Soil Fertility management, Causes And Consequences

Soil Fertility

1. Soil Fertility Soil Fertility

2. Soil fertility is critical for the development of plants and influences their yield. Fertile fields are a great asset to farmers. But improper agricultural management can lead to land depletion. It is critical to remember the importance of fertilizers and environmentally friendly cultivation methods in increasing field fertility. High yields can be obtained from poor fields with appropriate soil fertility management practices. Hence, growers who understand how to preserve soil fertility can maximize farmland productivity and maintain it over time.

3. What Is Soil Fertility And Why Does It Matter? Soil fertility refers to a soil’s potential to create favorable chemical, physical, and biological conditions and provide all the essential nutrients to support plant growth. It is necessary to understand that mineral nutrients are not food for plants (because plants produce food on their own through photosynthesis), but rather a supplement that provides more energy for plants’ development. Nutrients can speed up plant growth, strengthen their immune systems against pests and diseases, and increase fertility. Fertile soil is perfect for growing crops because it retains an average or high level of valuable micro- and macroelements , ensuring plant strength and health throughout the development cycle. The importance of fertile soil cannot be overstated. Therefore, fertility is one of the first considerations for agricultural producers when planning fieldwork.

4. Inherent or Natural Fertility-  The soil in nature contains nutrients referred to as “inherent fertility.” Plants require nitrate, phosphorus, and potassium nutrients for typical crop growth and production. The percentages of nitrogen in Indian soil are between 0.3 and 0.2, phosphorus is 0.03 and 0.3, and potassium is 0.4 and 0.5. Therefore, natural fertility has a limiting factor that prevents Fertility from falling. Acquired Fertility-  This refers to the fertility produced by using  manures and fertilizers , tillage, irrigation, and other methods. In acquired fertility, there is also a limiting factor. The experiment’s findings demonstrate that increasing the amount of fertilizer used has no appreciable impact on yield. Therefore, it is necessary to use fertilizer in accordance with the nutritional composition of the soil, which evaluate by soil testing.

5. What Makes Soil Fertile Factors that affect soil fertility are classified as direct and indirect. The amount of organic matter, moisture, and field aeration are direct factors. The indirect ones include soil biota activity, tillage methods, and many others . Let us take a look at the most important soil fertility factors.

6. Humus Content Land fertility is proportional to the amount of humus present. Humus contains nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, necessary for most plants. Humus increases soil fertility, creating an ideal microclimate for crop development with a favorable temperature, adequate moisture, and air. Humus content is closely related to types of soil. What type of soil is most fertile? Loam is considered the most fertile soil type, as it is composed of an optimal proportion of clay, sand, and silt, combining their best chemical and physical properties.

7. Soil Texture Particle sizes and their ratios in the ground determine its texture. Soils with small particles, namely clay, have a dense structure that acts as a nutrient container. At the same time, such a structure can make it difficult for plant roots to access nutrients dissolved in water.

8. Mineral Composition The ground’s mineral composition can be used to assess the ground’s ability to store nutrients; it contributes to the stabilization of organic substances in the ground and influences the distribution of microbiota. Chemical and organic fertilizers can alter the mineral composition, increasing soil fertility. Soil pH Why is pH such an important aspect of soil fertility? The pH of soil indicates its alkalinity or acidity, which influences the availability of nutrients to plants. The majority of crops prefer a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 Such limits are referred to as the acidity of fertile soil.

9. Moisture Content Because plants take nutrients directly from water rather than the solid phase of the soil, fertility is heavily dependent on the amount of moisture in the ground. As a result, growers should select lands that provide sufficient hydration to plants. Aeration Aeration is an essential factor in ensuring field fertility. Plant roots require oxygen to thrive. Furthermore, oxygen promotes the vital activity of beneficial microorganisms in the ground, such as aerobic denitrifying and nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

10. Soil Temperature The temperature of the ground influences the activity of beneficial bacteria, nutrient solubility, and plant uptake. Temperatures ranging from 18 to 24°C (65 to 75°F) are ideal for most plants. All processes slow down at low soil temperature, while high temperatures cause pathogens and pests to reproduce quickly and plants to dry out. Soil Biota The biota of soil is exceptionally diverse, containing viruses, bacteria, fungi, and lichens. Microbes can be either plant pathogens or plant growth promoters. So how do microbes contribute to soil fertility? Microorganisms increase land fertility, especially by helping plants to assimilate mineral compounds and participating in the decomposition and decay of organic substances. Which layer of soil is most fertile? Because of its high organic matter and microorganism content, topsoil is the most fertile layer.

11. How To Measure Soil Fertility For evaluating the overall quality of the land and its productivity, in particular, it is necessary to conduct soil testing . As a result, the farmer will receive data on the composition, type, mineral content (e.g., nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus), pH level, and other soil fertility indicators . Testing laboratories can also provide an interpretation of these values and general recommendations for adding nutrients to the soil.

