Manures and fertilizers are used in field to provide essential nutrients that are required for the growth of crops. It enhances soil fertility and ensures that plants get all the required nutrients for healthy vegetative as well as reproductive growth of the plants in the field.
Plants require total 18 essential nutrients for their growth and development. These 18 essential nutrients are macronutrients (C, H, O, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Mo, Cl, Co, Ni). Plants get Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen from air and water. Rest all nutrients are supplied from fertilizers and manures.
Manures: They are organic materials that are formed from the gradual process of decomposition of animal waste and plant residues and are helpful in improving soil structure, increase organic matter and promote microbial activity. For decomposing organic materials, nowadays waste decomposer or jeevamrut is also used.
Fertilizers: They are made up of chemical or mineral substances that contain specific plant nutrients such as NPK, SSP, MOP, etc. Fertilizers supply concentrated plant nutrients to promote rapid growth in the plant.
Moreover, fertilizers are calculated for precise application, applying excess nutrients can result in toxicity.
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