Benefits of using Organic Fertilisers vs Chemical Fertilisers

What Is An Organic Fertilizer?

Organic fertilizer is usually made from plant or animal waste – think manure or compost. They can also be highly processed products with a compost or manure base.

Soil quality plays a central role in growing a variety of crops. Its quality could spell the success of your yield every harvesting season! You have to make sure that the soil has enough nutrients to support plant life. Adding fertilizer is one of the best ways to improve the soil’s nutrient profile. Amending the soil with fertilizers is an important step because it gives your crops a strong start during the growing season.

For growers, there are two types of fertilizers to choose from and each one has its own pros and cons: organic and chemical fertilizers. The benefits and drawbacks of organic and chemical fertilizers are still a subject of a heated debate among growers; some prefer the former while others prefer the latter, all for various reasons. In this guide, let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of organic and chemical fertilizers to see which product suits your needs:

When it comes to fertilizers, the term "organic" is different from the term associated with food processing standards. As the name implies, organic fertilizer is made from natural substances. Unlike chemical fertilizer, organic fertilizer is minimally processed to retain its "natural" form. Generally, organic fertilizers are made from plant and/or animal wastes as well as powdered minerals.

Manure, fish emulsion, cow manure, chicken manure, cottonseed meal, compost, and bone meal are just a few of the many different types of organic fertilizers. Some types of organic fertilizers are made purely from a single natural substance (all chicken litter and ground up feathers) while others are made from a combination of natural substances. Sometimes organic fertilizers are made from farms, others are processed in a factory.

 

The Benefits of Using Organic Fertilizers

Better Soil Structure

Organic fertilizers enrich the soil by breaking down and releasing nutrients. This process improves the overall nutrient profile of the soil while also enhancing its structure. Using organic fertilizers, the soil is able to retain water and nutrients better.

Slow Release of Nutrients

Organic fertilizers release nutrients into the soil slowly. Synthetic fertilizers tend to release nutrients too quickly, which leads to fertilizer burns. By slowly releasing nutrients into the soil, the plants could absorb all the nutrients they need to grow without stressing out or over-fertilizing the crops.

No Toxin Buildup

As we mentioned previously in this guide, synthetic fertilizers tend to release harmful acids and toxic chemicals into the soil, which may harm the plants. Since organic fertilizers are made from biodegradable matter, these products do not release harmful chemicals or salts that are deadly to plants.

100% Eco-Friendly

You don’t have to worry about polluting the waters or the soil if you use organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are not only biodegradable; these products are also environmentally friendly, sustainable, and renewable.

DIY Organic Fertilizers

Store-bought organic fertilizers may be more expensive than chemical fertilizers simply because the way these products were processed is a long, complex one. However, you can save more money on organic fertilizers by making some at home. Composting is a great way to save more money on fertilizers. You can also buy organic fertilizers from local sellers, such as nearby dairy farms that sell composted manure!

You can choose one organic fertilisers ftom HD Chemicals range. We named them Magic Garden as the will change your garden like wizard ;) Click on picture to see product details.

Bone Meal Organic Fertiliser is an ideal plant fertilizer to be used in both new and established gardens. Bone Meal Organic Fertiliser contains phosphorus necessary for plants to support their flowering. Using this fertilizer in your garden will help flowering plants such as bulbs or roses to grow with lots of flowers, it will also help protect the garden from disease and rot.

Bone Meal Organic Fertiliser ideal for new plants, trees, shrubs and root vegetables.

Dried Blood Organic Fertiliser is a 100% organic, fast-acting fertilizer. Perfect for use in conservatories, greenhouses, lawns and fields. High nitrogen content, essential for all plants, especially leafy crops / crops such as cabbage and lettuce. It is recommended to test the nitrogen level in the soil prior to application. 

Hoof and Horn Organic Fertiliser is a 100% organic fertiliser, it is created as a by-product of the meat processing industry. One of the best organic nitrogen fertilizers containing a large amount of phosphorus. Due to the slow natural nitrogen release (nitrogen release time is 4 to 5 months), it is ideal for use under glass and also as an ingredient in other fertilizers. Regular use will keep your garden looking healthy and green all year round.

 

Volcanic Rock Dust Organic Fertilizer has a beneficial effect on all soil types and pH. It can be used at any time of the year and at any stage of plant growth. Volcanic Rock Dust Organic Fertilizer should not be used when the ground is frozen or when strong winds are blowing. Sprinkle the edge of a shovel or trowel evenly over the soil, then rake or let the worms and the weather do it for you. Volcanic rock ash has been shown to work well with soil conditioners, animal fertilizers and plant foods.

Making your own compost is great as it offers an extensive list of benefits. From ensuring your plants get the right organic nutrients needed, and ensuring you’ve done your bit to help the environment. However, as you are looking at a compost accelerator, we are going to assume you already know the benefits.

Unless you have the right conditions in your compost pile, the composting process can take anywhere between 3 & 12 months to produce any usable compost. If you are composting to re-use in your garden, the chances are that you are going to need it a bit quicker.

The price is one of the reasons why some growers prefer chemical fertilizers to organic fertilizers; synthetic fertilizers are cheap. Apart from being affordable, chemical fertilizers are more accessible too. These products are available in places that sell garden supplies or you can buy them from online chemical supplier.

You don't have to wait for weeks or months before you can see the results once you've applied chemical fertilizers to the soil. You will see the improvements in your plants within days. Chemical fertilizers release nutrients at a much faster rate compared to organic fertilizer. This isn’t a good thing when you have sensitive plants as the quick release of nutrients may lead to fertilizer burns. But as far as the amount of time it takes for fertilizers to show results is concerned, this is the faster option.

Organic fertilizers' nutrient ratios aren't as defined as chemical fertilizer. The latter's nutrient ratios are clearly defined on the label, which minimizes the risk of over-fertilizing.

Unlike organic fertilizer, chemical fertilizer is not eco-friendly at all. For one thing, it’s made from petroleum products, which are not sustainable. In addition, chemical fertilizer leaches into water sources, causing water pollution. Manufacturing chemical fertilizer consumes enormous amounts of energy too.

While chemical fertilizers support plant growth, they do nothing when it comes to improving the soil structure. Chemical fertilizers won’t enhance the soil’s health nor will it support the life within the garden because these products do not contain organic matter.

You have to be careful in terms of the amount of chemical fertilizer you use to amend the soil. For one thing, the quick release of nutrients means that it is easy to over-fertilize the plants. Over-fertilization can kill plant life and upset the garden’s entire ecosystem! Unfortunately, since this product tends to filter away from plants, you’d have to apply more of it.

Toxic BuildupChemical fertilizers aren’t recommended for repeated applications and long-term use. These products could cause the buildup of dangerous chemicals including as arsenic, cadmium, and uranium. In addition, long-term use of chemical fertilizers may alter the soil’s pH permanently, contributing to the release of greenhouse gases and killing off entire microbial ecosystems.

Chemical and organic fertilizers support plant growth but which one is the better choice? When it comes to deciding which product is better, everything will depend on the needs of your plants. Both products enrich the soil with nutrients that plants need and each one has their own benefits and drawbacks. Ultimately, your preferences in terms of the cost, availability, and environmental impact will affect your buying decision.