Understanding Potential Impact of Green Manuring on Crop and Soil: A Comprehensive Review

Author: Neelendra Singh Verma, Deepika Yadav, Monika Chouhan, Charu Bhagat and Priya Kochale

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Abstract

Green manuring plays a pivotal role in sustainable agricultural systems by optimizing crop yields and improving the livelihoods of farming communities. Various studies have emphasized the positive impact of green manuring in enhancing the soil organic matter, soil's structure, fertility, and nutrient content, microbial biomass, water holding capacity and balancing the soil's carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio. The incorporation of green manure crops also enhances fertilizer use efficiency. The growing challenges in agriculture, such as climate change, degrading soil fertility, extreme weather events, and environmental pollution resulting from the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, Hence, the integrated application of both green manuring and fertilizers represents the optimal combination for achieving higher yields. Many farmers are incorporating green manuring into their practices. This is done to mitigate soil erosion, enhance soil structure, Suppress Weeds growth, and, most significantly, boost soil fertility. However, the inclusion of green manure crops in the existing cropping system does come with certain challenges, including issues such as insufficient availability of high-quality seeds of desired species to the farmers, managing performance variability in green manure crops, and addressing challenges related to their establishment and incorporation. The biggest challenges farmers face while doing green manuring is choosing the right green manure crop with respect to the succeeding crop along with its adaptability to their particular climate. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in green manuring practices, considering both the potential advantages and limitations of this approach in annual crop production and the maintenance of soil health and fertility.

Keywords

Green Manuring, NPK content, Soil fertility, Biomass, Limitations, Profitability, Future Prospects

Conclusion

Green manuring crops play a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility and overall plant and soil health. The significance of this soil improvement practice has been on the rise in recent years. As the cost of inorganic fertilizers continues to rise and their imbalanced use leads to reduced soil fertility, the adoption of green manuring has become an essential practice for enhancing soil fertility and ensuring sustainable crop production. Green manuring helps conserve soil moisture and improves the soil's ability to retain water by enhancing its physico-chemical properties and increasing soil organic matter, leading to enhanced water use efficiency (WUE). Green manuring not only enhances soil quality but also leguminous green manure crops play a crucial role in nitrogen fixation, thereby increasing fertilizer use efficiency and facilitating integrated nutrient management. Furthermore, it aids in the control of pest insects, diseases, and weeds in subsequent crops. It may be concluded that green manuring stands as one of several viable alternatives to attain the desired ecological and agronomic sustainability, ultimately contributing to increased agricultural yields.

References

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How to cite this article

Neelendra Singh Verma, Deepika Yadav, Monika Chouhan, Charu Bhagat and Priya Kochale (2023). Understanding Potential Impact of Green Manuring on Crop and Soil: A Comprehensive Review. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 832-839.