Organic Fertilizers Vary In Cost Depending on Type of Nutrients They Contain and Amount of Organic Matter They Comprise
In the U.S., there are more than two dozen organic fertilizer companies that sell a wide range of organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers can be classified into three main categories: animal waste, sludge, and vegetable oil. Animal waste is any waste resulting from the castings of animals, including blood, milk, urine, and other excrement. Sludge is any solid material left over from vegetable production, including sewage sludge, industrial waste, and factory waste. Vegetable oil is any by-product produced from the oil production process, including lye, salt, soap, and fertilizer.
One of the most important benefits of using organic fertilizers is that they are generally much better for the environment. Because they contain natural nutrients that cannot be depleted through chemical means, organic products are renewable. They therefore support biodiversity, prevent erosion, conserve water, control erosion, enhance soil fertility, prevent or control plant diseases, and improve soil drainage. Because they contain no man-made chemicals, they pose little environmental threat.
Organic fertilizers vary in cost depending on the type of nutrients they contain and the amount of organic matter they comprise. Low-priced organic fertilizer often contains just a small amount of both nitrogen and phosphorous, which do not add any plant nutrition. Higher priced organic fertilizers provide higher amounts of both nitrogen and phosphorus. These two nutrients are essential to plant growth and can’t be synthesized by plants. Organic fertilizers that contain a large amount of nitrogen or phosphorus will tend to be more expensive than those with a lower amount of these nutrients.
Another benefit of organic fertilizer is that it provides a source of green manure for the home garden. Because manures and wastes contain high levels of nutrients, adding organic matter to the soil is a good way to provide additional plant nutrition. Manures and wastes also contain high concentrations of energy, which can stimulate the germination of seedlings, improve the quality of soil and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Beneficial bacteria in the soil to act as a filter that reduces the amount of dangerous nutrients like nitrogen that are introduced into the environment. This filter system reduces the risk of disease and helps to keep weed growth to a minimum.
