Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 193-203 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 197 Korkmaz et al., 2023; Mthembu et al., 2023). Additionally, the application of foliar calcium sprays has been found to increase fruit firmness and maintain quality during cold storage, further extending the shelf life of the fruit (Sotiropoulos et al., 2021). Organic fertilizers, by improving the overall quality and nutritional content of kiwifruit, contribute to better post-harvest performance and longer shelf life (Ma et al., 2021). 5 Environmental and Economic Benefits of Organic Fertilization 5.1 Reduction in chemical inputs and soil pollution Organic fertilization significantly reduces the reliance on chemical inputs, which in turn decreases soil pollution. Studies have shown that long-term organic fertilization improves soil health by increasing microbial diversity and reducing the presence of plant pathogenic fungi (Liu et al., 2020). Additionally, the partial substitution of chemical fertilizers with organic forms has been demonstrated to prevent soil acidification and improve soil fertility, thereby reducing detrimental environmental impacts such as N2O emissions and nitrate leaching (Tang et al., 2021; Sun and Qian, 2024). This reduction in chemical inputs not only benefits the environment but also enhances the sustainability of agricultural practices. 5.2 Cost-effectiveness and market demand for organic kiwifruit The economic benefits of organic fertilization are substantial. Organic farming practices have been shown to increase the economic benefit per unit area by 37%-46%, primarily due to reduced agricultural inputs and enhanced crop yields (Gao et al., 2023). Moreover, the market demand for organic kiwifruit is growing, driven by consumer preferences for sustainably produced and chemical-free products. The eco-efficiency of organic orchards, which measures the net profit per unit of greenhouse gas emissions, is significantly higher than that of integrated orchards, making organic kiwifruit production not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable (Müller et al., 2015). 5.3 Contribution to sustainable agriculture practices Organic fertilization contributes to sustainable agriculture by promoting practices that enhance soil health, reduce environmental impacts, and support biodiversity. The use of organic amendments has been shown to improve the physical and chemical properties of soil, leading to better nutrient uptake and higher fruit quality (Sharma et al., 2022). Additionally, organic farming practices help in sequestering carbon in the soil, thereby mitigating climate change (Figure 3) (Lago et al., 2020). The integration of organic fertilizers with inorganic ones has also been found to enhance fruit quality without compromising yield, further supporting the sustainability of these practices (Zhang et al., 2020). Overall, organic fertilization aligns with the principles of sustainable agriculture by fostering a more resilient and environmentally friendly farming system. The study of Lago et al. (2020) presents the effects of different agricultural management practices, with or without earthworm addition, on soil respiration, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and the DOC/DON ratio over time. The results suggest that conventional farming methods generally lead to higher soil respiration and DOC levels compared to integrated and organic systems. However, the DOC/DON ratio fluctuates depending on the time and management practice. These findings indicate that agricultural practices and soil amendments can significantly influence soil carbon cycling and nutrient dynamics, with potential implications for soil health and sustainability in various farming systems. 6 Challenges and Limitations 6.1 Lower initial yield compared to conventional fertilization One of the primary challenges associated with organic fertilization in kiwifruit cultivation is the lower initial yield compared to conventional fertilization methods. Studies have shown that while organic amendments can improve soil health and long-term productivity, the initial yields are often lower than those achieved with chemical fertilizers. For instance, the application of organic fertilizers, such as pig and sheep dung compost, has been found to enhance soil microbial diversity and fruit quality over time, but the initial yield improvements are not as pronounced as those seen with chemical fertilizers (Liu et al., 2020). Similarly, the use of organic manures alone, without the addition of inorganic fertilizers, has been shown to significantly improve fruit quality and soil health, but the initial yields may not match those obtained with conventional NPK fertilizers (Sharma et al., 2022).
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