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Explora: Environment
and Resource Sustainable fertilization for long bean cultivation

(39 kg P/ha) on cowpea growth. Their findings revealed 3.4.2. Economic benefits
only moderate improvements in available phosphorus and The economic benefits of this integrated approach extend
soil pH, indicating the limited effectiveness of chemical beyond environmental sustainability. Utilizing quail
phosphate fertilizers when applied in isolation. This aligns manure, which is often an underutilized agricultural
with previous research emphasizing the importance of resource, offers a cost-effective alternative to synthetic
combining organic amendments with phosphate fertilizers fertilizers, reducing dependency on expensive chemical
to enhance phosphorus solubilization and uptake. inputs. In addition, natural phosphate, sourced from
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The findings of this study further validate that sedimentary rocks, is significantly more affordable than
integrating quail manure and natural phosphate in long commercial phosphorus fertilizers, making it an accessible
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bean cultivation significantly enhances soil fertility and option for smallholder farmers. A cost-benefit analysis
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plant productivity. The substantial increase in pod weight conducted by Singh and Singh demonstrated that
(2850.66 g/plant), pod length (96.66 cm), and number of integrating organic and phosphate fertilizers reduced
pods per plant (36.66) observed in this study underscores fertilizer input costs by 25% while increasing crop yields
the synergistic effect of organic manure and phosphate by 30% in legume cultivation. Similarly, a study by Cen
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fertilizers. This integrated approach presents a sustainable et al. reported that the use of organic amendments in
alternative to synthetic fertilizers, particularly in nutrient- temperate farmland quadrupled farmer income, primarily
deficient tropical soils, where maintaining long-term through enhanced soil productivity and reduced reliance
soil health and productivity is essential for sustainable on chemical fertilizers.
agriculture. The results of this study further confirm these economic
advantages. Under the P2R2 treatment, the yield per plant
3.4. Implications for sustainable agriculture reached 2850.66 g, which translates into a 50% increase in
The findings of this study highlight the potential of marketable produce compared to the control. At current
integrating quail manure and natural phosphate fertilizers market prices for long beans (approximately $1.20/kg or
as a sustainable approach to enhancing soil fertility and IDR 18,000/kg), this yield improvement could result in an
crop productivity on marginal podzolic soils. These estimated $600 – 750 (IDR 9 – 11 juta) per hectare increase

results align with the global shift toward environmentally in farmer income.Furthermore, compared to conventional
friendly agricultural practices that aim to reduce reliance synthetic fertilizers, quail manure and natural phosphate
on synthetic inputs while optimizing natural resources. reduce long-term costs by minimizing soil degradation
This section explores the implications for sustainable and maintaining sustained fertility. While synthetic
agriculture and evaluates the economic benefits reported fertilizers require repeated applications per growing cycle,
in related studies. organic amendments improve soil structure and nutrient
availability over multiple seasons, reducing the frequency
3.4.1. Environmental benefits of external fertilizer inputs. These benefits provide

The integration of organic and natural fertilizers economic resilience for smallholder farmers, allowing for
significantly improved soil properties, including increased higher net profits and improved financial stability in low-
organic matter, enhanced phosphorus availability, and input farming systems. 21
reduced aluminum toxicity. These changes contribute to a 3.4.3. Social and policy implications
healthier soil ecosystem, which is essential for long-term
agricultural sustainability. The increased organic matter Adopting these practices on a larger scale could have
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content improves soil structure, water retention, and broader socio-economic benefits. By reducing input
microbial activity, reducing the risk of soil degradation and costs and improving yields, this approach enhances food
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erosion. 37,51 By using natural phosphate as a slow-release security in resource-constrained farming communities.
source of phosphorus, this approach minimizes nutrient In addition, promoting the use of locally available organic
leaching and protects water bodies from eutrophication. 52 amendments supports circular economy principles, where
agricultural waste is repurposed as a valuable resource.
The adoption of these sustainable practices can also Policymakers can play a crucial role in facilitating the
lower the carbon footprint of agriculture. Synthetic adoption of such sustainable practices. Providing subsidies
fertilizer production is energy-intensive and contributes for natural phosphate, training programs for composting
significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing organic waste, and establishing market incentives for
6,7
synthetic fertilizers with locally sourced quail manure and sustainably grown produce can accelerate the transition
natural phosphate reduces these emissions, supporting toward environmentally and economically viable farming
climate-resilient farming systems. 10,11 systems. 55

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 8 doi: 10.36922/eer.8348