Both organic and inorganic fertilisers provide plants with the nutrients needed to grow healthy and strong. However, each contains different ingredients and supplies these nutrients in different ways. Organic fertilizers work over time to create a healthy growing environment, while inorganic fertilizers provide rapid nutrition. Determining which is better for your plants depends largely on the needs of your plants and your preferences in terms of cost and environmental impact.
Both organic and inorganic fertilisers have their perks as well astheir drawbacks. While there is no right or wrong fertiliser to use, there arefertilisers that will work better for you and your garden.
Organic fertilizers contain only plant or animal-based materials thatare either a by-product or end product of naturally occurring processes, suchas manures, leaves, and compost. Then microorganisms found in the soildecompose the organic material, making its nutrients readily available to theplants.
Inorganic fertilisers are sometimes completely, or at least partially,comprised of man-made materials. Normally, manufacturers combine specific kindsas well as amounts of different elements. This is according to the growingcondition that is needed, as well as the crop that is provided.
Organic fertilisers decrease the danger of over-fertilization becausethe nutrients are released slowly. The slow release of these nutrients alsomeans they will be available over a longer period of time and less applicationswill be required. Organic fertiliser improves your soil. It does this byescalating the soils ability to hold water and nutrients. It decreases erosionand soil crusting caused by rain and wind. Using organic fertiliser adds morenatural nutrients, feeds important microbes in the soil and improves the structureof the soil.
Inorganic fertilisers have the necessary amounts of the three mainnutrients that your plants require to help them to survive and flourish. Theyalso release quickly so that your plants are able to get the nutrients theyneed as soon as possible. If there is an emergency and you need to get yourplant fertilised as soon as possible, inorganic will be the right choice foryou.
Chemical fertilisers do nothing to build your soil. Using only chemicalfertiliser over time will deplete your soil of valuable microbes. Frequently,organic matter in the form of manure or compost is added to the soil to remedythis problem.
Inorganic fertilisers can sometimes leach, which happens whenirrigation or rain gets below the plant root level.
Excessive use of inorganic fertilisers can lead to a build-up of saltsin the soil, causing damage to the plant. Inorganic fertilisers are generallymanufactured using fossil fuels.
Organic fertilisers often cost more than inorganic fertilisers, but over time, this extra cost may be outweighed by the benefits it provides. Organic fertilisers continue to improve the soil long after the plants have taken the nutrients they need. Therefore, the longer your soil is fed with organic fertilisers, the better its composition and texture. So, while inorganic fertiliser may be cheaper in the short term, it adds less to the soil in the long term.
View our product range HERE
