Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizers: A Review on Sustainable Mung Bean Production under Kabul Semi‑Arid Conditions

Abstract

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is a short‑duration legume of high nutritional and agronomic importance, particularly suited to semi‑arid regions such as Kabul, Afghanistan. Despite its potential, mung bean productivity in Afghanistan remains below global averages, constrained by poor soil fertility, limited varietal development, and inadequate crop management practices. This review synthesizes Kabul University research and global literature, focusing on the comparative impacts of organic and inorganic fertilizer practices on mung bean yield attributes. Organic fertilizers such as farmyard manure, compost, and humic‑acid enriched biomass enhance soil structure, microbial activity, and long‑term fertility, whereas inorganic fertilizers supply rapid nutrient availability but risk soil degradation if used exclusively. Evidence from Kabul trials demonstrated that humic‑acid enriched organic fertilizer (OF2) produced superior plant height, grain number per pod, seed yield, and biological yield compared to NPK and control treatments, underscoring its relevance for semi‑arid Kabul conditions. Integrated nutrient management (INM), combining organic and inorganic inputs, offers synergistic benefits by balancing productivity with sustainability. However, adoption in Afghanistan is constrained by economic limitations, weak extension services, and limited varietal testing. This review concludes that INM represents the most sustainable pathway for mung bean cultivation in Kabul’s semi‑arid environment, while highlighting research gaps in varietal response, soil fertility restoration, and farmer adoption strategies.