The Role of Organic Amendments and Their Impact on Soil Restoration: A Review
Godspower Oke Omokaro
*
Institute of Environmental Engineering, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia and Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Itohanosa Omolara Osarhiemen
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria and School of Public Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
Vivian Idama
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria and School of Public Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
Edmond Osemwengie Airueghian
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Sokari Tomipapamieari West
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Franklin Endurance Igbigbi
College of Science, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria.
David Chibuokem Nnake
Applied Natural Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Etypo Obolokor
College of Technology, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria.
Abdulraheem Ahmed
Faculty of Health Science, Environmental Health Science, Kwara State University, Nigeria.
Vessy Onyeamachi Omoshie
Department of Science and Technology, Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a pivotal role in maintaining soil health by enhancing its physical, chemical, and biological properties. It improves soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture. Organic amendments, including animal manure, compost, biosolids, crop residues, and various organic by-products, are widely used to restore degraded soils by increasing SOM content. These amendments not only supply essential nutrients but also promote biological aggregation, suppress soil-borne pathogens, and improve soil's resistance to environmental stressors such as drought and heavy metal toxicity. The positive impacts of organic amendments on soil properties are well-documented, with key benefits including increased soil organic carbon (SOC), improved nutrient cycling, enhanced microbial diversity, and greater water-holding capacity. Organic materials such as compost and animal manure have been shown to significantly improve soil fertility and restore degraded soils. The application of green manure and crop residues also boosts soil biodiversity, enhances rhizospheric processes, and supports overall ecosystem resilience. This paper emphasizes the importance of adopting holistic soil management practices that include organic amendments, conservation tillage, and sustainable cropping systems to address soil degradation. By focusing on replenishing SOM, improving nutrient availability, and increasing soil biodiversity, these practices can contribute to the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems and environmental health. The restoration of soil organic matter is essential for enhancing soil quality and mitigating degradation, ultimately ensuring food security and ecosystem stability for future generations.
Keywords: Amendments, soil restoration, soil properties, agriculture, soil fertility, organic manure