{"id":1933,"date":"2023-11-07T13:35:46","date_gmt":"2023-11-07T11:35:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novasoil-project.eu\/?p=1933"},"modified":"2023-11-07T13:35:47","modified_gmt":"2023-11-07T11:35:47","slug":"a-sustainable-alternative-for-agriculture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novasoil-project.eu\/index.php\/2023\/11\/07\/a-sustainable-alternative-for-agriculture\/","title":{"rendered":"A sustainable alternative for agriculture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fertilisers are chemical substances or compounds that are used to enrich the soil and provide plants with essential nutrients to promote their growth and development. These nutrients typically include macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and micronutrients such as iron, manganese and zinc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although fertilisers are used to correct nutrient deficiencies, improve soil quality and increase crop productivity, they have caused soil and water pollution, acidification, loss of biodiversity and have made us dependent on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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According to EEA data, EU countries used a total of 16.9 million tonnes of fertilisers in 2021. Of this amount, 65% will be mineral fertilisers and 35% organic fertilisers.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nEEA<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Why not organic compounds for use?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is, however, an alternative: the use of organic fertiliser. This is a natural compound derived from organic materials (manure, compost, plant residues and other biodegradable waste) and, unlike synthetic chemical fertilisers, organic fertilisers do not contain artificial ingredients or manufactured chemical compounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, the use of organic fertilisers is considered a sustainable practice in agriculture and horticulture because it reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals and promotes a more natural nutrient cycle. It also helps maintain soil biodiversity and reduces the risk of water and environmental pollution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Organic fertiliser types<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to Naeem et al (2020)1<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0, maintaining soil fertility consists of retaining, cycling and supplying the nutrients necessary for plant growth over several years. This can be achieved through organic soil amendments, which are broken down by the action of soil fauna (e.g. microbial action) into simple elements that can be assimilated by roots (nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, sulphur, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

t would be fair to refer back to the publication by Naeem et al (2020) to identify those organic fertilisers that can be used to improve soil health:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compost<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Compost is an organic product obtained through the process of controlled decomposition of organic materials, such as food waste, garden waste, leaves, branches and other biodegradable materials. The main decomposers are bacteria, fungi and protozoa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manure<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Farmyard manure, made up of animal excrement together with straw and hay), has been the traditional fertiliser par excellence. Although it is readily available and contains all the nutrients required by plants, care must be taken because it may contain pathogens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green manure<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is non-decomposed plant matter, which can be obtained by collecting plant debris (leaves and branches) or by turning over some crops such as leguminous plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Algae biofertilisers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

These are organic products derived from seaweed (e.g. Azolla pinnata<\/em>) and are used as a source of nutrients and soil amendments in agriculture and gardening. These biofertilisers are obtained through the processing of seaweed, which is rich in nutrients and minerals essential for plant growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

fungal biofertilisers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Often called “beneficial fungi” or “mycorrhizal fungal inoculants,” these are products used in agriculture and gardening to promote plant growth and health by establishing a symbiotic relationship between plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi form a mutualistic partnership with plant roots, in which the fungi provide additional nutrients and water to the plants, while the plants provide them with carbohydrates and other organic compounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Manure\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It would be fair to refer back to the publication by Naeem et al (2020) to identify those organic fertilisers that can be used to improve soil health:<\/p>\n\n\n