What are the alternatives to synthetic fertilisers?

Alternatives to synthetic fertilisers include organic fertilisers, green manure, compost, biofertilisers, and crop rotation.

Organic fertilisers are derived from plant or animal matter, such as manure, bone meal, or compost. They are rich in essential nutrients and improve soil structure, promoting healthy plant growth. Organic fertilisers release nutrients slowly, reducing the risk of over-fertilisation and minimising environmental impact. However, they can be more expensive and less predictable in their nutrient content compared to synthetic fertilisers.

Green manure refers to crops that are grown and then ploughed back into the soil. These crops, often legumes or grasses, enrich the soil with nutrients as they decompose. This method also improves soil structure and helps prevent soil erosion. It's a sustainable and cost-effective alternative, but it requires careful planning and can take up valuable growing space.

Compost is another excellent alternative. It's made from decomposed organic matter like food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings. Composting not only recycles waste but also enriches the soil with nutrients, improves its water-holding capacity, and encourages beneficial soil organisms. However, making compost can be time-consuming and requires space.

Biofertilisers are living organisms that enhance the nutrient availability to the plants. They include bacteria, fungi, and algae that can fix atmospheric nitrogen or solubilise phosphorous, making these nutrients available to plants. Biofertilisers are environmentally friendly but their effectiveness can be influenced by factors like soil pH and temperature.

Lastly, crop rotation is a traditional method of maintaining soil fertility. It involves growing different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons. This practice prevents the build-up of pests and diseases and helps maintain or improve soil fertility as different crops have different nutrient requirements. However, it requires careful planning and can be challenging to implement in small-scale farming.