Organic fertilizer, also known as farmyard manure, is a fertilizer made from human and animal feces, straw, and squeezed oil residues. Organic fertilizer has the characteristics of comprehensive nutrients and long-lasting and stable fertilizer effect, and is widely used in rural areas.
It includes farm waste such as human feces and urine, livestock and poultry feces, as well as oil factory waste such as squeezed bean cake, cottonseed cake, rapeseed cake, and fresh plant residues. Organic fertilizer is easy to use in agricultural production, low in price, and has no pollution to the soil environment. It is the preferred fertilizer for producing green organic agricultural products.
- Definition and types of organic fertilizer
a. Human feces and urine
Human feces and urine are a common farm waste. After fermentation, human feces and urine can be converted into organic fertilizer and release slow-acting nutrients in the soil to provide nutrient supplements for crops.
b. Livestock and poultry feces
Livestock and poultry feces are waste generated by farmers during the breeding process. After composting, the nutrients in livestock and poultry feces can be fully released and absorbed and utilized by crops. At the same time, the microorganisms in livestock and poultry manure help improve soil structure and enhance soil fertility and water retention capacity.
c. Crop straw
Crop straw is the plant material left over by farmers after harvesting crops. After composting, crop straw can be converted into organic fertilizer and decompose in the soil to release nutrients for crop growth.
d. Oil mill waste
Oil mill waste, such as bean cake, cottonseed cake, rapeseed cake, etc., are waste left over from oil processing. After pressing, these wastes can be converted into organic fertilizer and provide rich nutrients for crops to absorb.
By mixing and composting these different types of organic fertilizer raw materials, organic fertilizers with rich nutrients and long-lasting fertilizer effects can be made.
- Advantages and functions of organic fertilizers
The use of organic fertilizers can improve soil quality, increase crop yield and quality, and reduce pollution to the environment.
a. Improve soil
After organic fertilizers are decomposed in the soil, they will form humus, which is an organic substance in the soil. Soil rich in humus can retain more water and nutrients, improve soil structure, and enhance soil fertility and water retention capacity. In addition, organic fertilizer can make the soil looser, which is conducive to the growth of crop roots and the full utilization of nutrients in the soil.
b. Provide comprehensive nutrition
Organic fertilizer contains rich mineral nutrients and trace elements, which are necessary for the growth of crops. Compared with chemical fertilizers, the nutrients in organic fertilizers are released slowly, which can meet the needs of crops at different growth stages and reduce the growth obstacles caused by insufficient nutrients.
c. Promote soil microbial activity
The beneficial microorganisms contained in organic fertilizers can decompose organic matter and produce substances such as carbon dioxide, humic acid and plant growth hormone, which have a positive effect on the growth of crops. These microorganisms can also promote the conversion of insoluble phosphates in the soil, increase the effective phosphorus content of the soil, and promote the growth and development of crop roots.
d. Reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases
The various substances produced by microbial fermentation in organic fertilizers can enhance the resistance of plants to pests and diseases and reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases. At the same time, organic fertilizers can improve the soil environment and reduce the probability of pests and diseases.
e. Environmentally friendly
Organic fertilizers will not pollute the environment during the production process, and will not have a negative impact on the soil and water after use. In contrast, excessive use of chemical fertilizers will lead to soil degradation and water pollution, which will in turn affect the quality and yield of crops.
- Methods for the rational use of organic fertilizers
a. Application amount and application time
The application amount of organic fertilizers should be determined according to the growth needs of specific crops and soil conditions. Generally, 3,000 to 5,000 kilograms of organic fertilizer per mu of land is more appropriate. In addition, the application of organic fertilizers is best carried out before crop transplanting to ensure full decomposition and provide nutrients for crop growth in advance.
b. Application method
Organic fertilizers can be mixed with soil or used as a single layer of covering. During the application process, ensure that the organic fertilizer is evenly covered near the root system of the crop and is in full contact with the soil to improve the utilization rate of the fertilizer.
c. Use chemical fertilizers in combination
In order to meet the needs of crops for various nutrients, chemical fertilizers can be used in appropriate amounts while using organic fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers are fast-acting and can provide timely nutrients for crops. Reasonable ratios and application methods can give full play to the advantages of organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers and improve the yield and quality of crops.
d. Composting of organic fertilizers
Organic fertilizers need to be fully composted before use to ensure that harmful substances and pests and diseases are killed or degraded. Composted organic fertilizers have a fragrant smell and no odor, which is suitable for application to the soil. When stacking organic fertilizers, composting and other methods can be used to accelerate the composting process.
As an important agricultural fertilizer, organic fertilizer has the advantages of long-lasting and stable fertilizer effect, improving soil quality, and providing comprehensive nutrition. The rational use of organic fertilizers in agricultural production can increase the yield and quality of crops while reducing pollution to the environment. Farmers should pay full attention to the application of organic fertilizers, rationally select and use organic fertilizers, contribute to agricultural production, and achieve green and sustainable agricultural development.
