Adding Manure And Fertilisers
key notes :
Introduction
- Manure and fertilizers are substances used to improve soil fertility and enhance plant growth.
- They provide essential nutrients that plants need to grow healthily.
Manure
Definition: Organic matter obtained by the decomposition of plant and animal wastes.
Types of Manure:
- Compost: Decomposed organic matter.
- Farmyard Manure (FYM): A mixture of cattle dung, urine, and litter.
- Green Manure: Crops like legumes (e.g., clover) are grown and plowed back into the soil to enrich it.
Advantages of Manure:
- Improves soil structure and aeration.
- Increases water-holding capacity.
- Enhances microbial activity in soil.
- Does not pollute the environment.
Fertilizers
Definition: Chemically prepared substances rich in specific nutrients.
Common Fertilizers:
- Nitrogen-based (e.g., Urea): Promotes leaf growth.
- Phosphorus-based (e.g., DAP): Aids root and flower development.
- Potassium-based (e.g., Muriate of Potash): Improves disease resistance and overall plant health.
Advantages of Fertilizers:
- Provides specific nutrients quickly.
- Enhances crop yield significantly.
Disadvantages of Fertilizers:
- Overuse can lead to soil and water pollution.
- Reduces soil fertility over time.
Differences Between Manure and Fertilizers
Importance of Using Both
- Using manure and fertilizers together ensures long-term soil fertility.
- While fertilizers provide an immediate nutrient boost, manure enhances the soil’s overall quality.
Best Practices
- Avoid overuse of fertilizers to prevent soil degradation.
- Regularly add manure to maintain soil health.
- Use organic farming techniques where possible.
Conclusion
- Balanced use of manure and fertilizers helps in sustainable agriculture.
- Awareness and proper practices can prevent environmental damage.
Let’s practice!
