Kansas study links natural fertilizers to soil health

By Scout Nelson

A new study from Kansas State University reveals that switching to natural fertilizers and minimizing tilling can help combat climate change and improve soil health.

Published in the Soil Science Society of America Journal, the research found that using manure or compost fertilizers stored more atmospheric carbon and improved microbial diversity in no-till cornfields compared to commercial fertilizers.

Ganga Hettiarachchi, a lead researcher, said, “This study provides the first evidence of the mechanisms through which natural fertilizers improve soil health, microbial diversity, and carbon sequestration.”

Sequestering carbon in soil is vital for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, as agriculture is responsible for over 10% of emissions. With carbon dioxide trapping heat and warming the planet, enhancing soil carbon storage can help mitigate climate change. Hettiarachchi emphasized that this research supports the transition to more sustainable and regenerative farming practices.

The study examined a Kansas cornfield that had grown corn for 22 years without crop rotation. Instead of disturbing the soil, researchers took intact samples to specialized labs, where they analyzed carbon distribution and mineral content.

Results showed that natural fertilizers not only increased carbon storage but also improved nutrient retention, reducing harmful runoff that leads to water pollution and toxic algae blooms.

Hettiarachchi explained that using natural fertilizers helps prevent the loss of nitrogen and phosphorus, which often contaminates water sources. As climate change intensifies, such solutions are increasingly critical, with research predicting more frequent toxic algae blooms.

The study was conducted in collaboration with Canadian Light Source and Advanced Light Source, utilizing advanced technology to study soil composition in detail.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-fertnig