Suitability of coupling application of organic and inorganic fertilizers for crop cultivation

Abstract

In recent times, achieving sustainability as a development goal is a global concern. In agricultural system, a conflict regarding accomplishing higher production with diminishing environmental risks is always being remained. Rapid growth in world population put higher pressure to increase the agricultural production which triggered the use of inorganic fertilizers to attain higher yield. Inorganic fertilization intensified the crop productivity by too many folds. However, this leads to gradual worsening in soil fertility. Unplanned land use pattern and improper inorganic fertilization practices degrade the soil quality. Moreover, misuses of inorganic fertilizers are resulting in health hazards and environmental problems. In consequences of these, concept of organic fertilization has been introduced as it can improve the soil health. Organic agriculture has the potentiality to sustain the ecosystem by ameliorating the detrimental effects of inorganic fertilizers. Yet organic fertilizers have some limitations regarding nutrient availability and sufficient food production issues which are essential to feed the increasing population. So advancement in agricultural management practices is required for food security. A judicious approach combining the inorganic and organic nutrient sources can be an effective alternative to maintain the soil characteristics which in turn increase the yield efficiency and curtail the environmental risks. Various researches on suitability of coupling application of inorganic and organic fertilizers to optimize the productivity and to achieve sound agricultural practices are ongoing worldwide. Such agricultural management practices have already been recognized by means of ensuring food security and safeguarding the environment.