With the advent of green revolution in 1960s, use of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds coupled with efficient irrigation and use of chemical fertilizers boosted the agricultural productivity, which further boosted agricultural production worldwide, especially in the developing countries. Increased crop yield also affected the fertility of the land attributable to the excessive use of fertilizers. Excessive use of fertilizers elevates the acidity of soil. Presence of excess nitrogen in the soil reduces plant diversity by enhancing the growth of plants. Excess nitrogen fixation augments greenhouse effect, diminishes stratospheric ozone, promotes smog, contaminates drinking water, acidifies rain, eutrophics bays and estuaries, and stresses ecosystems. Hence, there arises the need for shifting to an eco-friendly alternative which can enhance the yield and maintain soil health simultaneously. Here comes the role of organic fertilizers, which can overcome the shortcomings of the conventional fertilizers.

Organic fertilizers serve as a supplement to the traditionally used chemical fertilizers. These are carbon-based compounds obtained by converting organic substances into a usable fertilizer by modified aerobic-cum-anaerobic composting. These fertilizers improve the soil fertility, water retention capabilities/capacities and replenish the nutrients in the soil. Rising demand for organic food and increasing awareness about the consequences of using chemical fertilizers are boosting the organic fertilizers market.

Advantages of Using Organic Fertilizers

 Organic Fertilizers & Its Major Nutrients to the Soil

Organic fertilizers contain natural chemical elements that assist the growth of plant as these fertilizers possess a lot of macro and micronutrients.

The Pre-requisites

With the increasing standard of living and surging popularity of organic food, majority of farmers are aiming to improve the market attractiveness of their yield by using organic fertilizers. As organic fertilizer is gaining momentum, key players operating in the chemical industry are focusing on capitalizing this idea. However, before setting up an organic fertilizer manufacturing plant, many factors are needed to be taken into consideration.

The most important pre-requisite involves a lot of research and study about the business and its feasibility. After all the research and analysis, there arises a need for preparing a comprehensive business plan. The next step to set up an organic fertilizer manufacturing plant is the registration of the business with the authority. Starting an organic fertilizer plant can be capital intensive but if it is well located then it can be a money-spinning business. The proposed site should be close to the raw materials supply source, and there should be adequate water & power supply and transportation facilities. The site should not be in proximity to residential areas. Moreover, attention to packaging and marketing strategies should be given. Finally, the buying and installation of equipment should be done, besides appointment of labor.

Overview of Organic Fertilizers Production

Raw Material & Production Process

The raw materials for producing organic fertilizers are plentiful and extensive such as animal manure (chicken manure, pig manure, sheep manure, cow dung, horse manure, rabbit excrement), industrial waste (vinasse, vinegar residue, cassava dregs, sugar residue, biogas waste, furfural residue), agricultural waste (crop straw, soybean meal, cottonseed meal), household kitchen waste, sludge (municipal sludge, river sludge, filter mud) and so on. The easy availability of a large amount of raw materials makes organic fertilizer business popular and successful.