Soil Health and Sustainable Horticultural Production: Assessing the Role of Organic Amendments in Improving Soil Quality and Crop Yield
Keywords:
soil health; organic amendments; compost; horticulture; soil quality; crop yield; sustainable agricultureAbstract
Soil health is central to sustainable horticultural production because soil physical structure, nutrient availability, organic matter, and biological activity influence crop growth and resilience. Organic amendments—including compost, animal manures, crop residues, and biochar—are used to replenish organic matter and improve soil functioning. This review summarizes how these materials may affect soil quality and horticultural yield, while considering practical constraints and environmental risks. Published syntheses generally report positive average crop responses, but outcomes vary with amendment composition, crop type, soil condition, climate, application rate, and management. Organic inputs can improve soil carbon and nutrient cycling, yet they may also introduce excess salts, nutrients, pathogens, or contaminants when poorly selected or applied. Evidence supports site-specific management and, where appropriate, integration of organic amendments with mineral fertilizers rather than assuming that one input strategy is optimal in every setting. The article identifies key indicators for evaluating soil response and outlines priorities for field research in horticultural systems.
References
1. Diacono, M., et al. (2017). First-season crop yield response to organic soil amendments: A meta-analysis. Agronomy Journal, 109(4), 1210–1217. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2016.10.0627
2. Oldfield, E. E., et al. (2018). Organic amendments increase crop yields by improving microbe-mediated soil functioning of agroecosystems: A meta-analysis. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 124, 105–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2018.06.002
3. Celestina, C., Hunt, J. R., Sale, P. W. G., & Franks, A. E. (2019). Attribution of crop yield responses to application of organic amendments: A critical review. Soil and Tillage Research, 186, 135–145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2018.10.002
4. Brichi, et al. (2023). Organic residues and their impact on soil health, crop production and sustainable agriculture: A review including bibliographic analysis. Soil Use and Management. https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.12892
5. Matisic, M., Dugan, I., & Bogunovic, I. (2024). Challenges in sustainable agriculture—The role of organic amendments. Agriculture, 14(4), 643. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040643
