Feeding the growing world population is becoming more challenging, especially with the negative impact that intensive soil use and mineral fertilisers have on the soil. While mineral fertilisers have boosted crop yields for decades, they also come with serious risks for soil health and the environment. How can we maintain healthy food production while reducing the long-term damage caused by these fertilisers?
FAO research: the downside of mineral fertilisers
A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights the risks that mineral fertilisers pose to our environment. The nitrogen they contain contributes to soil degradation, water pollution, and increased emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O), a greenhouse gas that’s over 300 times stronger than CO₂. Additionally, nitrogen pollution leads to biodiversity loss and poses health risks like respiratory issues and heart disease.
Why organic fertilisers are a smarter choice
Fortunately, there are ways to promote healthy soil and growing crops without these negative effects. Organic fertilisers provide a sustainable alternative with numerous advantages over mineral fertilisers. Organic fertilisers release their nutrients gradually and over an extended period, allowing plants to grow more steadily. Additionally, they enhance soil health by fostering beneficial microorganisms and earthworms, which help break down organic material and improve nutrient availability for plants.
Organic fertilisers also contribute to carbon sequestration in the soil. This helps capture CO₂ and provides farmers with the opportunity to gain additional carbon credits. This means the transition to organic fertilisation is not just good for the planet, but it’s financially attractive too.
Proven benefits: less nutrient leaching with organic fertilisers
One major advantage of organic fertilisers is that they significantly reduce nutrient leaching into groundwater. Nutrient leaching is the downward movement of dissolved nutrients in the soil profile with percolating water. Nutrients that are leached below the rooting zone of the vegetation are at least temporarily lost from the system, although they may be recycled if roots grow deeper. Leached nutrients may contribute to groundwater contamination in regions with intensive agriculture. Nitrate leaching is also a significant source of soil acidification. (Havlin et al., 1999).
A recent study at HAS Green Academy on nutrient leaching in lettuce crops found that plants fertilised with organic products lost far fewer nutrients than those treated with (organo-)mineral fertilisers. This helps protect the environment and keeps groundwater cleaner. In the study, lettuce crops were treated with different fertilisers:
- T1: No fertilisation (control group)
- T2 & T3: Mineral fertilisers at 80% and 100% N rate
- T4 & T5: Organo-mineral fertilisers at 80% and 100% N rate
- T6 & T7: Organic fertilisers at 80% and 100% N rate
As shown in the figure on the right, the results are clear: the lowest leaching of NO₃ and NH₄ was measured in the organic treatments, with only 3.5 mmol/l in T6 and 3 mmol/l in T7. The highest leaching occurred in the mineral fertilizer treatments, with 13.7 mmol/l in T2 and 26.9 mmol/l in T3.
GrowSolutions: your partner in organic fertilisers
Switching to organic fertilisers is a logical step toward a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system. Less leaching, healthier soil, and a smaller environmental footprint make organic fertilisers a smart investment. At GrowSolutions, we offer a wide range of organic fertilisers that nourish your soil and crops in a sustainable way.
Want to learn more about how our organic fertilisers can improve your soil and yields? Check out our Nutrients category to explore our products, or reach out to us at growsolutions@denoudengroep.com.
Stronger crops, healthier soil – the GrowSolutions approach
For over 30 years, we’ve been helping farmers worldwide build healthier soils. A strong soil ecosystem is the foundation for resilient crops that can handle challenges like drought, flooding, and disease. Our organic fertilisers improve soil structure, boost water retention, and enhance natural plant defence mechanisms. We work closely with farmers to support their transition to more sustainable practices. Through hands-on research and innovative solutions, we’re paving the way for a future where agriculture is both productive and environmentally friendly.
