Improving the Nutrient Uptake in Crops by Compost Application in Diverse Agricultural Contexts
摘要
Inefficient nutrient uptake remains a major constraint in modern agriculture, contributing to suboptimal yields and environmental harm. This chapter examines the potential of compost as a sustainable organic amendment to enhance nutrient availability and plant uptake across a range of agricultural settings—spanning different soil textures, climatic zones, and farming practices. Compost contributes to improved soil physical structure, elevated cation exchange capacity, and heightened microbial activity, all of which support more efficient absorption of macro- and micronutrients by plants. Empirical studies reveal that compost use can boost crop yields by as much as 54% compared to chemical fertilizers alone, particularly in crops such as maize and potato, although outcomes depend on factors like climatic setting, soil type, and compost dosage. The chapter also addresses compost’s broader agronomic benefits, including its role in mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses and enhancing overall plant health. Potential drawbacks—such as risks of heavy metal accumulation, nutrient imbalance, and practical limitations in compost production and distribution—are critically analyzed. Strategies to overcome these barriers, such as targeted compost applications and integration with conservation practices like cover cropping, are proposed. Collectively, this chapter underscores compost’s promise as a tool for improving nutrient use efficiency and promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural intensification.