Why is there such a strong push to promote organic fertilizers?

Modern sustainable agriculture represents the direction of agricultural development in the 21st century. Given China’s large population, limited per capita resources, weak scientific and technological foundation, and the special status of agriculture in the national economy, our country must pursue a path of modern, intensive, and sustainable agriculture that emphasizes the rational utilization of agricultural resources, environmental protection, pollution prevention and control, and soil quality improvement...
　　Maintaining and enhancing soil fertility, along with fully developing and utilizing organic fertilizer sources, constitute the core components of the increasingly advanced, sustainable modern agricultural system. In China today, more than one-quarter of the total nitrogen, over one-third of the P₂O₅, more than 80% of the K₂O, and over 90% of the micronutrients applied to farmland are supplied through organic fertilizers; thus, the use of organic fertilizers serves as a vital foundation for the sustainable development of modern agriculture. China boasts a long history of organic fertilizer application, extensive geographical coverage, and rich practical experience. A wealth of research and field practice has demonstrated that organic fertilizers possess the following characteristics and functions.
　　(1) Rich in nutrients and long-lasting fertilizing effect: Organic fertilizers not only contain the macronutrients and micronutrients essential for plant growth, but also abundant organic nutrients, such as humic acids, vitamins, auxins,******, and small-molecule organic compounds of nitrogen and phosphorus. Therefore, organic fertilizer is a****** type of fertilizer. In addition, the application rate of organic fertilizer can vary considerably without generally harming crop growth. Application of organic fertilizer not only increases yields in the current season, but often continues to exert beneficial effects in subsequent years as well, with a slow and sustained fertilizing effect.
　　(2) Improving soil physicochemical properties and enhancing soil fertility Organic fertilizers are rich in organic matter, typically at a level of about 200 g/kg. Organic matter constitutes the essential material basis of soil fertility. The main component of soil organic matter is humus, accounting for 50% to 65% of the total organic matter content. Humus is a complex organic colloid that can regulate and buffer soil pH; increase the cation exchange capacity of the soil, thereby enhancing its nutrient-retention capacity; and elevate the overall organic matter content, which promotes the development of a favorable soil structure—particularly an increase in water-stable aggregate structure. This, in turn, improves soil bulk density, aeration, water-holding capacity, and thermal conditions, exerting beneficial effects on the key factors that determine soil fertility: water, nutrients, air, and temperature. Consequently, organic fertilization helps to improve soil physicochemical properties and enhance soil fertility.
　　(3) Promoting soil microbial activity Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in the transformation of organic matter and serve as an important indicator of soil fertility. Processes such as the mineralization of soil organic matter, the conversion of organic forms of nitrogen and phosphorus into plant-available forms, and biological nitrogen fixation by leguminous plants are all closely linked to microbial activity. Therefore, the application of organic fertilizers not only increases the abundance and diversity of beneficial soil microorganisms but also creates favorable environmental conditions for their activity, thereby significantly enhancing soil microbial processes.
　　(4) Maintaining and promoting soil nutrient balance. The various nutrients absorbed by plants from the soil can be returned to the soil through the application of organic fertilizers and the incorporation of plant residues. The extent of this return depends primarily on whether sufficient quantities of diverse organic fertilizer sources are accumulated, properly composted and applied, and on the rate at which crop residues are returned to the field. In agricultural production, only by effectively managing this balancing mechanism can soil fertility be steadily enhanced when combined with the use of chemical fertilizers. Therefore, the application of organic fertilizers is a crucial practice for improving soil fertility.
　　(5) Reducing fertilizer input costs: Organic fertilizers can be sourced and applied locally, with broad availability and low cost. Increasing the application of organic fertilizers not only enhances soil fertility and replenishes soil nutrients but also improves the efficiency of chemical fertilizer use, thereby reducing the amount of chemical fertilizer required and lowering overall agricultural input costs. These characteristics and functions of organic fertilizers underscore their indispensable role in modern sustainable agriculture.
　　The Ministry of Agriculture recently held a press conference, stating that developing organic fertilizers is both a necessity dictated by the current situation and an inevitable trend in agricultural development. In the past, in order to ensure adequate food supply, the use of chemical fertilizers was indeed excessive. This not only increased production costs but also had adverse impacts on the ecological environment. The current effort to reduce chemical fertilizer use, including promoting the substitution of chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers, does not mean abandoning chemical fertilizers altogether; rather, it aims to bring down the previously unreasonable levels of application and curb the trend of overuse. As we now strive to advance green agricultural development, substituting chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers is a key measure.
　　At the same time, agricultural production is facing a dual challenge: on the one hand, the overuse of chemical fertilizers leads to soil acidification and eutrophication of water bodies; on the other hand, the accumulation of livestock and poultry manure without effective utilization results in pollution. By increasing the application of organic fertilizers, this problem can be effectively addressed. Replacing chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers not only strengthens the integration of crop and livestock farming and promotes the efficient utilization of livestock and poultry manure, but also enhances the quality of agricultural products—truly a win-win solution.
　　Therefore, the promotion of organic fertilizers is a major strategic initiative for implementing the Scientific Outlook on Development and building a new socialist countryside; it is an important measure for boosting agricultural production and increasing farmers’ incomes; it is a crucial step in enhancing the quality of agricultural products and strengthening their market competitiveness; it is a significant action for developing a circular economy and building a resource-conserving society; it is a fundamental solution for reducing pollution, improving soil fertility, and raising overall agricultural productivity; and it is an important avenue for lowering production costs and helping farmers cut expenses while increasing their earnings.