The Role of Fermented Farmyard Manure in Promoting Soil Health and Economic Sustainability in Cotton Farming under Changing Climate

Abstract

Climate change, soil degradation, and resource limitations pose significant challenges to cotton productivity and economic sustainability. Developing sustainable and resilient agricultural practices is essential to address these challenges and ensure long-term farm profitability. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of fermenter-applied farmyard manure (FYM) as a regenerative approach to enhance soil health, cotton yield, and economic returns under changing climatic conditions. Farmyard manure was applied through a fermenter at a rate of 2.76 tons acre?¹, and its effects were compared with conventional fertilizer treatments. Results demonstrated that fermenter-applied FYM significantly improved soil nutrient status, with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter levels reaching 7.30 ppm, 8.27 ppm, 178 ppm, and 1.38%, respectively, compared to conventional treatments. Cotton yield was enhanced, achieving the highest seed cotton yield of 881 kg acre?¹ with reduced irrigation requirements (11 irrigations) under FYM treatments, surpassing conventional fertilizer yields of 742 kg acre?¹ in 2024. Fiber quality parameters including ginning outturn (37.9%) and staple length (28 mm), were consistently superior under FYM application. Economic analysis revealed that fermenter-applied FYM resulted in the highest net profit of Rs. 122,852 acre?¹ and a benefit-cost ratio (2.90) compared to Rs. 81,939 acre?¹ and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.08 with conventional fertilizers in 2024. These findings highlight the potential of fermenter-applied FYM to improve nutrient availability, water-use efficiency, and soil health while enhancing cotton yield and economic profitability. This approach offers a sustainable strategy for regenerative agriculture, promoting climate resilience and long-term economic stability in cotton farming systems.