Vegetable production is the answer to the food security guidelines, hence the need to produce foods rich in nutrients necessary for human development, and of course managed under a sustainable approach using ecological strategies that do not alter agricultural ecosystems. In that sense, one of the important agronomic practices is fertilization and among the ecological alternatives to provide nutrients to the soil for the development of plants are organic fertilizers that, according to Quispe (2018), are the result of the decomposition of materials of plant, animal or mixed origin, have the ability to improve soil fertility, thus increasing the production and productivity of crops.
In this same vein, it is important to mention that cultivated surfaces can suffer a loss of nutrients, which depletes the organic matter of the soil, that is why a recommended alternative is the application of organic substances with the aim of improving the nutritional capacity, compensating the nutritional elements that have been extracted by the crop. In addition to recovering nutrients from the soil, they also fertilize plants helping growth, stimulating a series of phytohormones and natural phytoregulators that can be activated through the use of organic fertilizers.
In this context, the search for sustainable alternatives for crop fertilization has become a necessity due to the various negative factors presented by the conventional agricultural model, sustainable agriculture has begun to emerge based on the use of endogenous resources that can be used rationally, in order to improve productivity and preserve the biodiversity of agroecosystems.
In that sense, as a sustainable alternative there is the worm leachate, also known as liquid humus or worm tea, which is a liquid organic fertilizer obtained from worm farming. It is produced by the collection and filtration of the liquid that drains from the earthworms, where the organic waste in the process of decomposition by the Californian red earthworms (Eisenia foetida) are located. This liquid is enriched with essential nutrients, humic acids and beneficial microorganisms that make it an organic fertilizer of great value for the cultivation of various plants.
Among the benefits of worm leaching in crops is the stimulation of plant growth and development since it provides a wide range of essential nutrients for optimal plant growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and micronutrients. These nutrients promote the development of vigorous leaves, strong stems and an efficient root system, which translates into a higher yield and quality of the final product. In addition, it promotes environmental sustainability by reducing dependence on synthetic chemical fertilizers, which can generate negative impacts on the agricultural ecosystem and its surroundings, such as soil and water pollution.
On the other hand, it is important to highlight, the mentioned by Mosquera (2010), who points out that organic fertilizers are the result of the degradation and mineralization of organic materials, they can be used in any type of crop being more and more frequent, because, by using fertilizers helps to have a higher production at a lower cost, in relation to the use of chemical fertilizers, two types of organic fertilizers can be used, solid or liquid, which when applied to the land help to recover the nutrients that have been lost.
| Final considerations |
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Dear readers, as it could be evidenced the use of organic fertilizers in the cultivation of vegetables offers a sustainable and beneficial alternative for health, the environment and the economy. By opting for natural fertilizers, we are not only nourishing our plants responsibly, but also contributing to protecting the soil, conserving water resources and promoting biodiversity. In addition, vegetables grown with organic fertilizers usually have a superior taste and quality, which translates into a more pleasant and nutritious culinary experience.
In short, the incorporation of organic fertilizers into our agricultural practices represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable and healthy future for everyone. By embracing this farming philosophy, we can enjoy delicious and nutritious vegetables while taking care of the planet that sustains us.
Thank you for reading our article, until a next installment
| Bibliographic references |
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Quispe, M. (2018). Evaluation of the effect of the biol and tea of earthworm humus as a fertilizer on the development of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) cultivation, under a temperate environment in the experimental center of Cota Cota. La Paz: Universidad Mayor de San Andrés.
Mosquera, B. (2010). Manual for developing and applying organic fertilizers and pesticides.
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