Organic
farmers are those that have taken upon themselves to grow plants in a living
fertile soil medium, which is rich in humus and nutrients. The most critical
factor that first needs to be sorted out is the quality of the soil. It could
be lacking in nutrients, have an extreme pH level or just not apt for growing. The
plants are well versed in absorbing nutrients be it organic or inorganic. But
they can absorb nutrients only in a certain chemical composition. As an example
they can only absorb nitrogen when it is a nitrate or ammonium only when in
ions and potassium only as K+ ions.
Let’s
take a look at organic fertilizers in depth.
1. Organic versus
Inorganic
Inorganic
fertilizers provide nutrients in a readily soluble form. However, organic
fertilizers take time to break down and then release the nutrients in to the
soil. They are broken down by the microorganisms’ present naturally in soil to
release the ions for the plants. Organic fertilizers are generally low in
levels of N-P-K so large quantities are required to boost a small field in
comparison to inorganic fertilizers.
However,
since the organic fertilizers for gardenias are broken down slowly they
do not need to be re-applied frequently and provide the required supply of
nutrients for a longer time. Since they are not easily soluble they do not lose
the nutrients to the environment and cause minimum injury to the plants. On the
whole organic fertilizers increase the water retention capacity of soil and
promote microbe activity, improving the soil quality in the process.
2. Why Should We Fertilize?
Fertilizers
are additional boost the plants need in order to perform all functions
correctly. The soil loses its vital nutrients due to usage by plants and other
factors like wind and rain. Fertilizing the soil keeps it fertile and healthy
and in turn keeps the plants that grow in it in good health. The plants most
importantly need nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Before fertilizing soil
it is advisable to do a soil test to know its composition.
3. How to fertilize
Plants?
The
most basic and pure form of organic fertilizer is a plant, mineral or animal
added to the soil without any artificial processing beforehand. Common examples
are animal manures, plant manures and ashes from woods. The organic matter when
added to the soil improves its composition, ability to retain moisture,
drainage of excess water and maintains the right amount of micro-organisms in
it. Since the nutrients are released slowly and by a natural process there is
less salt injury to the roots of the plants. Unlike synthetic fertilizers they
provide a food source for soil microorganisms and earthworms.
4. Application of Organics
Adding
organic fertilizers to the soil is a very simple process. There are products
like dehydrated cow manure in pellet forms available easily in the market, you
can also choose from a wide range of products like sea weed, Alfa Alfa meal,
cotton seed meal and so on. It is best advised to apply organics a few months
before planting as they need time to break down. The best way is to spread it
on the top soil and let id seep down naturally.
