Fertilizers play a crucial role in the cultivation of medicinal plants, especially under the framework of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The selection and application of fertilizers must be carefully managed to ensure soil health, plant quality, and environmental sustainability. There are several types of fertilizers that are permitted for use, each with specific characteristics and applications.
First, farmyard manure is a natural organic fertilizer commonly used in rural areas. It is rich in organic matter and contains essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Regular use of farmyard manure improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and promotes better aeration, making it ideal for root crops and perennial medicinal plants. Common sources include animal dung, compost, and poultry manure. However, it is important that the manure is free from contamination and fully decomposed before application.
Green manure involves using fresh green plant materials, such as legumes, which can fix atmospheric nitrogen and enrich the soil with phosphorus and potassium. In China, various green manure crops are cultivated depending on the region, such as clover, vetch, and rapeseed in the south, while in the north, crops like mung beans and soybeans are more common. When applying green manure, lime should be added to neutralize the organic acids produced during decomposition.
Crop stalks, or straw, also serve as an important source of organic fertilizer. These materials contain nutrients that can be returned to the soil through microbial activity or livestock digestion. Straw returning methods include direct incorporation into the soil, stacking, or mixing with manure. To optimize nutrient availability, it's recommended to add nitrogen-rich substances like urine or commercial nitrogen fertilizers to balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio at around 20:1.
Commodity organic fertilizers are made from animal and plant by-products, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic options. Humic acid-based fertilizers, derived from natural sources like peat and soil, enhance soil structure and improve plant nutrition. They can be used as basal or foliar fertilizers and are known to stimulate plant growth and improve overall crop quality.
Microbial fertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms that help in nutrient cycling and plant growth. These include nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, and others that contribute to soil fertility without harmful side effects. They are particularly useful in reducing nitrate levels in medicinal plants and improving their quality.
Organic compound fertilizers combine organic and inorganic components, often including trace elements like zinc and boron, to meet the specific needs of medicinal crops. Inorganic or mineral fertilizers, such as potash and superphosphate, are also allowed but should be used cautiously to avoid over-application.
Foliar fertilizers provide nutrients directly through leaves, and they must not contain synthetic growth regulators. Trace element-based foliar sprays are permitted and can be applied in appropriate concentrations. Additionally, plant growth promoters, such as extracts from natural sources or fermented bacterial cultures, can be used to support plant development.
Other approved fertilizers include food-grade by-products, textile industry waste, and organic materials like fish meal and bone meal, provided they are properly detoxified and used within safe limits.
While chemical fertilizers are not entirely banned, their use is strictly controlled. Excessive nitrogen can lead to nitrite accumulation, which may convert into harmful compounds. Therefore, chemical fertilizers should be used sparingly and in combination with organic and microbial alternatives. A balanced ratio of organic to inorganic nitrogen is recommended, typically 1:1, with application ceasing 30 days before harvest.
Lastly, all fertilizers must be approved by relevant authorities before use, especially urban waste-based products. Proper management ensures both plant health and environmental protection.
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