Question

Compare the use of manure and fertilizers in maintaining soil fertility.

Answer 1

Use of manure:

1. Manure fills the soil with nutrients and organic matter and increases the fertility of the soil.
2. It improves the structure of the soil.
3. Due to this, the water retention capacity of sandy soil increases.
4. A high amount of organic matter in clay soil helps in the drainage of water. Due to which water does not get collected.
5. Soil erosion decreases.
6. Manure provides humus to the soil.
7. Provides food for micro-organisms and underground organisms.

Use of fertilizer:

1. Their use leads to good vegetative growth (leaves, branches and flowers), and healthy plants are obtained.
2. Fertilizers are used for higher production, but they are costly from the economic point of view.
3. Fertilizers lead to higher production in less time but they harm the fertility of the soil after some time.
4. Continuous use of fertilizers reduces the fertility of the soil because organic matter is not replenished and the life cycle of microorganisms and underground organisms is obstructed.
5. The soil becomes acidic or alkaline, due to which the soil becomes dry and powdery and soil erosion increases.

Answer 2

Manures increase soil fertility by enriching the soil with organic matter and nutrients as it is prepared by the decomposition of animal excreta and plant wastes. On the other hand, fertilizers are mostly inorganic compounds whose excessive use is harmful to the symbiotic micro-organisms living in soil. Their excessive use also reduces soil fertility. Hence, fertilizers are considered good for only short term use.