EFFECT OF COMBINED EXPOSURE OF ORGANIC MANURE WITH CHEMICAL FERTILIZER ON PLANT GROWTH AND ITS IMPACT ON SOIL MICROBES

Author (s) : Ms.G.Krishnajayashri

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Abstract :
Agricultural practices play a pivotal role in ensuring global food security and sustainability. The conventional approach of using chemical fertilizers has been a common practice to enhance crop yield. However, the overreliance on chemical fertilizers has raised concerns about its adverse effects on soil health and environmental sustainability. Integrating organic manure with chemical fertilizers has emerged as a potential solution to mitigate these issues while promoting plant growth and enhancing soil microbial activity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combining organic manure with chemical fertilizer on plant growth and its impact on soil microbes. A randomized controlled experiment was conducted using a common crop species as the model plant and soil samples collected from an agricultural field. The treatments included the application of chemical fertilizer alone, organic manure alone, and a combination of both. The results revealed that the combined exposure of organic manure with chemical fertilizer significantly improved plant growth compared to using chemical fertilizer alone. The integrated approach provided a balanced nutrient supply and promoted better root development, leading to increased biomass and higher yields. Furthermore, the combined treatment enhanced soil microbial diversity and activity. Microbial population analyses indicated a significant increase in beneficial microorganisms, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, which play vital roles in nutrient cycling and plant health. Moreover, the combination of organic manure with chemical fertilizer also exhibited positive effects on soil physical properties, including improved water retention and soil structure, which further contributed to enhanced plant growth and microbial activity. These findings highlight the importance of adopting an integrated nutrient management approach, where organic manure complements chemical fertilizers. This approach not only boosts plant growth and crop productivity but also positively impacts soil microbial communities, leading to improved soil health and sustainability. However, long-term studies and field trials across diverse agroecosystems are necessary to validate these findings and assess the economic viability and scalability of this approach. Nevertheless, the results of this study underscore the potential benefits of combining organic and inorganic sources of nutrients to foster a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.

Keywords : Soil Microbes, Chemical fertilizers

Conference Date : 17/09/2021

Pages : 118

Paper ID : IESMDT116