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Organic Lawn Fertilizer: Better Than Inorganic?
The issue of whether to use organic or inorganic lawn fertilizer is one which has been around seemingly forever. Before deciding on which to choose, you must know and consider all points from both sides, the advantages as well as disadvantages. In the end, your choice will rely basically on your personal preference.
Inorganic vs. Organic Lawn Fertilizer
There has been a lot of controversy over inorganic versus organic lawn fertilizer, but it is important to understand and realize that plants in fact may not even recognize the difference between the two. However, the advantages and disadvantages between the inorganic and the organic lawn fertilizer remain.
In regards to inorganic lawn fertilizer, the primary advantage is that the nutrients are immediately available to the plants, and that the exact amounts of a given element can thus be calculated and given to plants. A disadvantage to the inorganic lawn fertilizer is that it is easily washed below the level of the plants root system through the leaching of both rain and irrigation.
In regards to the organic lawn fertilizer, an advantage is that there is less danger of over-fertilization, and organic lawn fertilizers provide a slow release of nutrients as organisms in the soil break the organic material down into an inorganic, water soluble form that the plants can use. Also, through the use of an organic lawn fertilizer, the soil structure is improved immediately.
One disadvantage is that for the most part, organic fertilizer is not immediately available to the plants, in that if there is an immediate need for the nutrients to reach the plants, organic fertilizer simply cannot supply them in a hurry. Another disadvantage is that of the possibility of nitrogen depletion. This is due to the fact that complex bacterial action is evident in an organic lawn fertilizer.
Regardless of whether you opt to go with inorganic or organic lawn fertilizer, the understanding of both the advantages and disadvantages of both types will be incredibly helpful in your final decision.
There might be other factors you need to consider such as availability in your area and cost. However, whether a gardener chooses to use inorganic, organic, or a combination of both types of fertilizers, it is important to remember to follow the guidelines regarding the timing of application, placement of the fertilizer itself, and the proper amount of fertilizer to be used. |