There are many articles written about the benefits of using organic fertilizer for farming. Much has been said about the advantages and disadvantages of it in terms of soil productivity, rice production and cost of organic commodities. Is it really a good idea to switch to organic fertilizer for rice over the use of chemical fertilizers? Will it bring more productivity? These are only some of the many questions about using organic fertilizers for rice production.
It is known that California produces organic rice and they are the largest producer worldwide. It is not an easy feat for them to grow organic rice because one has to consider a lot of factors from nutrient management to the unpredictable timing of nutrient release from these organic fertilizers.
There are also researches that show how organic fertilizers affect agriculture. It is mentioned that after the process of decomposition that organic materials undergo, the possibility of causing groundwater pollution is very high when applied in large quantities. Organic fertilizer is not the only factor that will improve rice production; one should also take into consideration physical properties of soil and its condition during wet and dry season. A lot of times, some nutrients found in organic fertilizers cannot be absorbed by plants unless it is synthesized or broken down by components found in inorganic fertilizers or chemical fertilizers.
On the other hand, organic fertilizers can be one of the main sources of nutrients for growing plants and the reason behind soil productivity. This is good news for farmers and rice producers here in the Philippines as well as other countries who are trying to switch to organic fertilizer. The humid tropical condition here in the Philippines can hasten decomposition of organic materials resulting to minimal absorption of nutrients in the soil. Hence, will now require high quantities of organic material before one can rip the benefits that come from this. But before deciding to use organic fertilizer for rice, one has to have good knowledge on proper use of fertilizers because otherwise, it will just aggravate soil and groundwater conditions rather than bringing improvement to it. One should be aware that the application of organic fertilizer under low oxygen level can result to harmful toxins which can be detrimental to the plant. Flooded rice soils are a good example of this.
The debate whether organic fertilizer is the answer for a better rice production is still going on. Lots of factors should be considered by both farmer and the agriculture sector before giving it a go. While some farmers are already implementing organic farming, others are still in doubt whether it will be more beneficial to both producer and consumer. Everyone hopes it will not be a long wait before a decision is made.
Mar is a health and wellness coach. He is also an organic farming advocate. He is writing blogs concerning human healthiness. Hence, he is promoting healthy and natural products online.
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