Effects of Eco-Friendly Product Application and Sustainable Agricultural Management Practices on Soil Properties and Phytosanitary Condition of Winter Wheat Crops

Abstract

Despite the eco-political difficulties that accompany the application of principles of the European Green Deal policy on agriculture in the current world crisis, the need of their implementation seems to be absolutely necessary. The practices recommended within the sustainable agriculture strategy include replacing traditional fertilizers and pesticides with eco-friendly preparations and optimizing the management of biomass produced on farms. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of eco-friendly preparations application combined with straw incorporation on the chemical and microbiological soil parameters and plant sanitary status of winter wheat. The soil analyses included the determination of total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) content; mineral nitrogen (MN), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) content, and the pH value. The number of soil bacteria (B), actinobacteria (A), fungi (F), and the total number of microorganisms (TNM) were also analyzed. The application of Effective Microorganisms resulted in an increase in TOC and TN concentration. The influence of biostimulator Asahi was diversified. The beneficial effect of straw on TOC, TN, and K content and microbial growth was also observed. Despite a number of limitations, the potential benefits of application of eco-friendly preparations provide ample reasons to continue experiments with their use.