Soil Health and Sustainability in the Age of Organic Amendments: A Review

Abstract

Organic amendments have emerged as a pivotal component in the trajectory of sustainable agriculture, given their multifaceted contributions to soil health, crop yield, and environmental conservation. This comprehensive review delves into the intricacies of organic amendments, spanning their historical context, types, sources, nutrient profiles, and their interplay with soil and plant health. Special emphasis is laid on the integration of modern technological advancements with traditional amendment practices, exploring the synergistic potential of digital agriculture and precision farming in enhancing the efficacy of organic inputs. The review also sheds light on the economic, social, and environmental ramifications, emphasizing the role of organic amendments in smallholder versus large-scale agricultural systems and their influence on farmer resilience and consumer perceptions. Crucially, this review addresses the challenges and limitations inherent in organic amendment practices, including concerns related to quality variation, scalability, over-application, and regulatory nuances. Concomitantly, the work culminates with a forward-looking perspective, highlighting emergent trends and innovations that portend the future of organic amendments in global agriculture. The findings underscore the significance of organic amendments not merely as soil additives but as integral elements in the blueprint for a sustainable, resilient, and food-secure future.