1. Introduction
Saline – alkali lands are widespread globally, posing significant challenges to agricultural production due to their high salt and alkali content. The use of appropriate fertilizers is crucial for improving soil quality and promoting crop growth in these lands. Granular fertilizers produced by organic fertilizer pellet machines have emerged as a potential solution. These fertilizers, made from various organic raw materials, possess unique properties that can potentially mitigate the adverse effects of saline – alkali soils. This article comprehensively explores the application effects of granular fertilizers produced by organic fertilizer pellet machines in saline – alkali lands.
2. Characteristics of Saline – Alkali Lands
2.1 High Salt and Alkali Content
Saline – alkali lands are characterized by elevated levels of soluble salts, such as sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄), and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃). The high salt concentration in the soil solution creates an osmotic stress for plants, making it difficult for them to absorb water and nutrients. In addition, the high pH value in alkali – rich soils can cause nutrient deficiencies, as many essential nutrients become less available to plants under alkaline conditions. For example, iron, manganese, and phosphorus are often less soluble in high – pH soils, leading to poor plant growth.
2.2 Poor Soil Structure
The presence of salts and alkalis in the soil can disrupt the soil structure. Aggregates in saline – alkali soils tend to break down, resulting in a compacted soil with reduced porosity. This poor soil structure restricts root penetration and aeration, further inhibiting plant growth. The lack of proper aeration can also lead to anaerobic conditions in the soil, which are harmful to most plants.
2.3 Reduced Microbial Activity
The high salt and alkali content in saline – alkali lands have a negative impact on soil microbial communities. Many beneficial soil microorganisms, such as nitrogen – fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, are sensitive to the extreme soil conditions. Reduced microbial activity means less nutrient cycling and decomposition of organic matter, which are essential for maintaining soil fertility.
3. Characteristics of Granular Fertilizers Produced by Organic Fertilizer Pellet Machines
2.1 Rich in Organic Matter
Granular fertilizers produced by organic fertilizer pellet machines are typically rich in organic matter. The raw materials used, such as compost, manure, and crop residues, are processed into pellets. Organic matter can improve soil structure by binding soil particles together, creating larger aggregates and increasing soil porosity. In saline – alkali lands, this can help to alleviate soil compaction and improve root growth conditions. For example, the humic substances in organic matter can act as a natural soil conditioner, enhancing soil aggregation.
2.2 Balanced Nutrient Composition
These granular fertilizers often contain a balanced mix of nutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and micronutrients. The organic raw materials contribute to a slow – release of nutrients, providing a long – term supply for plants. In saline – alkali lands, where plants may have difficulty accessing nutrients due to the soil conditions, the slow – release nature of these fertilizers can ensure a more stable nutrient supply. For instance, nitrogen in organic fertilizers is gradually mineralized by soil microorganisms, releasing nitrogen over time for plant uptake.
2.3 Contain Beneficial Microorganisms
Some organic fertilizer pellet machines are designed to incorporate beneficial microorganisms during the granulation process. These microorganisms, such as rhizobia, azotobacter, and certain strains of fungi, can enhance soil fertility. In saline – alkali lands, beneficial microorganisms can help plants adapt to the harsh environment. For example, mycorrhizal fungi can form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, increasing the root surface area for nutrient and water absorption, and enhancing the plant’s tolerance to salt stress.
4. Application Effects of Granular Fertilizers in Saline – Alkali Lands
4.1 Improvement of Soil Physical Properties
Soil Structure Amendment
The application of granular fertilizers rich in organic matter can gradually improve the soil structure in saline – alkali lands. The organic matter binds soil particles, forming stable aggregates. As a result, soil porosity increases, allowing for better root penetration and aeration. Studies have shown that after continuous application of organic granular fertilizers for one to two years, the bulk density of saline – alkali soils can decrease by 5 – 10%, while the total porosity can increase by 8 – 12%. This improvement in soil structure creates a more favorable environment for plant growth. （Related post：Organic Fertilizer Production Line）
Water – Holding Capacity Enhancement
The addition of organic matter through granular fertilizers can also enhance the water – holding capacity of saline – alkali soils. Organic matter has a high cation – exchange capacity, which can attract and retain water molecules. In saline – alkali lands, where water availability is often a problem due to the high salt content, improving the water – holding capacity of the soil can help plants access water more effectively. Research indicates that the water – holding capacity of saline – alkali soils can increase by 10 – 15% after the application of organic granular fertilizers.
