The Role of Organic and Mineral Fertilization in Maintaining Fertility and Productivity of Cryolithozone Soils

Abstract

Considerable attention of the world community is now focused on the implementation of measures in the interests of achieving the global food security for future generations. Particular aspects of this problem include efforts aimed at increasing crop yields through the use of fertilizers. The purpose of this review is to analyze the experience of using organic and mineral fertilizers to increase crop yields in the cryolithozone of the European part of Russia for food security purposes. The fertility restoration methods of various Retisols considered in the review are of primary importance for the agriculture in the forest zone where 91% of arable lands are represented by this soil type. As these soils are low-fertility, poorly humified and acidic, they largely require the use of chemization and biologization means which are therefore an important factor in ensuring food security under the conditions of modern challenges.