CROP PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT | Class 8 Science Notes

Adding Manure and Fertilisers

Manure and fertilizers are added to the soil to supply essential nutrients required for plant growth. Manure is organic matter obtained from decomposed plant and animal wastes. It improves soil texture, water retention, and fertility by adding nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizers are chemical substances that provide specific nutrients in concentrated forms. They are used to supplement the nutrients in the soil to enhance crop growth and yield. The use of fertilizers must be balanced and appropriate to avoid soil degradation and pollution. Organic manure enriches the soil naturally and is environmentally friendly, while chemical fertilizers provide immediate nutrient availability. Farmers often use a combination of both to maintain soil health and productivity. The nutrients supplied by manure and fertilizers help in the formation of chlorophyll, cell division, and overall plant development. Proper application of manure and fertilizers at the right time and in the right quantity is crucial for successful crop production.

📊 Diagram: Diagram shows cow dung manure being spread on the field and chemical fertilizers being applied using a fertilizer spreader (See figure_3).

🧪 Activity: Activity: Prepare a compost pit using kitchen waste and observe the decomposition process over time to understand manure preparation.

🔗 Connection: Leads to the next section 'Irrigation' which explains the importance of water supply to crops.