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Advantages and disadvantages of organic fertilizers

Organic fertiliser in a hand

What are organic fertilizers?

When talking about organic fertilizers , it is necessary to clarify that in some countries, organic fertilizers are those that can be used in organic farming (   derived from animal matter, animal excreta, human excreta, and vegetable matter )according to some international standard (European, North American, Japanese, etc.) and certified by an external company. accredited

A more generic concept is, as recently defined in the European Commission’s working groups, fertilizers whose nutrients are contained in organic material, of animal, vegetable or other natural organic origin constituted by compounds / materials, in which The main nutrients are chemically linked or are part of these organic matrices .

The nutrients of organic origin contained in organic fertilizers must be transformed in the soil thanks to the microorganisms in mineral nutrients to be assimilated by the plants, and their incorporation into the crops is more gradual and gradual than if they come from mineral fertilizers , what would be more logical the use of these with higher concentrations of nutrients. However, the real interest of organic fertilizers is the incorporation of organic matter, because the extractions of crops with crops and stubbles and meteorology with mineralization, reduce the levels of organic matter in soils, so it is necessary to replace it.

The organic fertilizers have advantages and disadvantages today will take a look at them .

Advantages of organic fertilizers

It is better for health

Almost every aspect of organic gardening revolves around the health of the soil, and your own! Organic fertilizers contribute to better soil health by increasing organic matter (improving soil structure), reducing soil erosion and helping a healthy ecosystem. In addition and as if it were not enough to not contain chemicals you will not be exposed to harmful gases.

 

Soil

The slow, gradual and natural release of nutrients is one of the great advantages of organic fertilizer. This natural release of elements means that there is a lower risk of too much fertilization and damage to the health of the soil.

You will also have to apply fertilizers less frequently, which will reduce your expenses. Plants grow at a natural and healthy rate, so they will be stronger and more stable plants , something that does not happen with plants that grow at an accelerated rate.

 

It’s cheaper

Organic fertilizer is a much cheaper option than any other chemical alternative. If you have fertilizer at home or if you live in a rural area, the only thing you will need to invest for the fertilizer of your soil is your time. Many farmers sell manure and even give it away if you are willing to pick it up. It is cheaper and effective.

 

It’s better for the environment

Being something totally organic will not be creating chemical compounds harmful to the environment, this means that your plants can grow without having to punish the environment. Let me explain , artificial fertilizers, which are made from industrial processes with chemicals such as nitric acid, sulfuric acid and ammonia, release nutrients in the soil such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Artificial fertilizers (many of them contain insecticides and herbicides), unlike natural ones, are immediately absorbed by the soil, which makes the crops can accelerate.

However, the fact that inorganic fertilizers are absorbed so quickly through the soil also has its negative costs. Among its harmful effects are the pollution of the surrounding and underground water, an increase in the toxic salts of the soil when they are applied in large quantities, and their worst risk is in the long term: they degrade the life of the soil and kill microorganisms useful for nutrition of the plants. That is to say, over time not only is the earth not really nourished, but it quickly becomes obsolete.

 

Create a friendly environment for helpful soil organisms

  • Organic fertilizers increase the action of fungi and bacteria that benefit the soil.
  • They cause the fungi responsible for the plants to take advantage of the nutrients to multiply significantly.
  • Organic matter creates an environment that facilitates the development of organisms such as earthworms.

Improve the soil structure

 

  • The use of organic fertilizers helps to retain nutrients from the soil.
  • They allow to take advantage of organic waste.
  • They allow the fixation of carbon in the soil and improve the capacity to absorb water.
  • They usually need less energy for their elaboration.
  • They maintain the necessary humidity in the soil for each type of plantations.

 

Disadvantages of organic fertilizers

 

Although it is true that organic fertilizers have more advantages than disadvantages we can not ignore the latter to make the right decision and so choose the fertilizer that best suits your needs and those of your plants. Then I’ll talk about the disadvantages of organic fertilizers .

 

Limited nutrients

The nutrients are distributed in the soil slowly and staggered, which makes it a perfect organic fertilizer for most occasions. The release of nutrients from organic fertilizers can be very dependent on the temperatures of the environment and the presence of microorganisms in the soil.

If you have damaged soil, you may lack the biological conditions necessary for the fertilizer to do its job well. Plants that are deprived of nutrients will need a boost to grow with a mixture of nutrients available in liquid at garden stores.

 

Labor intensive

It is true that organic fertilizers are great for the earth but you will need a lot of time and dedication to do it well. You will also have to have a lot of space to create it, and of course dedicate a lot of love in doing it well.

It is manure in motion and fertilizer is not something suitable for everyone because they are decomposing elements, there are insects and also usually give off a very strong smell that not all people are able to endure.

 

Potentially pathogenic

In addition, organic fertilizer or incomplete or badly created compost can leave certain types of pathogens in organic matter. These pathogens can enter the water or the food crops , causing your health and that of your family to be endangered, and it can also create environmental problems.

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