USE OF PROTEIN HYDROLYSATES IN ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

It is known to be a real challenge to find sustainable alternatives for the use of mineral fertilizers, especially nitrogen-based ones. This is a legal requirement in organic farming. Organic sources have a low concentration of nitrogen but have the advantage that they come from a renewable source and are found along with other compounds that have positive effects on plant nutrition. Protein hydrolysates(PHs) can improve agricultural production in terms of quality and quantity by enhancing seed germination, root development and nutrient uptake and can reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers used. This paper presents data from the literature on the use of protein hydrolysates as a source of nitrogen for crop fertilization.