THE IMPACT OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FERTILIZER COMBINATIONS ON SOIL MICROBIAL DIVERSITY AND CROP YIELD

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of organic and inorganic fertilizer combinations on soil microbial diversity and crop yield, aiming to identify sustainable agricultural practices that optimize both soil health and productivity. The research was conducted over two growing seasons, utilizing four fertilizer treatments: organic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers, and a control with no fertilizer. Soil microbial diversity, crop yield, and various soil physicochemical properties were analyzed. The results revealed that the combined fertilizer treatment significantly enhanced both bacterial and fungal diversity, with higher Shannon diversity indices compared to organic or inorganic treatments alone. This treatment also resulted in the highest crop yield (520 kg/ha), outperforming the other treatments. Soil nutrient content, including nitrogen, was most abundant in the combined treatment, highlighting its positive influence on soil fertility. Furthermore, changes in soil pH and organic matter content demonstrated the beneficial effects of combined fertilization in maintaining a balanced soil environment. The control treatment, with no fertilization, showed the lowest microbial diversity and crop yield, emphasizing the importance of fertilization in sustainable farming. These findings suggest that integrated fertilizer strategies, combining organic and inorganic fertilizers, offer a promising approach for improving both soil microbial health and crop productivity. This study provides valuable insights for farmers and policymakers seeking to adopt more sustainable and efficient fertilization practices that balance productivity with environmental health.