organic-fertilizers
Organic fertilizers are naturally derived soil amendments—such as compost, manure, and other plant- or animal-based materials—that supply nutrients to support plant growth. They matter for plant science because they release nutrients gradually while improving soil structure, microbial activity, and water retention, offering insights into sustainable cultivation practices. Studying their effects helps researchers understand nutrient uptake efficiency and long-term soil health compared to synthetic fertilization methods.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-06-18
Bone meal powder boosted phosphorus availability in both saline and non-saline soils, but unexpectedly slowed seed germination and early growth of Malabar spinach — suggesting it needs refinement before replacing synthetic fertilizers.
Bone meal powder significantly increased available phosphorus in both high-salinity and low-salinity soils compared to unamended controls.
Despite improved soil phosphorus, bone meal application negatively affected seed germination rates and early growth variables in non-saline soil.
Shoot length showed large differences between treated and untreated plants, while root length and fresh weight differed only marginally.