Changes in soil fertility under partial organic substitution of chemical fertilizer: a 33‐year trial

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThis study examined the changes in soil fertility in a maize cropping area when chemical fertilizer was partially replaced with straw or livestock manure over a 33‐year period. Four treatments were included: (i) CK (no fertilizer application); (ii) NPK (only chemical fertilizer application); (iii) NPKM (chemical fertilizer partly replaced with livestock manure); (iv) NPKS (chemical fertilizer partly replaced with straw).RESULTSSoil organic carbon increased by 41.7% and 95.5% in the NPKS and NPKM treatments, respectively, over the 33‐year trial compared with the initial concentration. However, soil organic carbon in NPK was significantly reduced by 9.8%. Soil total N, P and K increased in both NPKM and NPKS treatments compared to the original soil. Soil pH was significantly acidified from 7.6 to 5.97 in the NPK treatment during the experimental period. The NPKM and NPKS treatments buffered the acidification compared to NPK. Meta‐analysis results showed that, compared with NPK, NPKM significantly raised soil bacteria and fungi populations by 38.7% and 58.6%; enhanced microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen by 66.3% and 63%, respectively; and increased sucrase, urease and catalase activities by 34.2%, 48.2% and 21.5%. NPKS significantly increased soil fungi and actinomycetes populations by 24.3% and 41.2%, respectively; enhanced microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen by 27.1% and 45%; and strengthened sucrase and urease activities by 36% and 20.3%, respectively.CONCLUSIONLong‐term chemical fertilizer application led to the deterioration of soil fertility and environment. Partial replacement of chemical fertilizers with organic materials could significantly amend and buffer such negative effects. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Different Organic Fertilizer Substitutions for Chemical Nitrogen Fertilizer on Soil Fertility and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Foxtail Millet

“…Soil available nutrients are important indicators used to evaluate soil fertility, which is the basic attribute of soil and the most basic guarantee of a continual supply of nutrients for plants. The results of Gao et al [40] showed that the use of organic fertilizers can significantly increase the content of available phosphorus and available potassium in the soil. Alkaline-hydrolyzable nitrogen contains nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and organic nitrogen, which can be absorbed and utilized by crops.…”

Effect of nutrient management on physio morphological and yield attributes of field pea (Pisum sativum L.)

“…Thus, this plant species is vital for sustainable agriculture. Given the prevailing trend of declining soil fertility, the inherent ability of this crop to restore soil nutrients has rendered it an invaluable component of the cropping system (Haque et al 2022;Gao et al 2023). The synergy between nutrient management strategies and cultivar genetics is pivotal in enhancing field pea productivity.…”