Effect of animal manure application on sustainable potato production and soil structure management

Abstract

Historically animal manure has been the most valuable and accessible source of plant nutrients across the globe. Potato is worldwide important food, feed and industrial crop with the highest provision of calories, vitamins and nutrients compared to other crops. The aim of the review is therefore to assess the current state of knowledge about the effects of the use of animal manure on sustainable potato production and soil structure. It also briefly discusses the results of research on the benefits of animal manure on the physical properties of soil and the general management of soil health. The overview of sustainable crop production, types and profiles of animal manure, their benefits on the soil structure enhancement and potato yield increment have been briefly reviewed. Many literatures have narrated that animal manure could boost the productivity and yield of potato in the different parts of the world either solely or in combination with inorganic fertilizers. Similarly, facts have been unfolded about the merits of animal manure on the improvement of soil physical properties which in turn improves the agronomic and ecological services of the soil. Misuses of animal manure can lead to possible contamination of the water bodies and the atmosphere. It has been suggested that the application of manure at the right time right dose, either solely or in combination with inorganic fertilizers, are thought to alleviate related challenges while sustaining potato production.