Green Manuring: Approach for Soil Fertility Improvement

Description

Leguminous crops, in particular, are excellent sources of green manures for enhancing soil fertility. Green manures positively impact soil's microbiological, chemical, and physical characteristics. Green manures are especially valued for their ability to deliver nitrogen. This chapter aims to illustrate the value of using agricultural leftovers and green manure as soil fertility management techniques. The capacity to boost or maintain output by supplying nutrients. The primary green manures, selection criteria, management, and potential for nutrient buildup are presented, along with the processes of mineralization and decomposition that are influenced by green manure approaches. Finally, we illustrate the possible nutritional supply of agricultural residues from the primary crops cultivated in the tropics using a few instances. Also mentioned are the challenges and restrictions involved. A protracted study is there to compare the outcomes of several fertility-building techniques in organic field vegetable systems. It has also been part of an international study to create a computer model that would aid in planning rotations with green manures. In order to focus on nitrogen fixation and utilization, leguminous fertility-building crops are centered on using winter green manures to prevent nitrate leaching. By enhancing the physical and chemical features of the soil, incorporating different green manuring treatments can reduce the investment cost of chemical fertilizers and protect the soil's productive capacity. In cropping systems, proper green manuring crops can improve nitrogen uptake, minimize fertilizer use on future crops, and improve crop growth and yields.