The Impact of Organic Amendments on Fruit Crop Production: A Comprehensive Review
Biswajit Konwar
Department of Horticulture, Biswanath College of Agriculture, Biswanath Chariali, 784176, India.
Nikee Chutia
Department of Horticulture, Biswanath College of Agriculture, Biswanath Chariali, 784176, India.
Anwesha Goswami *
Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, India.
Priyaxee Borthakur
Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, India.
Tanishka Saikia
Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, India.
Nilakshi Bordoloi
Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on the effects of organic amendments on fruit crop quality and soil health, with a focus on identifying areas for future research. Organic fruit crop production additives are continuously gaining popularity due to increased demand for high-quality fruits and sustainable agricultural practices. Organic amendments such as compost, manure, and green manure along with biofertilizer have been shown to enhance soil properties, thus enhancing fruit quality, yield, and nutritional content. They also facilitate microbial diversity, soil fertility, and water-holding capacity, which promotes sustainable agriculture and reduces dependence on artificial fertilizers. However, farmers might face some challenges including the high price of the inputs, uneven quality, and possible environmental hazards such as heavy metal deposition. Future research must focus on designing cost-effective and environmentally sustainable means, improving the consistency and quality of organic fertilizers, and examining their interaction with other sustainable agricultural practices. By solving these problems, organic amendments may become a cornerstone of sustainable fruit crop production, benefiting both the environment and human health.
Keywords: Compost, crop production, organic amendments, soil fertility