January 31, 2023
Impact of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers on Agriculture and Environment
Agriculture is a broad term and farming is a part of it which involves cultivating the land and food crops. Agriculture in India is the backbone of the Indian economy and this sector directly or indirectly generates employment opportunities for about half of the country’s population. Infact, it is the largest source of livelihood in India. Here, we’ll discuss the role of Indian farming in agriculture and why you must opt for organic fertilizers in today’s farming scenario.
Farming in India
India ranks second in the world in the field of agricultural production. It is one of the major players in the agriculture sector and also the world’s largest producer of fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices. It is the second- largest producer of wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, tea, and groundnut.
The role of Indian farming in agriculture is inevitable. Imagine a life without food, truly unimaginable right? The food that comes to our table from the farm, goes through a lot of processing and involves a lot of effort from people we can’t thank enough. Right from preparing the soil, sowing the seeds, irrigating, protecting from pests, weeding, and harvesting to storing, a lot goes above, and beyond, and in between the process of farming in India that we may or we may not know much about.
With changing needs and an increase in population and demand for food, the methods of farming in India are changing. Some farmers follow and practice the old and traditional methods of farming and use organic methods, manure, or organic fertilizers, but a few switched to modern methods of farming in India. Each method has its own set of pros and cons which may positively or negatively affect crop growth, soil, and the environment.
The different types of fertilizers used for agriculture in India:
There are two most commonly used fertilizers in agriculture that suffice the requirements of essential nutrients for plants. The different types of fertilizers for crops are as follows:
Inorganic Fertilizers:
Chemical fertilizers that are industrially produced with chemicals or synthetic materials are known as inorganic fertilizers. These fertilizers have a rapid effect on crop growth and are quite easy to transport, store and supply. However, due to its rapid effect, it needs to be more frequently used and that can damage the root of plants and also deteriorate the soil’s fertility. Synthetic fertilizers also have high acid content which can burn the skin. This artificially prepared fertilizer can cause air and water pollution too. Sometimes, industries may release some toxic chemicals and gases while preparing these fertilizers which
may affect the environment. Overall, using chemical fertilizers can cause a bad impact on the soil, human health, and the environment in the long run.
Organic Fertilizer:
Organic fertilizers for plants are fertilizers that are produced with natural ingredients like organic compost, cattle manures, poultry droppings, leftover raw vegetables, plant leaves, and natural salts. They offer the best nutrients to plants for growth. These fertilizers release nutrients slowly but improve the soil structure and increase its ability to hold water. They are environment-friendly and do not cause any harm to the environment or damage to the soil.
So, this is how fertilizers can have an impact on agriculture and the environment.
However to know more about the benefits of using fertilizer, don’t forget to read our blog, What is a Fertilizer? Benefits of Using Fertilizer in Farming.In case of any doubts, or queries don’t hesitate to write us back.
Thanks!