Soil enrichment is a vital natural process that plays a pivotal role in sustaining and enhancing food production. This intricate phenomenon involves a series of biological, chemical, and physical interactions within the soil, fostering an environment conducive to plant growth. One key aspect of soil enrichment is the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms, releasing essential nutrients that contribute to the fertility of the soil. Additionally, natural processes like weathering of rocks and minerals further enrich the soil with essential elements. The intricate web of interactions between soil organisms, organic matter, and geological processes collectively creates a nutrient-rich foundation for plant growth. As plants thrive in enriched soil, the impact on food production is profound, resulting in healthier crops, increased yields, and ultimately, supporting the foundation of our global food supply. Understanding these natural processes is crucial for sustainable agriculture and ensuring the resilience of food production systems in the face of environmental challenges.
Answer
More than a billion in the world are facing hunger in today’s world. With the climate change problems- environment degradation, soil erosion, and soil infertility, It is crucial to use conservative agriculture with naturally enriched Soil.
Naturally Soil enrichment processes:
- Decomposition – Major Sources of nutrients come from decomposed dead trees, and leaves, by microorganisms creating humus-humification
- Nitrification – Nitrogen fixation by Cyanobacteria- Agetobactor, and leguminous – Rhizobium.
- Weathering, deposition, Sedimentation – Weathering of rocks is a major source of sulphate, and phosphate mixing with soil.
Sedimentation produces silt – mainly in alluvial soil- fine texture soil and water capacity increase. - Different organism-enriched soil
- a) Mycorrhizal Fungi help in the absorption of minerals
- b) Earthworm roaming breaks organic material in soil. Also also helps to fine-textured soil
Effects on plant growth- Food Production:
| Components | Function |
| Nitrogen | ● Part of amino acid and protein ● Photosynthesis and part of chlorophyll ● Leaves growth |
| Phosphate | ● Important for cell division ● Energy part of ATP |
| Sulphur | ● Enzyme activity ● Protein synthesis ● Leaf growth |
| Potassium | ● Water and food transport ● Ion exchange |
| Calcium | ● Enzyme function ● Strength |
These components are responsible for plant growth and ultimately increase food production.
Importance of use of the natural process of Soil Enrichment:
Artificial soil enrichment processes include the use of fertilizer, and multiple-time soil mixing required.
Harmed naturally occurring good microbes
Reducing soil fertility, soil moisture, and carbon capacity. Pollution, biomagnification, bioaccumulation, Eutrophication
This can be avoided using Natural enrichment.
Zero Tillage Farming uses these natural soil enrichment processes which can reduce seed & water requirements, reduce nitrogen demand and less use of fertilizers and help to retain soil moisture, and also increase food production because it reduces the time between two crop cultivation.
Soil degradation, poor diets, and nutrient-deficient soils contribute to micronutrient deficiencies in crops which in turn endanger human health–hidden hunger,–Natural processes cannot alone solve the problem above. It supplements with the artificial means process and can do with sustainable agriculture.
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