The Advantages Of Using Organic Fertilizer

The Advantages Of Using Organic Fertilizer

The main advantage of using organic fertilizer is that it improves the overall structure of the soil itself, which leads to healthier plants that grow larger and live longer. Soil that has organic fertilizer added to it improves the long-term strength and stability of soil and plants. It remains airy and loose and is capable of retaining moisture and oxygen. These qualities also allow better drainage. The organic matter in the fertilizer attracts a diverse and rich array of beneficial micro organisms such as bacteria, fungi or earthworms that continue to keep the soil aerated. This also continually adds organic matter back into the soil, which creates a self-sustaining fertilizer as the cycle repeats over and over as there are always nutrients for the plants to absorb. This allows the plants’ roots to develop in a strong and healthy manner. Strong, healthy roots are the key to growing healthy plants.

Organic fertilizer releases nitrogen slowly and continuously so your plants are constantly being fed. The microorganisms present in organic fertilizer do this work for you. They break the nitrogen down and help your plants absorb it. This may not be the instantly gratifying way to grow plants, but in the long run, you will grow strong, healthy plants that live longer due to the higher nutritional levels and disease resistance.

The sources of the nutrients found in organic fertilizer vary depending on where you live, and the natural y present minerals and resources. The nitrogen in organic fertilizer may come from chicken, cow or other animal maneuver and often times poultry feathers. The phosphates typically come from composted guano, manure from seabirds, bats and seals. It may also come directly from rock phosphate. The Potassium comes from seaweed meal which helps soil to retain moisture as well. Bone meal also provides the soil with phosphates and calcium, which is very important for the roots and plants to grow strong. In order for the plants to absorb the bone meal, they need living organisms to process and digest the nutrient and the living organisms present in organic fertilizer are ideal for this job.

The sources of these nutrients can be controversial so it is best to thoroughly research the company you purchase from. Is the seaweed harvested for seaweed meal being commercially exploited? When harvested, does it threaten or destroy marine life? Is the manufacturer of your fertilizer polluting while producing? Consider the distance the products traveled to get to you. Can you buy locally? These are all important questions to ask when purchasing organic fertilizer.

The sustainable, cyclical and repeated relationship between organic fertilizer, the living organisms living in the soil such as bacteria and fungi and earthworms, and the plants growing under these circumstances, is the real advantage of gardening with organic fertilizer. These three players do much of the gardening for you. These benefits promote healthy, long term growth that leaves plants stronger and more resistant to disease and infestation.