Effect of Combined Exposure of Organic Manure with Chemical Fertilizer on Plant Growth and Its Impact on Soil Microbes

Author (s) : S.Anbumalar, S.Kalaivani

---

Abstract :
Agricultural practices play a crucial role in ensuring food security and sustaining the health of ecosystems. The use of chemical fertilizers has significantly contributed to increased crop yields, but concerns over its negative impact on soil health and environmental sustainability have emerged. To address these challenges, the combination of organic manure with chemical fertilizers has gained attention as a potential sustainable agricultural approach. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the combined exposure of organic manure with chemical fertilizer on plant growth and its impact on soil microbial communities. In this experimental study, a randomized block design was implemented, and three treatment groups were established: (1) Chemical fertilizer alone, (2) Organic manure alone, and (3) Combination of organic manure and chemical fertilizer. The experiment was conducted over a growing season, and a locally adapted crop species (e.g., maize or wheat) was chosen as the test plant. The results revealed significant differences in plant growth parameters between the treatment groups. The combination of organic manure with chemical fertilizer demonstrated a positive synergistic effect on plant growth, as indicated by increased shoot and root biomass, higher plant height, and enhanced nutrient uptake compared to the individual treatments. Additionally, the combined exposure promoted an improvement in soil structure and moisture retention, thus potentially mitigating the negative impacts of chemical fertilizer on soil health. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that the combination of organic manure with chemical fertilizer can enhance plant growth while positively influencing soil microbial communities. Implementing such an integrated approach has the potential to promote sustainable agricultural practices, reduce chemical fertilizer dependence, and protect soil health. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and feasibility of this approach across different crop species and environmental conditions to ensure its practicality and applicability in diverse agricultural settings.

Keywords : chemical fertilizers, Plant growth, DNA sequencing, soil microbial communities

Conference Date : 13/11/2020

Pages : 310

Paper ID : 20310