and yield.Environmental Sustainability:
Biofertilizers promote sustainable agriculture practices by reducing the use of
synthetic fertilizers and minimizing environmental impacts.Uses: Biofertilizers are
typically applied to seeds, roots, or soil as inoculants. They are suitable for a
wide range of crops, especially legumes (for nitrogen-fixing biofertilizers) and
crops with high phosphorus requirements.

INORGANIC FERTILIZERS

Inorganic fertilizers, also known as synthetic or chemical fertilizers, are

manufactured products containing concentrated nutrients essential for plant
growth. The three primary types of inorganic fertilizers are nitrogenous,
phosphatic, and potassic fertilizers. Here's a detailed explanation of each

NITROGENOUS FERTILIZERS:Nitrogenous fertilizers supply nitrogen (N) to

plants, which is a crucial nutrient required for their growth and development.
Nitrogen plays a vital role in the formation of proteins, enzymes, chlorophyll, and
other essential molecules.Types of Nitrogenous Fertilizers:Urea: Urea is the most
commonly used nitrogenous fertilizer, containing about 46% nitrogen. It is highly
soluble in water and suitable for a wide range of crops.Ammonium Nitrate:
Ammonium nitrate is another nitrogenous fertilizer containing both ammonium
and nitrate forms of nitrogen. It is commonly used for quick-release nitrogen
applications but can be prone to nitrogen loss through leaching and
volatilization.Ammonium Sulfate: Ammonium sulfate provides nitrogen in the
ammonium form, along with sulfur. It is suitable for crops with sulfur
deficiencies.Uses: Nitrogenous fertilizers are applied to crops to promote
vegetative growth, enhance leaf and stem development, and increase overall
plant vigor. They are particularly beneficial for leafy vegetables, grains, grasses,
and crops with high nitrogen requirements.

Phosphatic Fertilizers:Phosphatic fertilizers supply phosphorus (P) to plants,

which is essential for root development, flowering, fruiting, and overall plant
metabolism. Phosphorus is involved in energy transfer within the plant and plays
a crucial role in DNA and RNA synthesis.Types of Phosphatic Fertilizers:Single
Superphosphate (SSP): SSP is produced by reacting phosphate rock with
sulfuric acid to make it soluble. It typically contains 16-20% phosphorus.Triple
Superphosphate (TSP): TSP is a more concentrated form of phosphorus
fertilizer, containing about 44-46% phosphorus. It is produced by treating
phosphate rock with phosphoric acid.Diammonium Phosphate (DAP): DAP is a
widely used phosphatic fertilizer containing both nitrogen and phosphorus. It is
highly soluble and provides readily available phosphorus to plants.Uses:
Phosphatic fertilizers are applied to crops during the early stages of growth to
promote root development, improve flowering and fruit set, and enhance overall
plant resilience. They are beneficial for crops such as fruits, vegetables,
legumes, and root crops.

Potassic Fertilizers:Potassic fertilizers supply potassium (K) to plants, which is

essential for enzyme activation, osmoregulation, water uptake, and overall plant
vigor. Potassium plays a crucial role in improving plant tolerance to various
stresses, including drought, disease, and cold temperatures.Types of Potassic
Fertilizers:Potassium Chloride (Muriate of Potash): Potassium chloride is the
most common potassic fertilizer, containing about 60-62% potassium. It is highly
soluble and provides a readily available source of potassium to plants.Potassium
Sulfate: Potassium sulfate provides potassium along with sulfur. It is suitable for
crops with sulfur deficiencies and is often preferred for chloride-sensitive
crops.Uses: Potassic fertilizers are applied to crops to improve fruit quality,
enhance disease resistance, increase drought tolerance, and promote overall
plant health and vigor. They are beneficial for fruits, vegetables, grains, and
crops grown in potassium-deficient soils.
Residual effects of fertilizers

Residual effects of fertilizers refer to the long-lasting impact that fertilizers can
have on soil, plants, and the environment even after their initial application.
Here's a detailed explanation:

Soil Fertility: Fertilizers contain nutrients essential for plant growth, such as
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When applied to soil, these nutrients are
absorbed by plants, but some may remain in the soil. Over time, these residual
nutrients can continue to benefit future plant growth, improving soil fertility.

Nutrient Leaching: However, excessive use of fertilizers can lead to nutrient

leaching, where nutrients not taken up by plants can seep into groundwater or
runoff into nearby water bodies. This can cause water pollution and
eutrophication, leading to harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion in aquatic
ecosystems.

Environmental Impact: Residual fertilizers can also contribute to environmental

degradation by disrupting natural ecosystems. Excessive nitrogen can lead to
soil acidification, reduced biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions,
such as nitrous oxide. Phosphorus runoff can cause water bodies to become
choked with algae, disrupting aquatic habitats.

Long-term Effects: Some fertilizers, particularly those containing synthetic

chemicals, can persist in the environment for long periods, leading to cumulative
effects over time. These residues may accumulate in soil and water, posing risks
to human health and ecosystem integrity.

Soil Degradation: Continuous use of fertilizers without proper soil management

practices can degrade soil quality over time. This may lead to soil compaction,
erosion, loss of organic matter, and decreased soil fertility, ultimately reducing
agricultural productivity.

Mitigation Strategies: To minimize the residual effects of fertilizers, sustainable

agricultural practices such as precision nutrient management, crop rotation,
cover cropping, and integrated pest management should be adopted. These
practices help optimize fertilizer use, reduce nutrient runoff, and improve soil
health, thereby mitigating the negative impacts of fertilizers on the environment.