Effect of Organic Nutrient Sources on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Fruit Crops
Abstract
Organic nutrient management has become an essential component of sustainable fruit production due to increasing concerns regarding soil degradation, environmental pollution, and excessive dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Organic nutrient sources such as farmyard manure, compost, vermicompost, poultry manure, green manure, crop residues, biofertilizers, and oil cakes improve soil fertility while supplying essential macro- and micronutrients required for healthy plant growth. Unlike chemical fertilizers, organic amendments release nutrients gradually through microbial decomposition, thereby enhancing nutrient-use efficiency, reducing nutrient losses, and improving long-term soil productivity. The application of organic nutrient sources enhances soil physical, chemical, and biological properties by increasing soil organic matter, improving water-holding capacity, promoting beneficial microbial activity, and stimulating nutrient cycling. These improvements support better root development, higher photosynthetic efficiency, increased flowering and fruit set, improved fruit size, enhanced yield, and superior fruit quality characteristics such as total soluble solids, sugar content, vitamin concentration, and shelf life. Organic nutrient management also contributes to climate-smart agriculture by increasing soil carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices. Recent advances in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and precision horticulture have further enhanced nutrient management through site-specific monitoring and decision support. This paper examines various organic nutrient sources, evaluates their effects on growth, yield, and fruit quality, discusses their role in sustainable orchard management, and explores emerging technologies and future prospects for environmentally sustainable fruit production.