The farmer, who was adversely affected by the reflection of the increase in foreign exchange on fertilizer prices, is trying to find a solution in alternative methods. The potential of the leonardite mine, which is extracted in the lignite fields in the Elbistan and Afşin districts of Kahramanmaraş, to be an alternative to fertilizer has become a matter of curiosity for the farmers. Stating that leonardite is a soil conditioner, Agricultural Engineer Haluk Şensoy said that the producer may prefer leonardite due to the increase in fertilizer prices, but that it is not a complete alternative. Speaking to the Milli Gazete, Haluk Şensoy made important evaluations for our newspaper.
“VERY POOR IN REGARD OF NITROGEN, PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM ELEMENTS”
Agricultural Engineer Haluk Şensoy drew attention to the ratio of plant nutrients in leonardite and said, “It can be used as an organic fertilizer. The organic structure of the soil is very important for agriculture. Why do we use animal manure? We use it to beautify the soil. We are trying to increase water holding capacity of the soil. Every producer should use this fertilizer, but let's not be mistaken. Whether it is farm manure or leonardite fertilizer, it definitely does not contain enough plant nutrients. Leonardite, nitrogen, phosphate, potassium etc. very poor in terms of elements. There are 3 to 5 kilograms of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium in 1 ton of farm manure. Since it does not contain plant nutrients, other fertilizers should definitely be used.”
“LEONARDITE CANNOT BE AN ALTERNATIVE TO FERTILIZER”
Stating that Leonardite cannot be an alternative to manure, Haluk Şensoy said, “Leonardite cannot be an alternative to manure. These act as soil conditioners. Let's not be deceived by sales-oriented phrases. It would not be right for people who know the technique of the job to trust such things. Leonardite is also very passive in terms of plant nutrition elements. Every producer should throw leonardite or farm manure into the soil. But not unless they give nitrogen, phosphate and potassium. If chemical fertilizers containing botanical elements are not used, deficiencies will occur. Fertilizers are really expensive. Since the farmer has no purchasing power, he may say, ‘Let's throw it away, rather than throwing anything into the soil.’”