With the increase in environmental concerns, orchard management is becoming challenging. At the same time, farmers are also becoming conscious of these environmental impacts.
To address these environmental concerns, a researcher at Cornell University named Gregory Peck decided to research these impacts.
“Apple growers are interested in developing more sustainable nutrient management plans. They are asking for more information to improve the soil health on their farms, Peck explains.”
In the current research, researchers applied compost, such as yard waste and chicken litter, to the apple yard. They found that the addition of compost to the soil increases its nutritional content.
Here’re some benefits of the compost that researchers have reported:
- Compost improves the number of soil bacteria in the soil. Thus, it helps in recycling nutrients.
- Compost helps bacteria to thrive by providing additional food.
- Additional nutrients mean the need for fertilizers is less. Thus, it also helps farmers to reduce costs and environmental impacts.
- Compost also decreases the dependence on the fertilizers coming from non-renewable resources.
- It is sustainable use of waste material.
In a nutshell, this research convinces farmers to use compost with their fertilizer sources.