1、An overview of natural soil amendments in agriculture

This manuscript describes the natural soil amendments used in agriculture, which are divided into three groups: organic, organic-mineral, and mineral amendments. It also describes less popular agents, such as clay minerals, sewage sludge, and amendments based on slaughterhouse wastes.

2、Fertilizer Materials and Soil Nutrient Amendment

Fertilizers are categorized as organic or inorganic. Inorganic fertilizers are generally composed of simple, mostly water-soluble nutrient salts in granular, slow release or liquid formulations.

3、HG 42 2013 Soil Amendments and Fertilizers

When appropriate, substitute slow-release fertilizers for those that are highly soluble and substitute locally available organic fertilizers like farmyard manure, backyard compost, and municipal leaf compost for manufactured chemical fertilizers.

Understanding the Differences Between Soil Fertilizers and Amendments

This article will delve into the differences between soil fertilizers and amendments, their roles in soil management, and how to use them effectively. What Are Soil Fertilizers?

Guide to Soil Amendments: What They Are and How to Use Them

From compost and manure to wood chips, straw, and lime, this comprehensive overview lists soil amendments and tells you when and how to use them.

Choosing a Soil Amendment

On sandy soils, soil amendments can increase the water and nutrient holding capacity. A variety of products are available bagged or bulk for soil amendments. However, soil amendments are not regulated the same way as fertilizers and can be high in salts.

Fertilizers and Amendments

Comprehensive guide on fertilizers and soil amendments, covering their uses, benefits, and key considerations. Includes recommendations for improving soil health, managing pH, and selecting fertilizers for various garden needs.

Soil Amendment

The use of organic amendments on clayey or fine-textured soils improves their permeability, reduces the risk of soil surface crusting, improves soil air-water relations, and reduces surface runoff from agricultural areas.

What is a Soil Amendment? Types, Benefits and Methods of Applying

Some soil amendments, particularly water-soluble or liquid types, can be applied through irrigation systems or sprayed directly onto the soil surface. This method is often used for materials like gypsum, liquid compost extracts, or biochar slurry.

Soil Amendments & Fertilizers

Synthetic chemical fertilizers feed plants fast; they are often water-soluble and so get used up quickly or washed away. They are more likely to run off into lakes and streams or leach into groundwater, polluting the environment. Time-release synthetic varieties pose less risk to the environment.

Soil Amendment Agents: Are They Water-Soluble Fertilizers? How to Use Them?

Soil amendment agents are substances used to improve soil structure and properties. They can enhance soil fertility, modify physical and chemical characteristics of the soil, and ultimately increase crop quality and yield. Common types of soil amendment agents include organic fertilizers, microbial inoculants, inorganic fertilizers, and plant growth regulators.

I. Types of Soil Amendment Agents

1. Organic Fertilizers: These are fertilizers made from decomposed animal and plant residues. They enrich soil organic matter content, improve soil physical-chemical properties, and enhance water/nutrient retention capacity. Common forms include compost, green manure, and animal manure.

2. Microbial Inoculants: These contain beneficial microorganisms that decompose organic matter in the soil while producing growth regulators to promote crop development. Typical examples include mycorrhizal fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria.

3. Inorganic Fertilizers: Containing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, these fertilizers boost soil nutrient availability. Common varieties include nitrogenous, phosphatic, and potash fertilizers.

4. Plant Growth Regulators: Chemical substances regulating crop growth processes, controlling development rates, promoting flowering/fruiting, and improving quality. Examples include gibberellin, cytokinin, and abscisic acid.

II. Application Methods

1. Organic Fertilizers: Application rates and methods depend on soil type and crop requirements. Common techniques include deep tillage incorporation, trench application, or hole placement. Can be combined with chemical fertilizers but require precaution against seedling damage.

2. Microbial Inoculants: Application varies by soil conditions and crops. Methods include seed dressing, soaking, or foliar spraying, often combined with chemical fertilizers. Require careful application to avoid adverse crop effects.

3. Inorganic Fertilizers: Determine usage based on soil analysis and crop needs. Typically applied as base fertilizer or topdressing, often combined with other fertilizers. Avoid overapplication to prevent soil salinization.

4. Plant Growth Regulators: Dosage and method depend on crop stage and environmental factors. Commonly applied through foliar spraying or topical application, often combined with other treatments. Follow product guidelines carefully.

III. Precautions

1. Always follow product instructions to prevent overapplication causing soil salinization or crop damage.
2. For organic fertilizers, mitigate seedling burn risk through proper timing (avoid peak heat) or deep incorporation.
3. When using microbial products, employ appropriate application methods (seed treatment/spraying) to prevent crop stress.
4. With chemical fertilizers, balance formulations and application timing to maintain optimal soil health.
5. For growth regulators, strictly adhere to dosage guidelines and application protocols.

while soil amendment agents effectively improve soil conditions, proper application techniques and cautionary measures are essential to maximize their benefits without compromising crop safety or environmental sustainability.