Organic vs Inorganic Fertilizer For Plant: Which one is Best For Your Plants? Here’s Superb Guide To Choose It! (2021)


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Fertilizer For Plant

There are many options to choose from when it comes to fertilizer for plant. Each type of fertilizer has its advantages…

…and disadvantages, but you do not have to use only one. In this article, we will provide the facts…

….and help you make an informed decision. Organic fertilizers are made from natural products….

….such as worm castings, seaweed, or compost, and are more economical and safe to use with a wider range of nutrients.

Inorganic fertilizers are manufactured, concentrated, and inexpensive, but they often lack trace elements.

Before that here we have an sharing story from Samuel about his experience for gardening…

…and using good fertilzer for his plant.

Let us hear Samuel story

If you’re like me, you enjoy being a good gardener. So then it makes sense that you’d want to take care of your plants…

….the best way possible. A lot of people will just use whatever fertilizer is available at their local hardware store…

because it’s convenient and easy, but this is really doing more harm than good for your plant in the long run!

It’s important that when fertilizing your plants, that they are organic or chemical-free; either way can work…

.as long as they don’t have any harmful side effects on the environment or animals around them.

There’s a lot of pros and cons about it, but at the end its depend on you to decide.

Fertilizer for plant

Organic gardening is as popular as ever, and the methods we use plays a critical role in our health and the health of the planet. There are many different all-natural fertilizers that you can use in your garden or with potting soil. Some of these fertilizers can be made or collected at home using common items from your pantry or your backyard. Here are 8 of our favorite DIY fertilizers for a variety of needs.

Amber Kanuckel, author from farmersalmanac.com

Here’s the main thing


Overview Of Organic Vs Inorganic Fertilizer For Plant

Although plants obtain most of their nutrition from photosynthesis, they do require some physical chemicals…

…to enhance the process. Most plants acquire these elements through the soil through their roots;

many also absorb them through their leaves.

It is possible to maximize plant growth by providing appropriate nutrients through regular fertilization.

Some species require higher levels of nutritional support than others. There are two categories:

  • The oldest form of fertilizer is organic, containing organic matter such as wood ash, worm castings, and kelp. Organic fertilizers have the advantage of delivering multiple nutrients in a form that plants can easily absorb.
  • The inorganic fertilizers are manufactured with specific plant nutrients. Quantifiable and relatively affordable, they provide plant nutrients for a specific plant type.

Fertilizers can have both benefits and limitations, and neither is necessarily better or worse than the other.

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Next up…


Fertilization Basics For Plant

There are 17 essential nutrients for plant growth, but they are not consumed in equal amounts.

The macronutrients are called the three elements most heavily used by plants; they perform…

…many crucial biochemical functions within the plant, and tend to be depleted first.

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Macronutrients

Nitrogen (N). As a major component of chlorophyll, nitrogen is the element the plant needs the most.

It is necessary for photosynthesis, protein synthesis, energizing the plant on the inside, and producing leaf growth.

If nitrogen is deficient, the foliage yellows and stunts. Phosphorus (P). A deficiency in this chemical causes…

….poor growth and stunted fruits and seeds, as well as a decline in photosynthesis.

This chemical is found in nearly all plant cells, and every cell contains it.

Potassium (K). It is essential for the proper development of stems and roots, yellowing of foliage…

….and leaf loss to have sufficient potassium, which is also necessary for photosynthesis and cell production.

Potassium is also needed for the transport of energy and materials within the plant.

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Go on…


Micronutrients

Plants also require lesser amounts of important micronutrients, such as sulfur, magnesium, and calcium.

Apart from the essential elements, there are a variety of chemicals that are optional, but may be useful in tiny amounts.

Micronutrients are rarely labeled in a standard format on inorganic fertilizers, and their absence…

…often makes them stand out among organic fertilizers. Consequently, the addition of micronutrients…

…and trace elements to organic fertilizers is one of the main differences between them.

Synthetic formulas sometimes contain only the big three macronutrients, though some may also contain…

…additional micronutrients while organic blends provide a variety of nutrients.

It isn’t necessary to supplement micronutrients in large quantities;

lesser-used elements may already exist in sufficient amounts in the soil. 


NPK Ratio

In the retail fertilizer industry, the three macronutrients have become so important that they are listed…

….on the labels by a standardized format called the NPK ratio. It is named after their chemical abbreviations.

Numerical NPK numbers measure the amount of each macronutrient in fertilizer.

The proportions of these macronutrients should be balanced. For example, 2-2-2 or 10-10-10…

….mean an equally high percentage of each macronutrient.

Organic sources usually have lower NPK numbers than inorganic fertilizers.

The absolute size of the numbers represents its proportion to the whole quantity.


