Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are products derived from natural materials that provide plants with essential nutrients in an easily absorb able form. Unlike synthetic or chemical fertilizers, they are obtained from organic matter obtained from animal manure, plant residues, compost and other natural sources. They provide many benefits to plants and the environment:

• Nutrient Content:
  They provide many important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micro nutrients. As organic matter decomposes, nutrients are slowly released, providing plants with better, longer-lasting nutrients.
• Soil Structure Improvement:
  They help improve soil structure and fertility. Further more it improves the soil’s water retention capacity, aeration and drainage and supports healthy roots.
• Microbial Activity:
  They encourage the growth of beneficial organisms in the soil. Further more these microbes aid in the cycle, making nutrients more available to plants.
• Environmental Benefits:
  They are environmentally friendly. They reduce the risk of runoff that can cause water pollution, and they also have a lower risk of harming non-target organisms.

Common types of organic fertilizer include:

• Compost:
  Composting will turn organic materials such as kitchen utensils and garden waste into a rich soil amendment.
• Manure:
  Animals such as cows, chickens or horses are rich in organic matter and nutrients.
• Bone Meal:
  Animal bones in the soil provide the slow release of phosphorus, which is important for root and flower development.
• Fish Emulsion:
  This is liquid fertilizer made from fish by-products. It is a good source of nitrogen and other nutrients.
• Seaweed and Kelp:
  These marine fertilizers provide a variety of nutrients, growth hormones and trace elements that support plant growth.