Abstract:

The presence of organic matter in the soil is fundamental in maintaining the soil fertility and decreasing nutrient losses. Compost is an organ fertilizer, it adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil. In order to quickly supply a crop with the required nutrients, a chemical fertilizer may be needed. In contrast to organic fertilizers, chemical fertilizers help the plants immediately; organic manures first have to be broken down into nutrients (by soil-organisms) before they can be utilized by the plants. However, chemical fertilizers are used up by the end of the season, whereas organic matter continues to enhance soil fertility, soil structure and water storage capacity. Moreover, the presence of organic material ensures that the chemical fertilizer is more efficiently utilized by the crop. Organic matter retains plant nutrients and thus prevents the fertilizer from being washed away. It is in fact a waste of money to apply chemical fertilizer on a soil that is poor in organic matter, if it is not done in combination with measures to increase the level of organic matter in the soil.