Other Fertilization Factors

Fertilizing involves more than just applying nutrients:

Bio-Availability

Having an abundance of nutrients does not matter if the plant can’t utilize them.

Like a thirsty sailor in an ocean of salt water, an element is only really present if it’s accessible.

It is possible for a plant to not use a nutrient two ways:

  • Inorganic fertilizers can list ingredients that are technically present but impossible to be used by plants. An element can be chemically structured in such a way that roots cannot readily absorb and put into use in the plant.
  • Several nutrients can be more bioavailable under acidic conditions than under alkaline conditions, which is why specific pH ranges for plants are listed. For example, iron is more readily assimilated in acidic conditions, and is harder to utilize in alkaline soils. Tests and adjustments can be made to the pH in order to maintain the preferred range of pH for the plant.

Go on…


Safety

When nutrients are supplied in excessive amounts to the soil, they may actually poison it…

…and hinder absorption or damage the roots. If you haven’t fertilized recently, an adjustment in pH…

….can suddenly make elements available in amounts that overwhelm the plant’s system.

Slow-release formulas can be difficult to time, especially for growing plants, and may result in overfertilization.

If root burn is a concern, organic sources can be mitigated by buffering toxins, and synthetic fertilizers…

….can be diluted before application and flushed regularly to eliminate unused substances.


Nutrient Diversity

Natural soil contains a much wider range of nutrients than what plants require. Nutrient diversity is essential:

fertilizers with a wide range of ingredients encourage a healthy plant.

Some manufactured fertilizers contain just three macronutrients and perhaps a few micronutrients.

Even if they included all 17 essential nutrients, the formula still wouldn’t provide plants…

…with many beneficial trace elements they will require but cannot survive without.


The Microbial Ecosystem

It has been shown that soil microbes play a key role in maintaining its health and fertility.

Scientific research continues to uncover more details about how a diverse microbiome benefits plant growth.

This invisible ecosystem can be fed through fertilization by organic materials that provide varied nutrition….

…to help the microbial population thrive. Organic materials provide better nutrition than inorganic ones.


Inorganic Fertilizers

The development of synthetic fertilizers has been a major breakthrough in agriculture and gardening.

These manufactured compounds, made from inorganic material, provide a concentrated, exact formulation…

…of the most commonly needed nutrients. Countless synthetic fertilizers on the market can produce great results…

…with a few caveats. Inorganic fertilizers are usually water-soluble and easily absorbed by plants.

They are generally fast-acting, though there are slow-release formulas as well.

Keep reading…


Inorganic Fertilizer Advantages

Inorganic Fertilizers Are Easy to Use

Manufacturers of fertilizers make sure the labels are accurate, and the products are produced in a laboratory.

An organic fertilizer is simple to measure and typically easy to dilute with water.

If you need more nitrogen, a synthetic formula can provide it quickly and accurately.


Uncomplicated Storage

The concentrated nature of inorganic fertilizer makes it easy to store.

Compared with natural fertilizers, manufactured fertilizers are convenient. They also don’t deteriorate rapidly.

Also, since synthetic fertilizers are concentrated, they do not attract insects and wildlife, so enclosures don’t need to be secure.


Inorganic Fertilizers Are Inexpensive

Compared to organic fertilizers, manufactured fertilizers are more affordable due to economies of scale.

They are manufactured in large-scale manufacturing facilities. Organic fertilizers also go farther…

….per pound than inorganic products because they are less concentrated.


Precise Ingredient Listing

Unlike synthetic fertilizers, which are made through a completely controlled chemical process, inorganic

….fertilizers provide the macronutrients that fast-growing plants most need.

You can dose inorganic fertilizer very accurately, which is helpful when trying to correct soil for macronutrient deficiencies.


Disadvantages of Inorganic Fertilizers

Incomplete Range of Nutrients

Despite the advantages of synthetic fertilizers, they rely on a limited number of ingredients, typically macronutrients.

While some manufacturers include micronutrients in their products, they do not remove the essential sterility.

Industry acknowledges that organic matter is important to plant health: soil will already contain sufficient micronutrients.


Bioavailability Issues

An inorganic fertilizer can include elements in a chemical structure they cannot interact with.

In addition, the ingredient can be listed despite the fact that the plant can’t use it.

The quality of a fertilizer isn’t likely to be affected by this issue; nevertheless, gardeners…

…need to do their research before buying a product to know whether it is containing real nutrients or fillers.


Inorganic Fertilizers Are Easy To Overuse

A synthetic fertilizer’s concentrated nature makes it easy to overfeed a plant. Overfertilization can cause soil toxicity…

…stunted roots, and brown leaves. The label’s recommendation for applying inorganic fertilizer should only be half…

….or a quarter of the amount to be used. Pro Tip: Make sure to moisten the soil and hydrate the roots before you apply fertilizer.


