Soil health is the foundation of sustainable agriculture. Broadacre farming, which involves large-scale farming operations, is the main source of food production in various regions of the world, including Australia. As the demand for food increases, maintaining and improving soil health becomes a challenging experience for the farmers. Agriculture experts recommend all farmers adapt to agricultural fertilisers that are organically made. Let’s see what the future holds for the soil health of large-scale agriculture.
What Soil Health Actually Is
The term ‘soil health’, which we will be focusing on in this blog, simply means the recommended condition of the soil and how well it can support plant growth. As a farmer yourself, you already know that plants thrive in the ground that is fertile and has suitable conditions according to the crop or plant being grown. Various microbes like bacteria or fungi that are present in the soil also aid in promoting soil aeration so the roots have space to grow and breathe.
The Current State of Soil Health in Broadacre Farming
Till the last few years, Broadacre Farming has relied on traditional and conventional farming practices, which also include using chemical fertilisers and harmful pesticides. While these practices do have a significant effect on increasing crop yields, they also result in negative consequences for soil health. Overusing these chemicals leads to soil degradation without any doubt. But it causes further harm like reduced organic matter and loss of soil biodiversity.
We can’t say the same about the present day, because the growing awareness of the side effects of chemical use on soil has had an adverse follow on affect on surrounding environments. People are turning away from chemicals and are willing to adopt more sustainable practices that even strengthen their farm’s soil. Farmers and researchers widely are looking at alternative approaches that could replace conventional practices. Soil is the base of any healthy plant or crop, and if it is not habitable for the plants then there will be no productivity. Among newly introduced trends, the use of Organic Fertilisers is gaining the most attention and responses. People are realising that there is nothing better than organic produce, just the way nature intended it to be.
The Role of Organic Fertiliser
As the name suggests, organic fertilisers are made up of organic or naturally occurring materials, meaning they add to your soil that is also organic. Organic fertilisers are composed of manure, bone meal, compost, and other organic matter. Synthetic fertilisers give a direct and uncontrolled release of nutrients which overwhelms the soil and it is unable to absorb it all at once, whereas organic fertilisers have a slow nutrient-releasing process, so the plants get a steady supply of required nutrients. We should also know that organic fertilisers also help in improving soil structure, increase organic matter content in the soil, and promote beneficial microbial activity.
Benefits of Organic Fertiliser in Broadacre Farming:
- Enhanced Soil Structure: Organic fertilisers improve soil structure by increasing the soil’s ability to hold water and nutrients. This is particularly beneficial in broadacre farming, where maintaining soil moisture can be challenging.
- Increased Microbial Activity: Organic matter in organic fertilisers provides food for soil microorganisms. These microorganisms play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition, contributing to overall soil health.
- Sustainable Nutrient Supply: Organic fertilisers release nutrients gradually, reducing the risk of nutrient leaching and ensuring a more sustainable nutrient supply for crops.
Ensuring Sustainable Soil Health for Future Generations
Maintaining soil health is not only an agricultural concern but also an important part of environmental protection. As we aim to move in the direction of a sustainable future, prioritising soil health in Broadacre farming is needed to maintain food security, protect natural resources and mitigate climate change. Agricultural fertilisers can solve significant problems if they are organic and sourced from a trusted provider like Worm Hit. This vision will be realised and the sustainability of the agricultural sector 0 be assured only if farmers, researchers, policymakers, and the agricultural industry participate in joint efforts.
