Promoting soil microbial activity and soil organic matter accumulation: inorganic and organic fertilizer effects

Publication date: 21-08-2026
Extent: 22 pages

Contributions by: John Havlin, North Carolina State University, USA

Chapter synopsis:

This chapter discusses the effects of inorganic salts on soil microbial processes that are important to nutrient supply and soil health. It begins by reviewing the effects of tillage and crop rotation, focusing on how these processes can improve overall soil health. The chapter then goes on to review the use of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers and how these can influence the chemical, biological and physical properties of soil, which is then followed by an overview of organic fertilizer usage and their effects. A section on the use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers combined is also provided. The chapter also reviews how soil organic matter accumulation can be estimated.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2025.0166.17