FERTILIZATION STRATEGIES IN CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE SYSTEMS WITH MAIZE–LEGUME C

A chemical fertilizer is defined as any inorganic material of wholly or partially synthetic origin that is added to soil to sustain plant growth. The residues left by cover crops  can improve soil fertility by providing macro- and micro-nutrients, preventing erosion by stabilizing the top layers of the soil and increasing soil organic matter, which provides carbon and energy for soil microorganisms that are essential for maintaining the nutrient cycles.  Crop rotation is the practice of planting different crops sequentially on the same plot of land to improve soil health, optimize nutrients in the soil, and combat pest and weed pressure. Cover crops and crop rotation improve soil fertility and reduce soil loss reducing the use of chemical fertilizers.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0014479716000387