Effects of Organic and Bio-organic Fertilizer Applications on Cotton Yield and Soil Health in Saline-Alkaline and Compacted Soils

Abstract

Soil salinity, alkalinity, and compaction are important constraints limiting cotton production in arid and semiarid regions. This review aims to assess the potential of organic and bio-organic fertilizers to mitigate these challenges and improve soil health and crop yields. The study synthesizes findings from recent experimental and field studies conducted in saline-alkaline soils, with a particular emphasis on cotton-growing regions. Bio-organic fertilizers, consisting of farmyard manure, compost, biochar, microbial inoculants, and humate-based amendments, have been shown to improve soil structure by reducing bulk density and compaction, increase water-holding capacity, and regulate salinity and pH. These amendments significantly increased soil organic matter and macronutrient levels (N, P, K), while promoting microbial activity and nutrient cycling. Results from previous studies have shown increases in cotton yields of up to 50%, with the most consistent benefits observed when bio-organic fertilizers were combined with conservation tillage and chemical fertilizer inputs were reduced by approximately 60%. Overall, integrating organic fertilizers into cotton production systems offers an effective and sustainable strategy to address soil degradation in arid environments.