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What do I need to know about Fertilizer for Organic Vegetables?
Many people consider it an arduous task to decide whether to choose chemical or organic fertilizer for their gardening matters and in the end, it basically depends on nothing more than your personal preference.
The plants receive the nutrients and elements they need regardless of which type you choose, so either way they are attaining what they need to strive and grow healthy. There are advantages and disadvantages to both chemicaland organic fertilizers, and this is why the final decision relies primarily on personal opinion.
What is Fertilizer for Organic Vegetables and Why Should I Use it?
Organic gardening differs from that of any other mainly in regards to the area of fertilization. While the conventional form of gardening uses fertilizer which often times contains possibly harmful chemicals, fertilizer for organic vegetables uses natural and organic materials, and the entire concept of organic gardening avoids the use of practices and synthetic chemicals which may be detrimental to the environment.
Fertilizer for organic vegetables are rather slow working in general, and while they still provide the necessary chemical elements which are essential to a plants growth, it does take more time than with inorganic fertilizer. Because of this, fertilizer for organic vegetables should be mixed into the soil at least three weeks ahead of planting, and as well the soil should be thoroughly prepared for the seed or transplants.
There are many benefits to using organic fertilizer for organic vegetables, which includes: improves tilt, condition, and structure of the soil; improves ability of soil to hold water; improves ability of soil to hold nutrients; improves buffering capacity of soil and supports the soils microbiological activity (or the life of the soil).
Such a fertilizer also provides both minor and major nutrients; releases nutrients slowly; acids rising from the decomposition of the organic matter help to convert insoluble natural additives such as ground rock into plant-usable forms; helps vegetables survive stress, as from nematodes; helps to dispose of organic waste products.
Once the organic matter is applied to the soil or compost pile, it is then decomposed by micro-organisms such as fungi, algae, bacteria, molds, and earthworms. During and through this process, insoluble and unavailable nutrients, such as nitrogen, are gradually changed into simple and usable products.
The idea of using organic fertilizer is absolutely a positive thing, although of course like practically anything; it does have its drawbacks but they are minor in comparison. |