Use of organic fertilizers: economic and ecological aspects

Abstract

The article indicates that the soils of Ukraine, first of all, chernozems, are the best in the world in terms of fertility potential, and recently, due to the deviation of technologies from the generally accepted developed zonal recommendations and violation of the basic laws of agriculture, the main indicators of fertility are increasingly losing. Their structure deteriorates, the content of humus, organic matter, macro- and microelements decreases.
The main reasons for the decrease in the content of humus should be attributed to its excessive mineralization when growing intensive agricultural crops, non-compliance with scientifically grounded crop rotations and the development of erosion processes. However, one of the main factors in its decrease is the reduction in the volume of organic fertilizers application.
To ensure a deficit-free humus balance, it is necessary to apply 340 million tons of organic fertilizers annually, whereas in 2019. Only 11.3 million tons were brought in, that is, 3.0% of the required volume. The decrease in the volume of application of organic fertilizers per 1 ha (by 85%) is due to the fact that the number of livestock in Ukraine is decreasing every year. In particular, the number of pigs decreased from 19946.7 thousand heads in 1990 to 6163.1 thousand heads in 2020 and cattle from 25194.8 thousand heads to 3408.2 thousand heads, respectively. The problem of soil enrichment with nutrients can be solved as quickly as possible through the widespread use of crop by-products. This simple but effective method has received many positive reviews, confirmed by scientific results.
Also, it is proposed to solve the identified problems by strengthening state control through the creation of district offices, scientific consulting centers, a regional network of providing consulting services, the introduction of measures to stimulate the development of livestock, strengthening control over the operation of land in accordance with their intended purpose and scientifically based agricultural technology.