Role of soil amendments in enhancing crop yields: A review of global practices

Abstract

Soil health is a central part of the productivity, sustainability, and food security of agricultural systems. Modern agriculture has relied heavily on soil amendments to reverse trends of degradation and fertility depletion in soils under cultivation and compensating also for climate variability by providing nutrients and other properties that are sometimes lost. In this paper, different types of soil amendments will be reviewed; organic matter (compost/manure, biochar), inorganic amendments (lime/gypsum), and synthetic conditioners with an emphasis on their contribution to soil fertility as well as water retention in soils, microbial activity, and crop yields. Some examples from around the world, along with some regional practices that underline how well amendments can be applied across a wide range of agro-ecological zones effectively will be presented here. Challenges and recommendations for their optimal use in developing countries will also form part of the discussion. The review underscores the importance of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) and policy support in scaling up these practices for sustainable agricultural development.