»Green leaf manuring«
Being one of the largest sectors across the world, agriculture is more affected by the drastic decrease of the fertility levels which lead to poor and low production.
Green manuring involves application of green leaves, twigs of trees, shrubs and herbs into soil. It is a technology used to improve on the physical structure and fertility of soil which enables the sustainability of the soil fertility.
Manure processing
In green manuring technology, green leaves and plants are the chief ingredients to alter soil composition and the key function is to increase soil organic mater, increase nitrogen and other nutrients which increase the productivity. Green manuring process is practical, sustainable and economical in increasing yield of over used or un-used land.
Furthermore green manuring implementation is based on agro-climatic conditions. Green manuring types are in situ and green leaf manuring. For in situ type, crops are grown on piece of land, cut at flowering stage and buried in same land as natural manure which decompose to form manure whereas for green leaf manuring, soil is mixed with green leaves and twigs. Collected material is left for 2 days to weather and later collected, heaped and covered with banana leaves for partial decomposition. These are added into soil and the process is repeated until desired fertility is reached.
Method advantages
Green manuring improves on soil fertility, soil physical structure and addition of required nutrients which improve on soil aeration and its resistance to pests and diseases. Green manuring also controls weeds and stimulates microbial growth as well.
Method disadvantages
As compared to other means of fertilizing soils, green manuring takes along period of time and is not suitable for rain fed crop.
Finally, the cost of implementation is higher compared to other methods.
