Understanding Fertilizer Types to Improve Farming Practices
The negative effects of soil acidification, compaction, and declining productivity caused by the overuse of chemical fertilizers have made farmers more aware of the importance of using eco-friendly alternatives. However, with so many types of fertilizers available in the market—such as organic, biological, microbial, and others—it can be confusing for growers to choose the right one. What are the differences between these products? How are they classified? Why is there such a big price gap between farmyard manure, which costs around 1,000 yuan per ton, and biological fertilizers that can cost up to 10,000 yuan per ton? In reality, these fertilizers differ significantly in composition and function. Based on their main components and mechanisms, they can be broadly categorized into three groups: organic fertilizers, biological fertilizers, and microbial inoculants. Understanding these distinctions helps farmers make better decisions in their farming practices. First, let's explore the differences and relationships among these fertilizers. Organic fertilizer is derived from decomposed animal and plant matter, containing a high amount of organic material but relatively few beneficial microorganisms. Biological fertilizer, also known as microbial or biofertilizer, contains a large number of living microorganisms such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, and others. These microbes help crops absorb nutrients more efficiently by breaking down minerals in the soil. Unlike organic fertilizers, which directly supply nutrients, biological fertilizers work through the activity of these microorganisms, stimulating plant growth and improving soil health. Microbial inoculants, on the other hand, act as a starter for producing biological fertilizers. They contain high concentrations of functional microbes and are used to ferment organic materials like manure and crop residues into nutrient-rich biological fertilizers. In this sense, microbial inoculants are the foundation for creating effective biological fertilizers. Second, the application methods and quantities differ significantly. Organic fertilizers are typically applied at rates of 4,000–5,000 kg per acre, while biological fertilizers are used in much smaller amounts—often just 1–2 kg per acre. This is because biological fertilizers don't provide direct nutrients but instead enhance the availability of existing nutrients in the soil. They work best when combined with organic or chemical fertilizers, helping improve nutrient uptake and reducing the need for excessive chemical inputs. It's important to note that biological fertilizers cannot fully replace organic ones. A balanced approach—using organic fertilizers as the base and supplementing with biological ones—can significantly boost efficiency and yield. Meanwhile, microbial inoculants are not directly applied to the soil but are used to process manure and crop residues, turning them into valuable biological fertilizers. Finally, developing a proper fertilization strategy is key. For example, when growing tomatoes, farmers can mix livestock manure with a microbial starter (3 kg of manure to 1 kg of starter), then apply it after fermentation. This method not only improves nutrient availability but also prevents issues like seedling burn. Adding a small amount of biological fertilizer as a base can reduce chemical fertilizer use by over 50% and increase yield by more than 30%. By understanding the roles and benefits of each type of fertilizer, farmers can make smarter, more sustainable choices that benefit both their crops and the environment.Rice Noodle Production Line,Fried Instant Noodles Production Equipment,Non-fried Corrugated Noodle Equipment
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