Enhancing Soil Fertility through Organic Amendments in Maize Cultivation

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops globally, serving as a primary source of food, feed, and industrial raw materials. Sustainable maize production requires maintaining optimal soil fertility through environmentally friendly practices. This review examines the role of organic amendments in enhancing soil fertility for maize cultivation, focusing on their effects on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. Various organic amendments including farmyard manure, compost, vermicompost, crop residues, and biofertilizers have shown significant potential in improving soil health and maize productivity. The integration of organic amendments not only enhances nutrient availability but also improves soil structure, water retention capacity, and microbial diversity. This paper synthesizes current research findings on organic amendment applications in maize production systems and discusses future prospects for sustainable soil management.