Exploring Potential of Organo-mineral Fertilizers in Augmenting Crop Yield and Quality – A Review

Abstract

Inorganic fertilizers are essential for improving crop yield and quality through enhanced crop efficiency.  However, their continuous use often causes nutrient imbalances, leading to poor yield and quality. Organic manures, while effective in improving soil fertility and crop productivity, face challenges such as limited availability, variable quality, transportation issues, heavy metal contamination and slow nutrient release. The exclusive dependence of either organic or inorganic fertilizers has not adequately fulfilled the increasing demands for enhanced agricultural output and quality. To address these challenges, organo-mineral fertilizers (OMFs) have emerged as an innovative solution. OMFs are derived from the combination of mineral and organic nutrient sources, integrating the benefits of both. This low input technology supplies nutrients in balanced quantities that are readily and steadily available throughout the growing season. OMFs improve soil physical properties, enhance fertility and support sustainable crop production. They also promote plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, offering a holistic approach to agricultural challenges. The development of OMFs aligns with the recycling of urban, industrial and agricultural residues, reducing dependency on raw materials for chemical fertilizers and contributing to environmental sustainability. Advances in OMF preparation, using various mineral and organic matrices, have demonstrated their ability to address nutrient deficiencies, particularly in tropical soils, where poor fertility often limits productivity. OMFs enhance soil physico-chemical and biological properties, addressing soil degradation while improving crop yield and quality. They ensure an optimal supply of nutrients, support long-term soil health and align with modern fertilizer management strategies aimed at sustainable agricultural productivity. In conclusion, OMFs are a promising solution for boosting crop quality and yield while maintaining soil fertility. By incorporating the advantages of organic and inorganic inputs, they provide a balanced, sustainable, and efficient strategy to address growing demands for food production.