Farmers use fertilisers as a way to boost their crop’s production. In addition to crop losses, abuse of these pesticides might result in a loss of cash. In impoverished nations, farmers are often unaware of the impact of fertilisers.
The crop’s major supply of nutrients, such as minerals, can be found in the soil itself. However, certain soils lack minerals or are unsuitable for growing crops. Even though the soil is repeatedly cultivated, it can lose its fertility. In such circumstances, nutrients from an external source must be added to the soil.
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Fertilisers and Manure
Manure
Manuring is the addition of nutrients to the crop through the use of natural or chemical sources. Dead plant, animal, and human wastes, as well as excreta and other wastes, are examples of natural sources. As they decompose, they produce organic materials known as “organic manure” or “manure.”
The soil’s water holding capacity, aeration, and texture are all improved by the addition of manure. As a result, a new farming practice known as organic farming was created, in which only organic fertilisers, herbicides, and the like are employed.
Fertilisers
Ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate and urea are examples of organic fertilisers. Fertilisers are chemical mixtures. Plant nutrients including potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus are found in them. Agricultural fertilisers are often produced in factories and sold to farmers. They have increased the yield by accident.
The use of chemical fertilisers must be done with extreme caution. Their excessive usage may lead to soil infertility, water contamination, and even disease if they are not used properly. It has a negative effect on the crop in the long run. As a result, organic manure should be preferred over chemical fertilisers.
Soil replenishment alternatives include vermicomposting, crop rotation, and the cultivation of leguminous plants, among others.
- Compost made from the activity of different types of earthworms on organic wastes is known as vermicompost or vermiculture. Manure is made out of them.
- Crop rotation is a centuries-old strategy of cultivating a variety of crops at different times of the year. This boosts the soil’s mineral content. Rotation of crops can also include leguminous plants such as peas in some areas.
- Nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium are found in leguminous plants’ root nodules. Soil fertility is improved through the fixation of nitrogen by these bacteria.
The health of the crop depends on the replenishment of the soil.
Differentiating between manure and fertiliser
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Fertiliser |
Manure |
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It could be made of synthetic materials or be derived from living organisms. |
As a natural product, this one is safe to use. |
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These are chemicals that are added to the soil to increase its fertility and productivity. |
Dead plants and animals are used to extract these substances. |
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Produced industrially. |
In the fields, they’re ready. |
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The soil does not benefit from the addition of humus. |
Humus enriches the soil. |
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Nutrient-rich for plants. |
Nutrient content for plants is lower. |
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Plants easily take up the nutrients. |
Slowly ingested by plants. |
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Costly |
Cheaper and more cost-effective than average |
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It affects soil organisms and can cause health problems for people who eat the crop. |
It is safe for the organisms and enhances soil quality without causing any harm to it. |
Conclusion
From the following article we can conclude that Fertilizers are synthesized in factories, whereas manures are derived from natural sources. In contrast, fertilisers kill beneficial soil bacteria and reduce soil fertility if used for lengthy periods of time.