In recent years, health awareness has drawn us toward organic foods and a healthy lifestyle. People are prioritizing organic food over crops grown using chemical fertilizers.
That is the reason that the demand for organic manure has increased to produce healthy crops with high nutritional value and maintain soil fertility.
Notably, this also provides a new direction for sustainable farming in a world where the consumers are becoming eco-conscious each day.
What is Organic Manure?
Organic manure is a natural fertilizer made from local waste such as animal dung, kitchen waste, and other organic waste. It is environment-friendly and healthy for human food.
It improves soil fertility by increasing the amount of organic carbon in the soil and providing essential nutrients to plants.
Talking about today's farming methods, farmers are also returning to sustainable farming plans and trying to understand organic manure vs chemical fertilizers advantages vs disadvantages.
For example-
- Organic manure provides long-term soil fertility, while chemical fertilizers damage the soil.
- Organic manure is eco-friendly, so it does not harm the soil and increases its water-holding capacity.
- Organic manure is a safe alternative that also increases crop yield. Chemical fertilizers pollute both water and soil.
Characteristics of Organic Manure:
Organic manure is prepared from natural sources and contains essential nutrients. Its characteristics distinguish it from chemical fertilizers. Here are the characteristics of organic manure-
- Maintains Nutrient Balance: Organic manure balances nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash in the soil. This promotes good crop growth.
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Supports Soil Microorganisms: Organic manure provides a favorable environment for beneficial microorganisms in the soil. This maintains soil fertility.
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Enhances Water Retention in Soil: Organic manure improves soil texture, allowing the soil to absorb more water. This promotes good plant growth.
Types of Organic Manure:
Organic manure comes in different types with unique properties and uses. Note that every soil is different as per their requirements for growing a healthy crop. Using different types of organic manure is essential to offer them the right nourishment they need.
Here are the different types of organic manure that farmers commonly use:
1. Farmyard Manure (FYM):
Farmyard manure is made from animal dung and other organic residues. It is rich in important nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. This manure increases water-holding capacity and also helps in crop growth.
2. Compost Manure:
Composted manure is an excellent fertilizer used by farmers. Organic waste such as leaves, grass, crop residues, and household waste are used to make this manure. It releases nutrients into the soil and stimulates the activity of soil microorganisms, boosting the soil fertility in the long term.
3. Green Manure:
Green manure refers to the crops that are still green and in their early age such as grass, clovers, legumes, etc. They are mixed into the soil to improve the fertility and structure of the soil.
These are specially used after specific crops, such as Sunhemp, Buckwheat, Barley, and Wheat, have been sown and then plowed into the soil. Nitrogen and organic matter are then added to this soil, increasing its fertility.
4. Vermicompost:
Vermicompost refers to organic waste that is converted into vermicompost using earthworms. It contains all the micro- and macro-nutrients required for plants. The most important use of this fertilizer is to maintain soil fertility.
Importance of Organic Manure:
Organic manure contains all the natural resources. That makes it a rich source of nutrients for the soil, keeping the soil fertile for the coming years. But the importance of organic manure isn't limited to these only.
- Improves Soil Fertility: Organic manure increases organic carbon in the soil, making it fertile.
- Promotes Sustainable Farming: Organic manure reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, promoting sustainable farming.
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Enhances Crop Yield & Quality: Using organic manure enhances the flavor and nutrients of crops. It also increases their shelf life.
- Cost-effective for Farmers: Organic manure is cost-effective for farmers because it requires only local waste, such as animal dung and household waste, to prepare it.
- Eco-friendly: Organic manure reduces soil degradation and pollution. It protects the environment and is eco-friendly.
- Supports Government Initiatives: Organic manure aligns with the Organic India Mission and Zero Budget Natural Farming. This promotes the use of organic fertilizers.
Benefits of Using Organic Manure:
Here are the major benefits of organic manure in farming:
1. Natural Source of Nutrients for Plants:
Organic manure naturally increases the amount of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, in the soil. This promotes proper plant growth.
2. Improves Microbial Activity:
Organic Manure promotes the number and activity of microorganisms in the soil. This increases the disease resistance of crops.
3. Conserves Natural Resources:
Organic Manure provides natural nutrients to the soil and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Therefore, it is also eco-friendly.
Conclusion:
Excessive use of chemical fertilizers destroys soil fertility and affects the soil for long term. On the contrary, organic manure can help us maintain soil fertility.
There are so many advantages of organic manure such as improving soil fertility, promoting sustainability, enhancing crop yield and quantity. Also, it also boosts microbial activities in soil that is good for crops as well.
Improving the soil health and enhancing the microbial activities are some of the major uses of organic manure. But think economically- this can make Indian agriculture sustainable in the future by promoting eco-conscious & health-centric agriculture.
But where can you buy it from? Packmate provides 100% organic and chemical free Organic Manure with no synthetics and no toxins. It is enriched with repurposed food waste, microbes, and minerals.
FAQs:
1. What is the meaning of organic manure?
Organic manure refers to healthy fertilizer prepared by mixing plant, animal, and organic waste. It is a natural fertilizer that does not contain chemicals. It increases soil fertility.
2. What are the three main types of organic manure?
The three main types of organic manure are Farmyard Manure (FYM), Compost Manure, and Green Manure.
3. Why is organic manure important for Indian agriculture?
Organic manure increases soil fertility and improves crop quality. It plays an important role in promoting Indian agriculture and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
4. Is vermicompost better than chemical fertilizers?
Yes, vermicompost is better than chemical fertilizers because it maintains soil fertility for a long time.
5. How does organic manure improve soil fertility?
Organic manure contains organic matter and microorganisms, which maintain soil structure and provide essential nutrients to plants. This improves soil fertility.
