Plant Gene and Trait 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 173-181 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 174 fertilizer can increase the organic carbon in the soil, help the soil form aggregate structure, make the soil more water-retaining, have more types of microorganisms, and the soil as a whole becomes healthier (Chatzistathis et al., 2021; Khan et al., 2024). However, the nitrogen in organic fertilizer is released slowly and cannot immediately meet the needs during the vigorous growth period of crops, but it is very helpful for improving the long-term fertility of the soil. 2.2 Characteristics of conventional fertilization: formulation, solubility, response speed Conventional fertilizers are mainly chemically synthesized, with clear nutrient components, dissolve quickly and be absorbed by crops very soon. The advantage of conventional fertilizers is that nutrients come quickly and can significantly increase yield. They are particularly suitable for crops that pursue high yield or have a short growth period (Knapp et al., 2023; Abd-Elmoniem et al., 2025). However, if conventional fertilizers are used in large quantities for a long time, the organic matter in the soil will decrease, the types of microorganisms will also decrease, and the soil structure is prone to be damaged (Figure 1) (Khan et al., 2024). Figure 1 Comparison of organic and conventional fertilizers for soil fertilization (Adopted from Khan et al., 2024) Image caption: Organic fertilizers provide a sustainable and steady supply of nutrients. Moreover, they offer gradual but sustainable soil health improvement that exhibits resilience against extreme climatic events. Conventional fertilizers, on the other hand, result in nutrient leaching and degrade soil quality over time (Adopted from Khan et al., 2024) 2.3 Nutrient availability, synchronization with plant demand, and environmental impact The nutrient release rate of organic fertilizer is slow and it is not very likely to match the nutrient requirement rhythm of crops. It is prone to nutrient deficiency in the early stage, but it is beneficial for improving soil nutrient reserve and vitality (Chatzistathis et al., 2021). Chemical fertilizers can replenish nutrients in a timely manner when crops grow rapidly, but they may lead to problems such as nitrogen loss and water pollution, such as nitrate leaching and water eutrophication. Organic farming generally has a higher nitrogen utilization rate, a lower nitrogen surplus, and less pressure on the environment (Chmelíkováet al., 2021; Boschiero et al., 2023). 2.4 Regulatory and certification implications in both systems Organic farming must comply with the strict regulations of organic agriculture. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides cannot be used, and ecological circulation and sustainable development should also be emphasized. Conventional fertilization is carried out in accordance with national or regional standards, with an emphasis on fertilizer safety and environmental control (Chatzistathis et al., 2021; Khan et al., 2024). Organic systems have higher requirements for fertilizer sources, application methods and environmental impact, and will also affect whether agricultural products can enter the market and whether the selling price can be higher.
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