Adding Manure And Fertilisers

key notes :

Importance of Manure and Fertilizers:

  • Essential for providing nutrients to plants.
  • Improves soil fertility and crop yield.

Manure:

  • Definition: Organic matter derived from animal excreta, plant residues, and other natural sources.
  • Types of Manure:
  • Farmyard Manure (FYM): Composed of animal dung, urine, and straw.
  • Green Manure: Plants grown and plowed back into the soil to add nutrients.
  • Compost: Decomposed organic matter from kitchen waste, leaves, and other plant materials.
  • Benefits of Manure:
    • Improves soil structure and water-holding capacity.
    • Increases microbial activity in the soil.
    • Releases nutrients slowly over time.

Fertilizers:

  • Definition: Chemical or synthetic substances that provide specific nutrients to plants.
  • Types of Fertilizers:
  • Nitrogenous Fertilizers: Provide nitrogen (e.g., urea, ammonium nitrate).
  • Phosphatic Fertilizers: Provide phosphorus (e.g., superphosphate, bone meal).
  • Potassic Fertilizers: Provide potassium (e.g., potassium sulfate, muriate of potash).
  • Mixed Fertilizers: Contain a combination of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium).
  • Benefits of Fertilizers:
    • Provide nutrients quickly and in precise amounts.
    • Enhance plant growth and increase crop yield.
    • Suitable for addressing specific nutrient deficiencies in the soil.

Application Methods:

  • Broadcasting: Spreading manure or fertilizers evenly over the soil surface.
  • Band Placement: Placing fertilizers in bands close to the seed rows.
  • Foliar Application: Spraying liquid fertilizers directly on plant leaves.
  • Drip Fertigation: Delivering liquid fertilizers through drip irrigation systems.

Difference Between Manure and Fertilizers:

  • Manure:
    • Natural, organic sources.
    • Improve soil health and structure.
    • Slow release of nutrients.
  • Fertilizers:
    • Synthetic or chemical sources.
    • Provide specific nutrients quickly.
    • Risk of overuse leading to soil and water pollution.

Balanced Use:

  • Combining the use of manure and fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.
  • Ensures a steady supply of nutrients and maintains soil health.

Environmental Impact:

  • Overuse of chemical fertilizers can lead to soil degradation and water pollution.
  • Organic manure helps in sustainable farming practices.

Let’s practice!