In the heart of China’s agricultural landscape, a groundbreaking study led by Jinfeng Wang of the Institute of Eco-environment and Industrial Technology at Shanxi Agricultural University has shed new light on the future of sustainable farming. The research, published in the Journal of Integrative Agriculture, delves into the long-term effects of combining organic and inorganic fertilizers on crop yield and soil fertility in maize–wheat cropping systems.
The study, spanning nearly three decades from 1991 to 2019, conducted three extensive field trials across central and southern China. The findings reveal a compelling narrative: the strategic use of organic amendments, such as manure and crop straw, in conjunction with traditional mineral fertilizers, can significantly enhance crop yield sustainability and soil fertility.
Wang and his team explored five different fertilization treatments, including a control group with no fertilization, balanced mineral fertilization (NPK), and combinations of NPK with manure or crop straw. The results were striking. At two of the three sites, Yangling (YL) and Zhengzhou (ZZ), grain yields for both wheat and maize showed a consistent upward trend across all fertilization treatments. However, at the Qiyang (QY) site, yields declined, highlighting the complex interplay between soil conditions and fertilization strategies.
One of the most notable findings was the superior performance of the NPKM treatment, which combined NPK with manure. This treatment not only boosted grain yields but also improved the grain sustainable yield index (SYI) across all sites. “The key factors affecting grain yield were soil available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) at the YL and ZZ sites, and pH and AP at the QY site,” Wang explained. This underscores the importance of tailored fertilization strategies that consider local soil conditions.
The study also revealed that all fertilization treatments resulted in soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) surpluses, while potassium (K) surpluses were only recorded at the QY site. This imbalance highlights the need for more nuanced nutrient management practices. The soil fertility index (SFI) was significantly higher in treatments that included manure, indicating that organic amendments play a crucial role in maintaining long-term soil health.
Wang’s research suggests that the appropriate mix of manure with mineral NPK fertilizer could be a game-changer for sustainable agriculture. “A significant, positive linear relationship was found between SFI and crop yield, and SYI and nutrient balance, indicating that grain yield and its sustainability significantly increased with increasing soil fertility,” Wang noted. This finding has profound implications for the energy sector, as sustainable farming practices can reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, thereby supporting the broader goals of energy sustainability and climate resilience.
As the world grapples with the challenges of feeding a growing population while minimizing environmental degradation, Wang’s research offers a beacon of hope. By demonstrating the long-term benefits of combining organic and inorganic fertilizers, this study paves the way for more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. The findings, published in the Journal of Integrative Agriculture, provide a robust foundation for future research and policy development in the field of agritech.