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

Abstract

Soil health is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and global food security. Organic farming practices are increasingly acknowledged for their capacity to enhance soil quality and crop performance. This study evaluated the effects of organic amendments—farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost (VC)—in comparison with conventional fertilizers, urea (U) and diammonium phosphate (DAP), on soil health indicators and wheat growth.

The findings revealed significant (P < 0.05) improvements in both physicochemical and biological soil properties under organic treatments relative to conventional fertilization. Application of organic amendments substantially 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). In contrast, bulk density and soil pH were reduced by 1.19-fold and 1.12-fold under VC and FYM treatments, respectively. Biological parameters, including microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), and phosphorus (MBP), showed marked increases, with VC resulting in 2.18-, 3.64-, and 4.10-fold enhancements and FYM producing 2.01-, 2.93-, and 3.08-fold increases. Moreover, populations of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes were significantly higher in soils receiving organic amendments.

Correlation analysis demonstrated strong relationships between soil physicochemical and biological attributes, underscoring their integrated role in maintaining soil health. Overall, the use of organic amendments significantly improved soil fertility, microbial diversity, and biological activity compared with conventional fertilizers, highlighting the importance of organic agriculture for long-term soil productivity and ecological sustainability