88
S. Dhiman et al.
Fig. 4.1 Merits of dung over chemical fertilizers
The decomposition of harmful elements, soil structure improvements, root development, and increased soil water availability are added advantages (Zingore et al.
2008). On the other hand, chemical fertilizer reduces crop protein content, carbohydrate quality, etc., (Marzouk & Kassem 2011) while excess potassium content
on chemically overfertilized soil quality further decreases several components of
vegetable and crop (vitamin C, carotene content, and antioxidant compounds) as
observed by Toor et al. (2006). Whereas, vegetables and fruits grown-up on overfertilized soils (chemically) are more disposed to insecticidal attacks and disease
(Karungi et al. 2006) and crops become more vulnerable to abiotic stresses. Dungbased manures have a long-term impact on soil, maintaining fertility for a longer
time (Table 4.6).
Scientists also worked upon Physicochemical properties with special reference
to dung properties such as total solid content, moisture content, dry matter content,
etc. It was noticed that the total solids (TS) content in the dung obtained after the
evaporation of water comprises neither too high nor too low (around 12%) as the
concentration of TS contents affects the survival of microorganisms (Gunnerson and
Stuckey 1986). Earlier, Garg et al. (2005) reported pH 8.4 in the case of buffalo dung
whereas Murphy (2006) found that manure pH was typically neutral (7.0) to alkaline.
Due to the fact, Schnurer and Jarvis (2010) stated and enumerated a maximum number
S. Dhiman et al.
Fig. 4.1 Merits of dung over chemical fertilizers
The decomposition of harmful elements, soil structure improvements, root development, and increased soil water availability are added advantages (Zingore et al.
2008). On the other hand, chemical fertilizer reduces crop protein content, carbohydrate quality, etc., (Marzouk & Kassem 2011) while excess potassium content
on chemically overfertilized soil quality further decreases several components of
vegetable and crop (vitamin C, carotene content, and antioxidant compounds) as
observed by Toor et al. (2006). Whereas, vegetables and fruits grown-up on overfertilized soils (chemically) are more disposed to insecticidal attacks and disease
(Karungi et al. 2006) and crops become more vulnerable to abiotic stresses. Dungbased manures have a long-term impact on soil, maintaining fertility for a longer
time (Table 4.6).
Scientists also worked upon Physicochemical properties with special reference
to dung properties such as total solid content, moisture content, dry matter content,
etc. It was noticed that the total solids (TS) content in the dung obtained after the
evaporation of water comprises neither too high nor too low (around 12%) as the
concentration of TS contents affects the survival of microorganisms (Gunnerson and
Stuckey 1986). Earlier, Garg et al. (2005) reported pH 8.4 in the case of buffalo dung
whereas Murphy (2006) found that manure pH was typically neutral (7.0) to alkaline.
Due to the fact, Schnurer and Jarvis (2010) stated and enumerated a maximum number