12. Why are soil fertility tests important for farmers? First and foremost, soil fertility analysis reveals deficiencies and missing elements, allowing agricultural producers to understand what needs to be done to boost yields. Notably, the balance of microelements varies depending on the type of soil. Furthermore, each culture has unique trace element requirements. Matching a field’s micronutrient content to crop needs helps determine how fertile the land is for a specific crop.

13. Causes And Consequences Of Decreased Soil Fertility Declining soil fertility occurs when the amount of nutrients removed from the ground exceeds the amount added. Plants will then extract nutrients from ground reserves. Reserves are depleted until no more resources are available for plant development. The following are the primary causes of loss of soil fertility: the use of fertilizers without regard for field conditions; unsuitable cropping system; continuous cultivation of crops; intensive tillage; monoculture cultivation;

14. complete clearing of crop residues; soil erosion and land degradation; unfavorable climate and extreme weather conditions. Loss of soil fertility has a significant negative impact not only on agricultural production but also on the surrounding ecosystems. Land depletion causes desertification, biodiversity loss, pollution of water bodies, and potentially dangerous changes in waterways .

15. 1. Summer ploughing Usually done in the summer when the field is empty, ploughing the farms across the slope has many advantages for the soil since it allows for aeration, reduces erosion, and increases the soil’s ability to retain water. Additionally, it destroys the eggs, larvae, and pupae of pests and the fungus growing on the field. 2. Regular Soil Testing Regular soil testing can educate you on the nutrients lacking in your soil and the crops that will grow best there. In addition, knowing the actual state of your soil will enable you to provide it with the nutrients it needs to keep the balance of nutrients. 3. Use organic fertilizers and pesticides By replacing inorganic matter with organic matter, you can avoid the negative impacts of artificial pesticides and fertilizers that slowly contaminate and deteriorate your soil. 4. Growing cover crops along with crops You can maintain the soil’s quality, water, and fertility by growing cover crops with your crops, such as oats. They shield your soil from weeds, erosion, pests, and too much sun exposure as they cover the soil.

16. 5. Crop Rotation Crop rotation on the same field can promote soil self-sufficiency by preventing the depletion of one set of nutrients and controlling weeds and pests .  The crop set is specially created according to season and soil needs, reducing its reliance on external fertilizers, the chance of developing resistant weeds, and improving the soil texture. 6. Intercropping Growing different crops side by side to support one another and increase output is known as intercropping. You have to select crops carefully to complement one another depending on their size, roots, nutritional needs, and potential pest attacks. You can use it to improve your soil’s yield and  organic matter . 7. Proper use of tillage Improper tillage can reduce yield and degrade the soil. However, when used correctly, it can help reduce erosion, eliminate pests and weeds, and boost your soil’s water-holding capacity. So be cautious while using tillage in your field.

17. How To Improve Soil Fertility Even fertile land depletes over time, so fertility must not only be preserved but also improved. Crop rotation, fertilization, mixed planting, sowing green manure, mulching , and fallowing help to increase field fertility. The impact of living organisms on farmland fertility is also hard to overestimate: earthworms, beneficial fungi, bacteria, and protozoan unicellular organisms are extremely helpful to the soil . They improve its structure and water-holding capacity by processing organic residues or parasitizing microorganisms . Natural pest enemies, such as birds that eat insect larvae or weed seeds , also indirectly increase soil fertility.

18. 1. Crop Rotation Repeated cultivation of the same crops in the same field, season after season, reduces field fertility by removing the same chemical elements from the ground. Crop rotation is a viable solution to this problem, as it not only slows land depletion but also aids in improving soil fertility. Because each plant has different microbiological preferences, crop rotation promotes microflora diversity. Crops that improve soil fertility include hay plants and legumes. How do legumes improve land fertility? The association between legumes, such as soybeans and alfalfa, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria Rhizobium adds nitrogen to the farmland. The nitrogen-fixing properties of legumes are determined by plant size and age; the older and larger the crop, the greater the enrichment.

19. 2. No-Till Farming The rejection of tillage allows for the strengthening of soil structure and the slowing of erosive processes. At the same time, the amount of organic matter in the ground increases, carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere decrease, and the life of beneficial microorganisms and worms is preserved. Furthermore, farm workers can devote time previously spent on tillage to other, more useful activities. Thus, no-till farming benefits everyone: it improves soil fertility, saves farmers time and resources, and positively impacts the environment.

20. 3. Fertilization Legumes naturally compensate for the plant’s lack of nitrogen, but this is not always sufficient. Besides, the fertility of the field depends on the presence of other vital nutrients. Therefore, fertilizers are required. What Minerals Make Soil Rich And Fertile? Mineral content is one of the vital characteristics of fertile soil. Plants require six essential elements to grow. There are three critical minerals and three additional ones, each with its own unique role. In addition to the minerals listed, plants also need trace amounts of the following eight micronutrients: iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), boron (B), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), chlorine (Cl).

