Published on : 05 May 20203 min reading time

In the era of their first experiments, the use of chemical fertilizers had reached a certain golden age. Of course, agriculture had even achieved enormous success in production and yield. However, it was only after years of use that it began to feel dangerous. Adverse consequences appeared and had an impact on the health of consumers of agricultural products. The same is true on the environmental side through the rapid degradation of the soil and damage to the atmosphere. There are indeed alternative solutions for reducing the use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture.

Why is it necessary to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers?

This is a very important question, the use of chemical fertilizers has become a major issue in modern agricultural production. Indeed, it is an international recommendation for the preservation of the environment. The programme that has been put in place is expected to be completed within the next three decades.

The use of chemical fertilizers constitutes dangerous agricultural pollution. The effects are very insidious, because although we see an increase in green spaces following the use of chemical inputs, there is a significant emanation of nitrogen and CO2. This is a great threat to the environment through the emission of greenhouse gases.

There are organic fertilizers

The first solution for reducing the use of chemical fertilizers is to use organic inputs as an alternative. The products are available on the agricultural accessories and supplies market. Shops and producers offer organic materials from ashes, guanos or even rock phosphate.

It is also possible to personally make organic fertilizers such as compost or by using products from livestock farming (animal excrement: rabbit, zebu, dove…), crop residues or even algae.

Biological and natural treatment of the soil

Another alternative would be to treat the soil. Intelligent agriculture is about polyculture. To do this, crops are assembled or rotated on the soil so as not to totally exhaust the organic elements that contribute to plant development.

For the restoration of soil fertility after long use, enriching plants such as styosanthes guianensis should be cultivated. This is a much more effective and quicker alternative to soil repair than fallowing. It also reduces the use of chemical fertilizers.

The use of biological pesticides and insecticides is also recommended. Otherwise, soil disinfection should not be done very frequently. This will painfully reduce soil fertility and damage plant health.