IMPROVING SOIL HEALTH THROUGH ORGANIC AGRICULTURE: EFFECTS ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

Soil health is fundamental to sustainable agriculture and global food security. Organic farming practices are increasingly recognized for their ability to improve soil quality and crop productivity. This study assessed the impact of organic amendments—farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost (VC)—compared to conventional inputs, urea (U) and diammonium phosphate (DAP), on soil health indicators and wheat growth.

The results showed significant (P < 0.05) enhancements in both soil physicochemical and biological properties under organic treatments relative to conventional fertilization. Organic amendments markedly increased soil organic matter (6.33-fold with VC and 5.70-fold with FYM), porosity (2.60-fold and 1.78-fold), and moisture content (1.93-fold and 1.81-fold). Conversely, bulk density and pH decreased by 1.19-fold and 1.12-fold under VC and FYM, respectively. Biological indicators, including microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), and phosphorus (MBP), were also significantly elevated, showing 2.18-, 3.64-, and 4.10-fold increases with VC and 2.01-, 2.93-, and 3.08-fold with FYM. Additionally, populations of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes increased substantially under organic amendments.

Correlation analyses highlighted strong interconnections between physicochemical and biological properties, emphasizing their collective role in sustaining soil health. Overall, organic amendments significantly enhanced soil fertility, microbial diversity, and biological activity compared to conventional fertilizers, reinforcing the critical role of organic agriculture in maintaining long-term soil productivity and ecological balance.