Organic and non-organic fertilizers offer advantages and disadvantages to gardeners.
Organic and non-organic fertilizers are used to provide nutrients and promote the growth of plants. However, when selecting the best option for your garden, remember their ingredients and methods of release differ, resulting in numerous advantages and disadvantages for each. Does this Spark an idea?
Definitions
Organic, sometimes called natural, fertilizers contain ingredients of animal, mineral and/or plant origin known to provide essential nutrients for plant growth. Non-organic fertilizers, on the other hand, are synthetic products that have been manufactured chemically.
Pros and Cons
Numerous advantages and disadvantages can be attributed to organic and non-organic fertilizers. Advantages of organic fertilizers include slower, more natural release into the soil; long-lasting results requiring fewer applications; and benefits to the environment. Advantages of non-organic fertilizers are availability, easy application, fast-acting effects and lower costs. Disadvantages of organic fertilizers include their dependence on microorganisms to break down organic matter in the soil, higher costs and less-convenient applications. Non-organic fertilizers have shorter lifespans, carry the risk of salt burn to plants and can result in environmental problems because of chemical runoff.
Common Examples
Common organic fertilizers include blood meal, bone meal, cottonseed meal, compost, fish emulsion, seaweed extracts, fresh manure and manure pellets. Nutrient-specific non-organic fertilizers contain sodium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, rock phosphate and muriate of potash.
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