21. How Does Fertilization Enhance Soil Fertility? A bountiful harvest is directly proportional to the availability of micro and macro elements required by plants. Fertilization of fields is thus one of the farmers’ primary and ongoing tasks. Fertilizers are classified into two types: Organic fertilizers are safe and environmentally friendly because they are obtained from natural (organic) substances, such as manure and compost. Organic fertilizers assist in restoring soil fertility in the long run. Their disadvantage is that they do not dissolve in water, minerals are slowly released from them, and the participation of microorganisms is required to acquire a form that can be assimilated by plants. Synthetic (chemical) fertilizers are a product of the chemical industry. They dissolve quickly in water and are rapidly absorbed, providing an immediate effect. Excessive use of these fertilizers, however, can harm crops, field health, and the environment by infiltrating and contaminating water bodies.

22. For high-quality fertilization, farmers must carefully choose not only the type and quantity but also the timing. Different fertilizers serve different purposes and must be used at various stages of fieldwork. Organic fertilizers work best in the fall because they have more time to rot and release nutrients. Synthetic fertilizers are especially suited to achieve faster crop development in the spring and throughout the season.

23. 4. Green Manure Seeding Green manures cover the field with vegetation, preventing erosion and retaining moisture. However, the advantages of green manure go beyond this. They are high in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, starch, and protein. Green fertilizers include buckwheat, radish, mustard, barley, wheat, rye, and legumes.

24. A green manure crop’s main job is to prepare the soil for succeeding plantings.  Green manures function by absorbing soil nutrients and storing them within their bodies.  These crops are not harvested and removed from the land because this would deplete the soil’s nutrients, but you can plant them into the soil while still green.  When plants return to the soil, they gradually decay and deliver these nutrients to the following crop.  Several soil species and microorganisms use green manure as a food supply constantly.  For the health of the soil, soil fauna is widespread.  Their movement and activity contribute to forming a good soil structure, and their feeding on organic matter allows for its distribution in soils.  Green manuring is a technique that may use on big and small agricultural fields.

25. 5. Earthworms The presence of nutrients in the ground does not imply that its physical conditions are plant-friendly. Because ground compaction makes it difficult to deliver necessary chemical elements to crop roots, fertility is also determined by the number of earthworms. How do earthworms improve soil fertility? The role of earthworms in soil fertility is enormous: they loosen the ground, digest organic residues, increase oxygen supply, and produce humus.

26. 7. Organic matter The best method for increasing soil fertility is by adding various organic materials.  To start, manure must be added to provide nitrogen, a crucial element of fertile soil.  Farm animal manure, such as that from pigs and cows, is an excellent option in this situation. However, dung from healthy, free-range animals is better to manure from factory-farmed creatures.  Manure from unhealthy animals contains more pathogens that can infect your crops.  Thus, you must wait at least 3 months before spreading the animal waste on the garden bed or harvesting your crops, even if it is in good condition. By doing this, contamination can be avoided.

27. 8. Biochar Biochar improves soil fertility by acting as a direct nutrient source or changing the soil’s physicochemical properties.  The nutritional value of biochar is determined by the feedstock used.  To guarantee low volatilization of vital nutrients, optimal pyrolysis conditions must be used.  Furthermore, most of the nutrients in biochar have to be in bio-available forms.  When applied to soil, biochar provides an effective slow-release nitrogen source. However, it does not make sustained assistance to soil fertility.  When biochar is applied to acidic soils, the pH of the soil rises, increasing agricultural production.  Additionally, biochar can increase soil CEC and serve as a stable carbon source in the soil, protecting numerous micro- and macronutrients.  Biochar particle macropores control soil aeration, water infiltration, and water holding capacity (WHC).  In addition, the overall soil enzyme, which originates from MO, plants, and animals, is also improved by biochar treatment.

28. 9. Mulching Mulch is a substance spread over the soil’s surface which you can use for several reasons, including- Soil moisture conservation. Enhancing the soil’s Fertility and health. Reducing the weed’s growth. Improving the area’s aesthetic attractiveness. Mulch is usually, but not always, organic. It may be both temporary and permanent. You can utilize it on bare soil or in plant-surrounded areas.  Compost or manure mulches will naturally absorbed into the soil by worms and other creatures.  When carried out correctly, the process can significantly increase soil productivity and is utilized in commercial crop production and gardening.

29. 10. Mixed Cropping Sowing various crops in the same area to prevent soil erosion and spreading soil-borne plant diseases is a lesser-known approach to improving soil fertility.  Additionally, adding nitrate to the soil will help the legumes grow better. Finally, utilize deep-rooted veggies wherever possible to improve soil fertility organically. These are the five tips that will help you increase your soil fertility.