There’s a common debate over the use of organic vs. synthetic fertilizers when it comes to fertilizers. Most people wonder when nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are readily available, then why buy heavy, grainy organic stuff that needs to be accurately measured and mixed before use. Even though inorganic garden fertilizers are easily available at low cost, most experienced gardeners prefer organic products. This is because synthetic chemical fertilizers may give quick results, but organic fertilizers maintain the garden’s health.
The chemical fertilizers usually comprise the well-known macro-nutrients trio, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). However, organic fertilizers provide other nutrients needed by plants such as calcium, sulfur, magnesium, boron, chlorine, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, and molybdenum, besides N, P, and K. Organic fertilizers are usually made from plant or animal waste. Hence, these provide a gentler way to give plants the nutrients they need while enhancing the soil ecosystem. Chemical or synthetic fertilizers, on the other hand, are not natural and don’t work to enhance soil life. In fact, over time, chemical fertilizers can interfere with plants’ ability to take up nutrients from the soil.
With chemical fertilizers, there’s a possibility of contaminating underground water and adding toxic salts to the soil. The harsh chemicals can also harm the earthworms and micro-organisms in the soil. These fertilizers only feed the plant, while organic fertilizers improve soil structure by helping it retain nutrients and enhance the crop’s ability to absorb water. Now let take a look at some other benefits of organic fertilizers over their synthetic counterparts.
1. Improves Soil Texture
If you use synthetic fertilizers, you may achieve quick results, but these inorganic fertilizers sometimes overfeed the plant. Except for feeding, these fertilizers do nothing for the soil. However, organic fertilizers work for plants, as well as soil. Organic fertilizers work slowly, help the soil hold water longer, and increase the bacterial and fungal activity in the soil. Human-made fertilizers (non-organic) can be good in the short-run. But the organic ones work slowly and release nutrients that are not found in the most chemical formulation.
2. Eco-Friendly
The organic materials of plant, animal, or mineral origin are safe for plants and soils. Unlike factory manufactured chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers are safe for the environment, your family, and your pets. Chemical fertilizers may runoff into underground water and nearby water sources harming marine life and water quality. But organic fertilizers are not only safe but also renewable, biodegradable, and sustainable.
3. Safe & Easy To Apply
Some gardeners prefer non-organic fertilizers because they are readily available and easy to apply. However, organic fertilizers are also easy to apply, and you don’t even need to use expensive protective clothing during applications. You can quickly add these into the soil or spray them on leaves. Using organic fertilizers is as convenient and easy as their chemical counterparts. It is the best way to restore the depleted vitamin and mineral content to the soil.
