Increase the uses of Organic Fertilizers at the field level: My thoughts as a future Agriculturist
By Organic fertilizer we mean the fertilizer obtained from the living things. Soil organic matter is an indicator of understanding the soil condition of a country. Large scale industrial plants have been set up for the production of chemical fertilizers. But there is no permanent structure for production and marketing of organic fertilizer. Although several large companies in our country have already been involved in this business. They are able to supply about one lakh tons of organic manure which is less than our demand. An analysis of cropland fertility in Bangladesh, published by Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, shows that the organic matter content of 80 percent of the 7.5 million hectares of land in 30 Agro-Ecological Zones in the country is below 1 percent (standard 2.5-3.0, maximum 5). There are 18 nutrients in the soil but it is being expanded in the country by emphasizing the use of three types of nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) and chemical fertilizers. It has been observed that six decades ago, 7.8 kg of chemical fertilizer was applied per hectare in croplands, now it has increased by 75 times and about 70 kg of chemical fertilizer is being applied per hectare. Sometimes, on the advice of local fertilizer sellers, farmers are using far more than the recommended levels of chemical fertilizers, resulting in continued growth. Reviewing the Fertilizer Use Guidelines, it has been observed that the use of organic fertilizers has been reduced from time to time and more use of chemical fertilizers has been recommended for different varieties of crops, which means that farmers continue to be encouraged to use chemical fertilizers. Moreover, deep cultivation, and application of pesticides in the groundwater in the soil is also accelerating the process of depletion of organic matter in the soil. Although it has increased food production unexpectedly, it is unfortunate that its misuse has reduced the health and fertility of our land many times over. As a future Agriculturist it would be more important for me to work at the field level first. I think I need to get in close with the farmers to inform them about the method of preparation of organic fertilizers, its quality of use and the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers. With proper knowledge they should refrain from consulting the fertilizer seller. By increasing the use of organic fertilizers at the field level and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, we have to preserve the quality of the soil, increase the crop production, and save the natural environment.
Fazle Rabbi , Intern Student, College of Agricultural Sciences
IUBAT- International University of Business Agriculture and Technology
