Fertilizing a soil must rhyme with soil fertility today to obtain sustainable yields. Indeed, spreading fertilizers in a non-fertile soil is little, if not ineffective. Why ? Because the lack of biodiversity in the soil greatly reduces the action of fertilizer products, and thus, the amount of yields. To increase the quantity and the quality of the production durably, requires above all to stimulate the life in the soil. Find out how to fertilize a soil for a sustainable yield.
Adequately fertilize a soil: change in practices
Certain traditional agricultural practices and the use of chemical fertilizers have considerably reduced life in the soil. Although the agricultural yields knew a major increase during the glorious 30s, the quantities of the productions stagnate in the majority of the cultures since 1990. And for good reason: the grounds are poor in microorganisms, and other nutrients present naturally in the ground, such as nitrogen or potassium. The agricultural practices and fertilization of yesterday do not meet the challenges of today’s agricultural soils. It is therefore essential to realize this, in order to be able to fertilize the soil adequately and obtain sustainable yields. Among the “new” agricultural practices to take into account: the rotation of crops that conserve humus, the use of plant cover and the bioremediation process, eco-fertilization, and other practices in favor of conservation.
The agricultural amendment
These changes in agricultural practices have led to the establishment of fertilization that acts to promote soil biodiversity. Before even considering applying fertilizers, organic agricultural amendment is the first step to increase the life of the soil by improving its structure and fertility. The elements included in the amendments correct the pH of the soil, and develop microbial life in the earth by circulating more water and air. They then optimize the absorption of fertilizers by the plant. The agricultural amendment stimulates soil organisms, which naturally do considerable work by participating in various processes of improving soil fertility. Earthworms provide, for example, “good ventilation” of the soil by digging galleries. Fertilizing a soil, starting with an agricultural amendment, optimizes the results.
Eco-alternative fertilizers
The choice of fertilizers is decisive in terms of respecting the life of the soil and plants. Crops whose soils contain chemical fertilizers deplete the work of the soil conditioner and soil organisms. In order to enhance the stimulation of soil microorganisms, a fertilizer must be of natural origin. This allows its native compounds to be recognized and better assimilated, by the soil and then by plants. In addition to phosphorus, potash, and nitrogen, fertilizer formulas must contain nutrients that meet the specific needs of the crop. Among these nutrients: trace elements (boron, zinc, selenium, etc.) and macro elements (calcium, magnesium, etc.).
The cultures whose soils contain an active and maintained biological life, are cultures whose yields have a strong growth potential. Whether in terms of quantity or quality, the yields of a soil increase as the soil contains nutritious and fertile elements. Fertilizing a soil to obtain a sustainable yield is therefore more than ever possible, as long as the soil fertility is preserved.
