Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil Nutrient Conditions in Rice Fields with Varying Soil Fertility

Abstract

The majority of crop-growing areas in China have low or medium fertility levels, which limits the yield of crops grown in those areas. Fertilizer application can improve soil quality, but the effects of such treatments vary depending on the base soil fertility. However, the specific differences associated with the application of different fertilizer types to soils of varying fertility levels have yet to be clearly delineated. Here, the influences of several fertilizer types on physical, chemical, and biological soil indicators were assessed in rice fields in the red soil area of Hunan Province with varying base fertility levels: Hehua (low fertility), Dahu (medium fertility), and Longfu (high fertility). Four treatments were applied to these fields: no fertilizer, standard fertilizer, 60% chemical fertilizer + 40% organic fertilizer, and 100% chemical fertilizer. Across the three sites and treatment groups, the largest increases in total nitrogen and phosphorus contents were in Hehua and Longfu, respectively. Soil organic matter content increased most significantly in Hehua. Application of any type of fertilizer increased the total and fast-acting nutrient content in the low-yielding fields, whereas organic fertilizers increased the nutrient content and soil biological indicators more than chemical fertilizer alone did; the effect of organic fertilizer application on the combined enzyme activity of the soil was also higher than that of chemical fertilizers alone. Overall, these experiments provide a theoretical basis and technical support for rational fertilizer application and improvement of Hunan’s red soil quality based on the natural soil fertility levels.

Enhancing the nutritional value of sweet pepper through sustainable fertilization management

“…The effects of different type of fertilizers on crop performance may vary depending on a range of factors, including soil type, climate conditions, crop species, and management practices. Biological and organic fertilization contributes to the increase in soil enzymatic activity, which in turn enhances soil fertility by promoting its biological activity and the capacity for nutrient transformation and transport ( 39 ). Furthermore, fertilizers based on microorganisms, such as those used in this study ( Claroideoglomus etunicatum , Funneliformis mosseae , Glomus aggregatum , Rhizophagus intraradices , Trichoderma , Streptomyces , Bacillus , and Pseudomonas ), can aid in the solubilization of phosphorus in the soil, the second most important nutrient for plants after nitrogen, alongside nitrogen fixation and mineral absorption stimulation, thereby stimulating plant growth and ultimately increasing production.…”

Soil Nutrient, Enzyme Activity, and Microbial Community Characteristics of E. urophylla × E. grandis Plantations in a Chronosequence

“…Studies indicate that the overuse of inorganic fertilizers over a short period of time results in soil compaction, elevated soil bulk density, diminished soil fertility, and other detrimental consequences [35]. Furthermore, the short-term chemical weed control and clearing of forest vegetation and debris have directly contributed to the decline in soil fertility in the 3a and 5a plantations [36].…”

Evaluation of soil fertility index in organic, semi-organic, and conventional rice field management systems

“…This is in accordance with research from Iqbal et al (2019), that organic fertilizers in combination with inorganic fertilizers is a better approach to increasing and maintaining soil fertility and crop production than just the application of inorganic or organic fertilizers. Ma et al (2023) emphasize that the main issues in soil performance are related to variations in total N, organic matter, and available potassium or available phosphorus content.…”

“…This can be achieved by using agronomic, biological and mechanical methods on agricultural land with no synthetic inputs outside of agriculture (Soni et al, 2022). Ma et al (2023) in his research emphasized that organic fertilizer increases the nutrient content and biological indicators of the soil to a greater extent than chemical fertilizer alone; The effect of applying organic fertilizer on combined soil enzyme activity was also higher than applying chemical fertilizer alone. The Indonesian government began promoting organic farming in 2001, with the launch of the 'Go Organic 2010 Program' (Schreer & Padmanabhan, 2020).…”