Question

2. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of using manure and fertilisers in the crop field. ​

Answer 1

Advantages of Manure:

• It increases the water-holding capacity of the soil.
• It makes the soil porous and facilitates the exchange of gases.
• The texture of the soil improves.
• The number of microbes increases in the soil.

Advantages of Fertilizers:

• They are quick in providing plant nutrients and restoring soil fertility.
• They are portable and easy to transport.
• Plants easily absorb fertilizers.
• Fertilizers improve and increase the productivity of many crops such as wheat, maize, and rice.

Disadvantages of Manure:

• It provides less nutrient to plants in comparison to fertilizers.
• It doesn't provide high yield as much as fertlizers.

Disadvantages of Fertilizers:

• They get washed away by water easily and cause pollution.
• They harm the microbes present in soil.
• They reduce soil fertility.
• They are expensive.
• They provide only short term benefits.
• They change the nature of soil, making it either too acidic or too alkaline.