Role of Organic Agriculture in Enhancing Soil Health: Implications for Physico-Chemical and Biological Properties

Abstract

Soil health is fundamental to sustainable agriculture and food security. Organic agricultural practices have gained increasing recognition for its capacity to improving soil health. This study evaluates the effects of organic i.e. farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost (VC) versus traditional i.e. urea (U) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) farming practices on soil health indicators and wheat growth. Results revealed significant improvements (P<0.05) in both soil physico-chemical and biological properties under organic farming practices compared to traditional methods. Overall, the soil's physico-chemical properties, including organic matter (OM), porosity, and moisture percentage, significantly improved due to organic practices. Organic matter increased by 6.33-fold and 5.70-fold, porosity rose by 2.60-fold and 1.78-fold, and moisture percentage improved by 1.93-fold and 1.81-fold. . Conversely, a reduction in bulk density (BD) and pH was observed under organic practices, specifically vermicompost (VC) and farmyard manure (FYM). The bulk density decreased by 1.19-fold and 1.14-fold, while the pH declined by 1.19-fold and 1.12-fold, respectively, under VC and FYM treatments. While microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), and phosphorus (MBP) were enhanced by 2.18-fold, 3.64-fold and 4.1-fold owing to VC and 2.01-fold, 2.93-fold and 3.08-fold owing to FYM respectively. Similarly, the microbial community, including bacteria (3.45-fold and 6.36-fold), fungi (4.0-fold and 3.45-fold), and actinomycetes (6.36-fold and 4.0-fold), demonstrated a significant increase in population under VC and FYM. Correlation analysis showed that physico-chemical and biological properties are closely interlinked with each other and play a significant role in maintaining the overall soil health. The study highlights that organic farming significantly improves soil physico-chemical properties, boosts microbial biomass and diversity, and enhances overall soil health compared to conventional practices.