Characteristics of Organic Fertilizer
Long-Term Effect
True organic fertilizer does not dissolve quickly because the cellulose and lignin components it contains are insoluble in water. Instead, it requires the help of soil microorganisms to break it down, gradually converting it into amino acids and carbohydrates before it can be absorbed by the roots of fruit trees. This process, while slow, provides nutrients to fruit trees over a long period of time.
Energy Enhancement
As organic fertilizer decomposes in the soil, it provides essential energy and nutrients to soil microorganisms, stimulating their activity and accelerating the decomposition of organic matter. The active substances produced in this process not only promote healthy crop growth but also enhance the overall quality of agricultural products. More importantly, through microbial decomposition, fixed mineral elements in the soil are effectively activated, allowing them to be fully absorbed and utilized by plants.
Water Retention
Research data shows that humus in organic fertilizers contains components such as fats, waxes, and resins. During soil formation, these substances can soak into the soil mass, imparting hydrophobicity, thereby slowing soil wetting and capillary water movement. This reduces soil evaporation and enhances water retention, improving soil moisture conditions.
In addition, the study revealed the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of humus. These properties are primarily determined by the side chains of the humic acid molecules. When the degree of polymerization of humic acid molecules is low, the side chains are more exposed, which in turn affects the interaction between humus and water molecules. This interaction, to a certain extent, determines the water properties of organic matter.
On the other hand, aggregate structure also has a significant impact on soil water retention. Aggregate structure is closely related to the soil organic matter content and the amount of organic fertilizer applied. Soils with a good aggregate structure have loose aggregates and high non-capillary porosity, which helps reduce the height and speed of capillary water movement in the soil, thereby reducing water evaporation from the soil surface. Furthermore, soils with a well-structured aggregate structure have a larger particle radius, and the speed of capillary water upward movement is inversely proportional to the radius of the structural unit.
Heat Retention
Organic fertilizers not only absorb and increase heat, but also aid the root germination and growth of fruit trees. During decomposition, these fertilizers release heat, raising soil temperature. Furthermore, due to their high heat capacity, organic fertilizers offer excellent heat retention, effectively withstanding drastic temperature fluctuations. Whether in the harsh winter or the scorching summer heat, they provide an ideal growing environment for fruit tree roots, promoting healthy root germination, growth, and a safe winter.
Improving Soil Fertility
Soil organic matter content, a key indicator of soil fertility, directly reflects the vitality and health of the soil. As a key component of the soil solid phase, organic matter is not only a vital source of nutrients for plant growth, but also effectively promotes plant growth and development. By improving the physical properties of the soil, it creates favorable conditions for the activity of microorganisms and soil organisms. Furthermore, it accelerates the decomposition of nutrients in the soil, thereby enhancing its fertility retention and buffering properties.
It can be said that soil organic matter content is closely related to key soil properties such as structure, aeration, permeability, and adsorption, which largely determine the soil’s fertility level. Therefore, soil organic matter content is undoubtedly an indispensable indicator of soil fertility. It is worth mentioning that the application of organic fertilizers can effectively increase the soil’s organic matter content, thereby improving the overall soil fertility.
