Abstract
Organic fertilizers can serve as an element of transitions to sustainable low-input agriculture in semi-arid regions of the MENA region. They play a key role in supporting soil biota and soil fertility. Yield improvements, availability and relatively low costs make organic fertilizers an attractive alternative for farmers. In semi-arid regions, important considerations are improved soil quality, which in turn affects soil water retention, while better root development helps crops resist heat and water stress. Organic fertilizers thus support climate adaptation and regional food security. Soil quality is crucial for carbon sequestration, at the same time that increased nutrient retention reduces impacts of agricultural runoff on groundwater and water bodies. Factors that impede the generalised use of organic fertilizers include lack of expertise, subsidy structures, constraints of the wider food and agricultural systems, and difficulties in transitioning from conventional agriculture. Such obstacles are aggravated in countries affected by security issues, financial volatility or restrictions in access to market. Against the background of both general and local constraints, the chapter examines possible pathways to benefit from organic fertilizers, in particular synergies with other sustainable agricultural practices, as well as improved access to expertise.
Highlights
Organic fertilizers are a highly diverse family of products used in agriculture for soil improvement and to provide nutrients
In view of the imminent threat to planetary life systems posed by climate change [20, 56, 62], research has in recent years accelerated on potentials for carbon offsetting and impacts on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of different land use and management systems [63–67], as well as with respect to climate adaptation [68] and food security [69, 70]
While Minasny et al [71] estimate that raising soil organic matter could offset 20–35% of total GHG emissions, Schlesinger and Amundson [72] believe that the combined use of biochar and enhanced silicate weathering on agricultural land will not offset more than 5% of emissions
Summary
Organic fertilizers are a highly diverse family of products used in agriculture for soil improvement and to provide nutrients. Their characteristics and benefits will depend on their origin and processing, as on how they are used or combined in particular contexts [1–5]. Organic Fertilizers outcomes will depend on numerous factors These include how the fertilizer matches soil characteristics, crops, climatic and topographical questions, landscape characteristics, and irrigation and tilling practices, time and manner of application of the fertilizer, as well as details concerning source and manner of producing the fertilizer. The use of organic fertilizers appears interesting in conditions of stress and weather variability, while a tailored combination with micro-nutrients suitable for crop and soil enhances yields (see e.g., Parmar et al [13]).
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