Microbial Diversity Under Organic Fertilizer Management Systems and Identification of Best Fertilizer Practice

Agroecosystem biodiversity and soil microbiome activity are important natural indicators of soil health and overall sustainability. Soil microbial functional and structural diversity are highly sensitive to management practices and anthropogenic activities. Conventional agriculture relies heavily on chemical pesticides and fertilizers for crop growth and protection. However, the practice of chemical fertilizers has raised alarming concerns due to increased soil degradation, erosion, and nutrient depletion. Organic fertilizers (OFs) are being used as an alternative to chemicals. Unlike inorganic fertilizers, OFs are categorized by a C-H linkage that plays a critical role in controlled nutrient release, in addition to being a good source of organic compounds. Natural OFs, such as animal manure, crop residue, and fish manure, and processed OFs, such as compost, meat bone meal, and fish meal, are already used in agriculture and have been shown to significantly alter soil microbial communities. This chapter addresses the significance of various organic fertilizers on soil microbial communities’ diversity, richness, and abundance as well as their effects on nutrient cycling, particularly carbon, and other microbial processes. Finally, it emphasizes suitable organic fertilizers for enhancing environmental and agricultural sustainability.