What Organic Fertilizers Mean To Plants and Soil

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.