Green manuring promotes sustainable soil management in bangladesh through agronomic benefits mechanisms and global perspectives

Green manuring (GM) is an important ecological approach for restoring soil fertility and promoting sustainable agriculture, particularly in regions experiencing soil degradation and intensive cropping systems. Bangladesh faces severe soil fertility decline due to continuous rice-based cultivation, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and reduced organic matter levels. This review synthesizes current knowledge on green manuring practices in Bangladesh while integrating global research insights on its role in improving soil health and agricultural sustainability. Leguminous green manuring crops such as Sesbania rostrata , Sesbania aculeata , Crotalaria juncea , Vigna unguiculata , and Vigna radiata can fix approximately 50 to 250 kg N ha −1 through symbiotic interactions with rhizobia, significantly reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. In addition to biological N fixations, both leguminous and non-leguminous green manure species enhance soil organic matter, improve soil structure, stimulate microbial activity, and increase nutrient cycling. Evidence from field studies indicates that integrating green manures into rice-based cropping systems can increase crop yields by 15 to 45% while improving soil carbon sequestration and nutrient availability. Green manuring also contributes to climate-smart agriculture by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing soil water retention, and mitigating soil salinity and erosion in vulnerable agroecosystems. Despite these benefits, the adoption of green manuring in Bangladesh remains limited due to insufficient farmer awareness, inadequate seed supply systems, and short-term economic constraints. Strengthening, extension services, developing reliable seed systems, and incorporating green manuring into national soil fertility management policies are essential for wider adoption. In conclusion, green manuring represents a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable strategy to restore soil health, improve crop productivity, and enhance climate resilience in Bangladesh and similar agroecological regions worldwide.