Recycling Organic Wastes to Improve Soil Productivity

Abstract Proper management of organic wastes such as crop residues, animal manures, and sewage sludges on land is essential for protecting agricultural soils from wind and water erosion, and for preventing nutrient losses through runoff. Efficient and effective use of these materials also provides one of the best means we have for maintaining soil productivity2 by recycling plant nutrients and by improving soil physical properties. The beneficial effects of organic wastes on soil physical properties are widely known (1, 21) as evidenced by increased water infiltration, water-holding capacity, water content, aeration and permeability, soil aggregation and rooting depth, by decreased soil crusting and runoff, and by lower bulk density.