Study and classification of the best products for incorporating organic matter into cultivated soils, evaluating 3 variables: final result, environmental friendliness, and speed of action.

The incorporation of organic matter into the soil is essential to maintain its fertility and structure. Below is an evaluation of various sources, in terms of their benefits, drawbacks, and classification; we assess the final result, environmental friendliness, and speed of action.

1. Activated Vermichar
• Advantages: High microbial activity, improves soil structure, immediate retention of nutrients and water. Fast and long-lasting effect.
• Disadvantages: Requires a prior activation process (2-4 weeks).
• Final results: 10/10
• Environmental friendliness: 10/10
• Speed of action: 9/10
2. Plant Compost
• Advantages: Balanced nutrition, improves structure and water retention, promotes microbial activity.
• Disadvantages: Production time and management needed to avoid odors and pests.
• Final results: 9/10
• Environmental friendliness: 9/10
• Speed of action: 7/10
3. Leonardite
• Advantages: High concentration of humic and fulvic acids, improves structure, nutrient retention, and microbial activity.
• Disadvantages: Does not provide direct nutrients such as nitrogen.
• Final results: 9/10
• Environmental friendliness: 10/10
• Speed of action: 6/10
4. Vermichar (not activated)
• Advantages: Improves water and nutrient retention, and stabilizes the soil.
• Disadvantages: Slow action if not activated and does not provide nutrients immediately.
• Final results: 8/10
• Environmental friendliness: 10/10
• Action speed: 7/10
5. Green Manures
• Advantages: Increased nitrogen and improved soil structure. Reduced erosion.
• Disadvantages: Require space and time to grow.
• Final results: 8/10
• Environmental friendliness: 10/10
• Action speed: 6/10
6. Animal Manure
• Advantages: Rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Stimulates microbial activity.
• Disadvantages: Risk of pathogens and weed seeds.
• Final results: 8/10
• Environmental friendliness: 6/10
• Action speed: 7/10
7. Biochar
• Advantages: Improves nutrient retention and soil structure. Contributes to sustainability.
• Disadvantages: Does not directly provide nutrients. Slow action.
• Final results: 7/10
• Environmental friendliness: 10/10
• Action speed: 4/10
8. Pruning and Fallen Leaf Residues
• Advantages: Increase organic matter and improve soil porosity.
• Disadvantages: Slow decomposition and possible attraction of pests.
• Final results: 7/10
• Environmental friendliness: 8/10
• Action speed: 5/10
9. Agro-industrial Waste
• Advantages: Reuses waste and adds organic matter.
• Disadvantages: Risk of containing chemicals and heavy metals.
• Final results: 6/10
• Environmental friendliness: 6/10
• Action Speed: 6/10

Final Ranking:

1. Activated Vermichar (Total: 29)
2. Vegetable Compost (Total: 25)
3. Leonardite (Total: 25)
4. Vermichar (not activated) (Total: 25)
5. Green Manures (Total: 24)
6. Animal Manure (Total: 21)
7. Biochar (Total: 21)
8. Pruning and Fallen Leaf Residues (Total: 20)
9. Agro-industrial Residues (Total: 18)

Conclusion:

The activated vermichar stands out as the best option for its excellent results and action speed, followed by vegetable compost and Leonardite. Green manures are also highly effective, while agro-industrial residues present more drawbacks due to possible chemical contamination.