Adding Manure and Fertilisers
- Manure and fertilizers are the chemicals that are supplied to the soil in the form of nutrients for the healthy growth of plants.
- Mineral nutrients are provided to agricultural plants by the soil.
- The nutrients in the soil become depleted due to ongoing agricultural cultivation.
- In order to replace the soil’s nutrients, manuring is carried out.
- Manure is an organic material created when plant or animal manure breaks down.
- Farmers throw manure from plants and animals in open pits and let it decay. As organic manure, the decomposed material is employed.
- Fertilizers are basically a concoction of various nutrients combined to give an enhanced composition.
- These are produced in factories and some commonly used fertilizers include urea, ammonium sulfate, superphosphate, potash & NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium).
- Farmers are now able to harvest crops like maize, wheat, and paddy with greater success thanks to the usage of fertilizers.
- The land is now less fertile due to the overuse of fertilizers. As a result of fertilizers, water is now being contaminated.
- In order to maintain the soil’s fertility, we must either use organic manure in place of fertilizers or leave the land fallow (uncultivated) in between two crops.
- Manure application enhances the soil’s water-retentive properties and texture. It provides new nutrients to the soil.
Another way to help maintain soil fertility is through crop rotation. This practice involves planting different crops in alternating seasons. For years, farmers in northern India have rotated legumes for fodder one season and wheat the next.
- You have already learned about Rhizobium bacteria in an earlier lesson.
- These microscopic entities exist on the roots of leguminous plants & they are responsible for fixing nitrogen from the air into the soil.
Advantages of Manure:
- Organic manure is preferred over fertilizers. This is because it improves the soil’s ability to retain water.
- By making the earth permeable, it facilitates the simple interchange of gases.
- It promotes the population of helpful bacteria. It makes the soil’s texture better.
NCERT Notes Class 8 Science Chapter – 1: Crop Production and Management
NCERT Notes for Class 8 Science Chapter 1: Crop Production and Management: Crop production and management is a crucial aspect of agriculture. It involves the methods and techniques used to cultivate crops and ensure their proper growth, to obtain maximum yield. The process of crop production and management involves various elements such as soil preparation, sowing, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting. Farmers and agriculturalists employ various scientific methods and technologies to ensure optimal crop production and management.
NCERT Class 8 Crop Production and Management: Effective crop production and management techniques are essential to ensure the highest possible yield while maintaining the quality of the crops. It is a vital aspect of agriculture as it plays a critical role in providing food and raw materials for various industries. In this regard, farmers and agricultural experts must constantly improve their knowledge and skills to ensure sustainable and profitable crop production and management practices. Through these notes, the students will be able to revise the NCERT Grade 8 chapter Crop Production and Management with ease.