Mulches and Organic Manures as Renewable Energy Sources for Sustainable Farming.

Abstract

The application of organic mulches, organic manures and renewable energy sources on the

soil is effective in improving the quality of soil and increasing crop yield especially in organic farming. This paper discussed organic mulches, organic manures and renewable energy sources for sustainable farming in agro-ecosystem. Organic mulches such as bark products, wood chips, deciduous tree leaves, mint compost, saw dust; organic manures such as urine, poultry manure, bat guano, bone meat, fish meal and some renewable wastes such as biomass waste, plant wastes and human wastes have been identified. Besides controlling weeds, erosions, conserving moisture and sustaining soil productivity by improving physical and biological soil conditions and preventing degradation of the soil, they also serve as soil amendment and natural sources for subsequent crops upon mineralization and also help to attract earthworm. The use of organic mulches, organic manures and renewable energy sources is therefore recommended, considering the high cost of inorganic fertilizer, nutrient run- off and a number of health issues that result from agro chemical residue.

Key words: organic mulches, organic manures, renewable energy sources, organic farming, sustainable farming, agro- ecosystem.