Organic fertilizers are used to improve
the physical, biological and chemical
characteristics of the soil. Although cover
crops like leguminous plants used as
green manures and post-harvest residues
are considered organic fertilizers,
the term is generally associated with
composts obtained from animal, plant or
mixed waste. Composting uses, among
other materials, organic waste from
livestock (dung, slurry), remains from
the processing of agricultural products
(coffee, rice) and household waste (food
leftovers and garden matter). Organic
fertilizers offer an alternative to hydrocarbon-based
synthetic fertilizers.