CHR News Desk
New Delhi July 1
Organic fertilizers have emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change while promoting sustainable agriculture, according to a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Çukurova University.
The study, which focused on the effects of different fertilizers on chickpea plant growth and soil nutrient contents, highlights the potential of organic fertilizers to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and enhance crop productivity. The findings provide valuable insights into environmentally friendly farming practices that can address the challenges posed by climate change while ensuring food security.
“Chickpeas have the remarkable ability to establish a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhiza and rhizobium bacteria, enabling them to absorb more carbon from the atmosphere and sequester it into the soil,” explains Dr. Nadia A. Si. El. Ahmed, lead researcher of the study.
The long-term field experiment, initiated at Çukurova University’s Research and Application Farm in 1996, featured 15 plots spanning an area of 200 square meters. Dr. Ahmed notes, “We wanted to assess the impact of different fertilizers on chickpea growth and soil organic carbon and nitrogen contents, aiming to find sustainable solutions for modern agriculture.”
After harvesting the chickpeas in 2020, the research team meticulously analyzed plant and soil samples from each plot. The results were highly encouraging, revealing the remarkable effects of organic fertilizers on both chickpea growth and soil composition.
“Our findings demonstrated that plots treated with animal manure exhibited significantly higher carbon and nitrogen levels compared to the control plots,” emphasizes Dr. Feyzullah Öztürk, co-author of the study. He further adds, “These organic fertilizers also fostered a symbiotic relationship with the plants, as indicated by the high root AMF (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) infection rates observed.”
The combined application of compost and mycorrhiza was particularly noteworthy, showcasing positive effects across all the examined traits. Dr. Gökhan Kişif, another researcher involved in the study, explains, “We found that this organic fertilizer combination had a profound impact on chickpea growth and soil health, highlighting its potential for sustainable agriculture.”
The study’s findings offer promising solutions to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability. Dr. Kedir A. Fentaw, co-author of the study, emphasizes, “Organic fertilizers, such as animal manure and compost, can serve as effective alternatives to chemical fertilizers. They not only enhance crop growth but also contribute to carbon sequestration in the soil, which is crucial for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.”
However, the research team acknowledges that different perspectives exist within the agricultural community regarding organic fertilizers. Dr. Ibrahim Ortaş, a key researcher in the study, acknowledges the need for further research, stating, “While organic fertilizers have shown significant benefits in terms of soil quality and carbon sequestration, it is essential to optimize their formulations and application techniques to maximize nutrient availability and crop yield.”
The findings of the Çukurova University study highlight the potential of organic fertilizers to boost chickpea growth and improve soil health. Dr. Ahmed emphasizes, “We believe that by embracing sustainable agricultural practices, such as using organic fertilizers, we can strike a balance between food production and environmental preservation.”
As the global population continues to grow, incorporating eco-friendly farming methods becomes imperative to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture. The research team hopes that their findings will inspire farmers and policymakers alike to adopt organic fertilizers as a viable and environmentally conscious solution in modern farming practices.
ENDS
