Environmentally friendly fertilizers (EFF)

Environmentally friendly fertilizers (EFF) aim to provide nutrients to plants while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. They focus on sustainable practices that reduce pollution, improve soil health, and support long-term agricultural productivity. Read here to learn more.

The Cabinet Committee On Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the launch of Urea gold which is an EFF.

Urea gold is a Sulphur-Coated Urea (SCU) which is a non-organic slow-release fertilizer and is generally prepared by coating preheated urea granules with molten sulfur.

The sulfur coating ensures a more gradual release of nitrogen and prolongs the urea action, thus helping plants to stay greener for a longer time. It will increase efficiency and reduce frequent application of fertilizer, thus enhancing soil health.

As per the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) study, the use of SCU leads to a reduction in urea consumption by 25%.

Types of environmentally friendly fertilizers

Organic Fertilizers:

• Compost: Composed of decomposed organic matter, it improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient content.
• Manure: Animal manure, when properly composted, adds organic matter and essential nutrients to the soil.
• Bone Meal: A slow-release fertilizer high in phosphorus, derived from crushed animal bones.

Biofertilizers:

• Rhizobium and Mycorrhizal Fungi: These beneficial microorganisms form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, improving nutrient uptake and overall plant health.
• Azotobacter and Azospirillum: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use.

Fish Emulsion:

• A liquid fertilizer made from fish by-products, rich in nitrogen and other nutrients.

Algae-based Fertilizers:

• Derived from seaweed or algae, these fertilizers provide a range of nutrients, improve soil structure, and stimulate plant growth.

Natural Mineral Amendments:

• Rock Phosphate: A slow-release source of phosphorus.
• Gypsum: Adds calcium and sulfur without altering soil pH dramatically.

Biochar:

• Charred plant material that improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.

Amino Acid-based Fertilizers:

• Derived from plant or animal proteins, these fertilizers provide nitrogen in a form readily available to plants.

Slow-release Fertilizers:

• These formulations break down slowly, providing a sustained release of nutrients to plants and reducing the risk of leaching.

Also read: Nano Urea

Benefits of Environmentally Friendly Fertilizers

Environmentally friendly fertilizers offer several benefits that contribute to sustainable and responsible agricultural practices. These fertilizers are designed to provide essential nutrients to plants while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

• Reduced Environmental Pollution: Environmentally friendly fertilizers, particularly organic and natural alternatives, reduce the risk of water pollution. Traditional synthetic fertilizers can contribute to nutrient runoff, contaminating water sources. Organic fertilizers release nutrients more slowly, minimizing the impact on water quality.
• Improved Soil Health: Organic fertilizers, cover crops, and other sustainable practices help improve soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient content. They enhance microbial activity and biodiversity in the soil, contributing to long-term soil health.
• Decreased Soil Erosion: Cover crops and organic materials, such as compost, act as natural mulch, reducing soil erosion. By preventing the loss of topsoil, environmentally friendly fertilizers help maintain soil fertility and reduce the risk of sedimentation in water bodies.
• Enhanced Nutrient Retention: Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly, providing a sustained supply to plants. This reduces the likelihood of nutrient leaching into groundwater and minimizes nutrient losses that can contribute to environmental degradation.
• Mitigated Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Organic and natural fertilizers contribute to improved soil carbon sequestration. This helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by promoting soil health and reducing the need for energy-intensive production processes associated with synthetic fertilizers.
• Support for Biodiversity: Sustainable fertilization practices contribute to a more biodiverse agricultural ecosystem. By encouraging the presence of beneficial microorganisms and supporting a variety of plant species, environmentally friendly fertilizers promote ecological balance and resilience.
• Reduced Dependency on Synthetic Chemicals: Environmentally friendly fertilizers reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, minimizing the environmental impact associated with the manufacturing, transportation, and application of conventional fertilizers.
• Healthier Food Products: Plants grown with environmentally friendly fertilizers often produce crops with fewer chemical residues. This can lead to healthier food products that meet consumer preferences for organic and sustainably produced items.
• Water Conservation: Improved soil structure and moisture retention associated with sustainable fertilization practices contribute to water conservation. Efficient water use is essential for agricultural sustainability, especially in regions facing water scarcity.
• Adaptation to Climate Change: Environmentally friendly fertilizers, particularly those associated with organic and regenerative agriculture practices, contribute to climate change adaptation. These practices enhance soil resilience, reduce vulnerability to extreme weather events, and support sustainable agriculture in the face of changing climate patterns.
• Compliance with Sustainable Agriculture Standards: Using environmentally friendly fertilizers aligns with sustainable agriculture standards and certifications. This is increasingly important for farmers seeking to meet market demands for sustainably produced and environmentally conscious products.
• Economic Benefits: While transitioning to environmentally friendly fertilizers may involve initial adjustments, the long-term benefits include improved soil fertility, reduced input costs, and increased resilience to climate-related challenges.

Also read: Nano DAP

Government initiatives for EFFs

To reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture, the Government of India (GoI) is promoting the balanced and judicious use of fertilizers based on soil test-based recommendations in conjunction with organic fertilizers and bio-fertilizers.

• PM PRANAM (Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth) Scheme.
• Development of Nano Urea and Neem Coated Urea with Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PMKSK) facilitating these fertilizers.
• GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan), helps in preparing organic manure.

Under organic schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Namami Gange, Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP), Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North-Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF), etc., farmers are assisted with the use of organic and bio-fertilizers.

The National Centre for Organic Farming (NCOF) is involved in awareness generation & training activities for the promotion of organic farming.

Challenges for increasing EFF usage

Promoting the usage of environmentally friendly fertilizers in India faces several challenges, ranging from agricultural practices and economic considerations to awareness and policy issues.

• Many farmers in India are accustomed to conventional chemical fertilizers and may be hesitant to switch to environmentally friendly alternatives due to a lack of awareness or perceived efficacy.
• Environmentally friendly fertilizers, such as organic or bio-based options, can sometimes be more expensive than synthetic alternatives.
• The accessibility and distribution of these alternatives can be challenging, particularly in remote rural areas.
• Farmers may be concerned about the economic viability of using environmentally friendly fertilizers, especially if the benefits in terms of increased yields or improved soil health are not immediately apparent.
• The domestically produced urea heavily relies on imported natural gas, the essential feedstock for production.
• The Indian government heavily subsidizes Urea to ensure affordable prices for farmers. However, this subsidy has led to issues of overuse and inefficiencies in urea consumption.

Way forward

Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach involving government initiatives, research and development, educational programs, and collaborations with farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Using technology like precision farming practices should be encouraged to optimize fertilizer application based on soil and crop needs, reducing over-application and nutrient runoff.

Designing farming systems that minimize nutrient losses and environmental impact by recycling organic matter and nutrients within the system should be promoted.

Slowly, Farmers and agricultural practitioners are increasingly recognizing the importance of adopting environmentally friendly fertilizers and practices to ensure sustainable and responsible farming.

Related articles:

• One nation one fertilizer
• Agrochemicals
• Green Agriculture
• Zero-budget natural farming
• Organic farming
• Nano Urea
• Nano DAP

-Article by Swathi Satish