4.2 Regulation of Soil Chemical Properties
pH Adjustment
Granular fertilizers can play a role in adjusting the pH of saline – alkali soils. Some organic raw materials used in the production of these fertilizers, such as peat and certain types of compost, have acidic properties. When applied to alkaline – saline soils, they can gradually lower the soil pH. For example, after three years of applying peat – based organic granular fertilizers in an alkali – saline field, the soil pH decreased from 8.5 to 7.8, bringing it closer to the optimal range for most crops.
Nutrient Availability Improvement
The balanced nutrient composition and slow – release characteristics of granular fertilizers can improve nutrient availability in saline – alkali soils. The organic matter in the fertilizers can chelate with metal ions, making nutrients such as iron, zinc, and manganese more soluble and accessible to plants. In addition, the decomposition of organic matter by soil microorganisms releases nutrients gradually, ensuring a continuous supply for plant growth. Field experiments have shown that the availability of phosphorus in saline – alkali soils can increase by 20 – 30% after the application of organic granular fertilizers.
4.3 Impact on Plant Growth and Yield
Enhanced Plant Growth
The improvement in soil physical and chemical properties due to the application of granular fertilizers promotes plant growth in saline – alkali lands. Plants show better root development, increased shoot growth, and enhanced leaf area. For example, in a study on wheat cultivation in saline – alkali fields, the application of organic granular fertilizers led to a 25 – 30% increase in root length and a 15 – 20% increase in shoot biomass compared to the control group without fertilizer application.
Yield Increase
Ultimately, the application of granular fertilizers produced by organic fertilizer pellet machines can significantly increase crop yields in saline – alkali lands. The improved soil conditions, better nutrient supply, and enhanced plant growth all contribute to higher yields. In a multi – year study on tomato cultivation in saline – alkali areas, the use of organic granular fertilizers resulted in a 30 – 40% increase in fruit yield compared to traditional fertilization methods.
4.4 Influence on Soil Microbial Communities
Restoration of Microbial Diversity
The addition of beneficial microorganisms in granular fertilizers, along with the improvement in soil conditions, can help restore microbial diversity in saline – alkali lands. The organic matter in the fertilizers provides a carbon source for soil microorganisms, promoting their growth and reproduction. Research has shown that after the application of organic granular fertilizers, the number of beneficial bacteria and fungi in saline – alkali soils can increase by 30 – 50% within one year, leading to a more balanced and active soil microbial community.
Enhanced Microbial Activity
The restored microbial community in saline – alkali soils shows enhanced activity. Microorganisms are involved in various soil processes, such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil structure formation. The increased microbial activity further improves soil fertility and plant growth conditions. For example, the activity of nitrogen – fixing bacteria can increase by 40 – 60% after the application of organic granular fertilizers, contributing to increased nitrogen availability in the soil.
5. Case Studies of Granular Fertilizer Application in Saline – Alkali Lands
5.1 Case 1: A Small – Scale Farm in a Saline – Alkali Area
A small – scale farm located in a saline – alkali area started using granular fertilizers produced by a local organic fertilizer pellet machine. The farm mainly grew vegetables. Before the application of organic granular fertilizers, the soil had a high salt content, and crop yields were low. After two years of continuous application of the organic granular fertilizers, the soil structure improved significantly. The farmers noticed that the soil was less compact, and water infiltration was better. As a result, vegetable growth improved, and the yield increased by about 35%. The farmers also reported that the quality of the vegetables, such as taste and appearance, had improved.
5.2 Case 2: A Large – Scale Agricultural Project in a Saline – Alkali Region
A large – scale agricultural project in a saline – alkali region implemented a comprehensive soil improvement plan using granular fertilizers produced by advanced organic fertilizer pellet machines. The project focused on growing grain crops. Through regular soil testing and fertilizer application adjustment, the project achieved remarkable results. The soil pH was adjusted to a more suitable range, and the nutrient availability increased significantly. After five years of project implementation, the grain yield in the saline – alkali region increased by 45%, and the soil quality continued to improve, laying a solid foundation for sustainable agricultural development in the area.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, granular fertilizers produced by organic fertilizer pellet mill machines have significant potential in improving the soil quality and promoting crop growth in saline – alkali lands. By enhancing soil physical and chemical properties, promoting plant growth and yield, and restoring soil microbial communities, these fertilizers offer a sustainable solution for agricultural production in saline – alkali areas. Case studies have demonstrated the practical effectiveness of this approach. In the future, further research and development in the production of granular fertilizers and their application techniques in saline – alkali lands are expected to further optimize the utilization of these fertilizers and contribute to the development of agriculture in challenging soil environments.
