Comparative impact of organomineral and organic fertilizers as partial substitutes for synthetic fertilizers in enhancing soil fertility, health, and maize growth

Jéssica Caroline de Lima; Eduardo Luiz Buligon; Ritieli Marostica; Piebiep Goufo; Mônica Sarolli Silva de Mendonça Costa; Glacy Jaqueline da Silva

doi:10.17765/2176-9168.2026v19e13332

Authors

Jéssica Caroline de Lima Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2886-6711
Eduardo Luiz Buligon Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7786-8080
Ritieli Marostica Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7325-3910
Piebiep Goufo University of Minnesota https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9242-5297
Mônica Sarolli Silva de Mendonça Costa Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9514-1727
Glacy Jaqueline da Silva Universidade Paranaense https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7088-1363

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17765/2176-9168.2026v19e13332

Keywords:

Água residuária da suinocultura, Biofertilizante, Dejetos de galinhas poedeiras, Digestato, Enzimas do solo

Abstract

Organic and organomineral fertilizers represent sustainable alternatives to conventional mineral fertilization. This study aimed to compare their effects on soil quality indicators and maize performance under greenhouse conditions. Six treatments were evaluated: T1 – mineral fertilization (urea, superphosphate, and potassium chloride); T2 – N & K-supplied organomineral fertilization (dose based on P content); T3 – K-supplied organomineral fertilization (dose based on K content, resulting in excess N and P); T4 – P & K-supplied organic fertilization (dose based on N content); T5 – P-supplied organic fertilization (dose based on P content, resulting in excess N and K); and T6 – mixed fertilization (organomineral + organic). Fertilizers were formulated using residues from swine wastewater and layer manure. The organic fertilizer consisted of a digestate obtained through anaerobic codigestion of the liquid fraction from a mixture of swine wastewater and layer hen manure. The organomineral fertilizer was produced from the solid fraction of these residues, enriched with rock dust and limestone. The study assessed soil fertility, nutrient uptake and translocation, soil respiration, enzyme activity, and microbial biomass. All treatments supported satisfactory plant growth. The highest yield was observed with T5 (P-supplied organic fertilizer), while the lowest was recorded for T6 (mixed fertilization); these two treatments differed significantly from each other, whereas all other treatments showed intermediate values without statistical difference. Enzymatic activities were highest in T3 and T6, both using organomineral fertilizer, indicating greater stimulation of microbial processes and nutrient cycling compared to the other treatments. While the highest yield was obtained with the use of the digestate P-based organic fertilizer (T5), likely due to its similarity to mineral fertilization, organomineral treatments promoted improved soil biological activity, suggesting long-term benefits to soil health. These findings reinforce the potential of organic and organomineral fertilizers to reduce reliance on synthetic inputs while balancing immediate productivity with sustainable soil management.

Author Biographies

Jéssica Caroline de Lima, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná

Doutoranda em Engenharia Agrícola pela Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (UNIOESTE), Cascavel (PR), Brasil.

Eduardo Luiz Buligon, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná

Mestre em Engenharia Agrícola pela Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (UNIOESTE), Cascavel (PR), Brasil.

Ritieli Marostica, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná

Mestranda em Engenharia Agrícola na Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (UNIOESTE), Cascavel (PR), Brasil.

Piebiep Goufo, University of Minnesota

Doutor em Cultivo de Culturas e Sistemas Agrícolas pela Universidade Agrícola do Sul, China. Professor Assistente na Universidade de Bamenda (Camarões) e Pesquisador no Departamento de Agronomia da Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro.

Mônica Sarolli Silva de Mendonça Costa, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná

Doutorado em Agronomia pela Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP). Docente associada da Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (UNIOESTE) nos cursos de graduação e pós-graduação em Engenharia Agrícola, Cascavel (PR), Brasil.

Glacy Jaqueline da Silva, Universidade Paranaense

Doutora em Biotecnologia pela Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL). Professora Titular na Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR) e no Doctorado Profesional en Agronomía da Facultad de Ingeniería Agronómica, Ciudad del Este, Paraguai.

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