Comparative Evaluation of Organic and Chemical Fertilizers on Crop Growth, Yield, and Soil Health

Botany

Fertilizers play a vital role in enhancing soil fertility and improving crop productivity. The present study evaluates and compares the effects of organic fertilizers, including vermicompost, cow dung manure, and poultry manure, with chemical fertilizers such as urea and NPK complexes on the growth and yield of a selected crop. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with multiple treatments and replications to ensure statistical accuracy and reliability The results revealed that chemical fertilizers, particularly NPK and urea, produced the highest immediate vegetative growth and yield, recording a maximum yield of 6.2 kg per plot. In contrast, organic fertilizers significantly improved soil structure, increased organic carbon content, and enhanced nutrient retention capacity, contributing to sustained productivity over time. While chemical fertilizers provided rapid nutrient availability and boosted short-term crop performance, organic fertilizers played a crucial role in maintaining long-term soil health and environmental sustainability. The findings indicate that an integrated nutrient management approach, combining both organic and inorganic fertilizers, offers the most effective strategy for achieving a balance between immediate yield enhancement and long-term soil fertilityTherefore, the adoption of integrated fertilization practices is strongly recommended for sustainable agricultural productivity.

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