Lack of Microbial Nutrition

A lesser microbial community can result in less healthy soil due to synthetic fertilizers, which are concentrated formulas that lack a full range of nutrients.

Keep reading…


Organic Fertilizers

Plant and animal products are used in organic fertilizers. This is the oldest category of fertilizers:

organic fertilizers have been used for thousands of years. As a result, organic fertilizers have a lot of lore…

….attached to them – some of it still remains valuable. Because organic matter is derived from plants…

…this kind of fertilizer is especially beneficial to them. Organic matter also improves the structure….

….and water transmission of the soil. Organic matter also won’t cake on top of the soil, either.

Despite the fact that many organic fertilizers may come across as old-fashioned and not as consumer…

….friendly as synthetic fertilizers, they will never run out of style. After all, plants love them.


Organic Fertilizer Advantages

Wide Range Of Nutrients

A bigger range of elements is found in organic fertilizers than in synthetics, though their ratios of macronutrients are lower.

This is important because plants developed a wide variety of nutrients that allow them…

….to use more than just 17 essential nutrients, thus allowing them to feed efficiently.


Organic Fertilizers Are Safe To Use

As organic fertilizers contain a wide range of nutrients, buffers help to slow the process of nutrient absorption….

….preventing overly rapid absorption and possible damage to the roots. Another factor that contributes…

….to the slow absorption of organic fertilizers is the time it takes for microbes to break down the materials….

…into something accessible to plants. Note that some plants are more capable of utilizing fish emulsion organic fertilizers.

As a result, it is harder – but not impossible – to overdose your plants when using organic versus inorganic fertilizer.


Environmentally Sound

Organic fertilisers are perfect for urban gardeners seeking a more natural approach to gardening…

….because they are biodegradable and have no harmful effects on the environment.

You don’t have to worry about artificial additives or unnaturally concentrated nutrients in your home either.

There are some questions associated with organic products, though for instance, peat moss is traditionally…

….harvested from prehistoric bogs, though steps have been taken in some locations to restore the lands…

….after harvesting. Worker health is also an issue with some organic products.

While organic fertilizers have challenges, they are usually renewable and beneficial to the ecosystem.


Organic Fertilizers Provide Microbial Sustenance

It is no surprise that microbes have evolved to consume natural products like plants: the rich diversity…

….of organic materials in soil makes it an ideal food source for soil organisms.

In turn, this makes the soil more fertile, friable, and nutrient-rich for plants.

Even though science isn’t sure exactly what nutrients make up a healthy soil ecosystem…

…we don’t have to worry about details with organics, as nature will take care of it.

Last but not least..


Disadvantages of Organic Fertilizers

Weaker in Macronutrients

Instead of beefy synthetic NPK ratios such as 20-10-10, organic formulations consist of lower macronutrient…

….concentrations like 2-1-1. Accordingly, given the same amount of organic and inorganic fertilizer, organic fertilizer…

…will normally contain fewer nutrients. Synthetic fertilizer was designed for agriculture rather than houseplants:

fast-growing vegetables consume more macronutrients than a slow-growing Peperomia.

This is not necessarily a disadvantage – it just means you need to use more organic fertilizer.


Organic Fertilizers Are Often More Expensive

Organic fertilizers are usually more expensive than synthetics. Since organic matter is grown and harvested…

….rather than manufactured, its production does not benefit from economies of scale.

If you use organic fertilizer exclusively, you may need more macronutrients, since organic fertilizers…

…contain a relatively small percentage of those elements. The extra expense is offset by the fact that potted plants…

….only require a little fertilizer. Organic formulas may be more expensive than a manufactured inorganic brand…

….but considering the longevity of an organic formula, this becomes less significant.


Unsavory Properties

The thing about organic fertilizers is that they can be a bit of a challenge to use. Fish emulsion smells so rotten…

….and compost gets everywhere and stinks. Even properly seasoned manure isn’t particularly attractive.

The odor of seaweed cologne may not be ideal for some gardeners, but it’s not for everyone.

Fortunately, it dissipates over time – and you’ll grow accustomed to it. Many gardeners even like the smell.

Those who dislike organic fertilizer in general tend to avoid fish emulsion, even though it is a wonderful plant food.

It has less eye-watering effects when diluted well, though 2 tablespoons per gallon of water is standard, so open a window.

Nutrient Content Of Organic Fertilizers Is Less Quantifiable

Since organic matter is less strictly quantifiable than manufactured fertilizer…

…its chemical profile and amounts of each nutrient are approximated.

Many organic producers have some latitude when it comes to label claims, so look for reliable sources.

With a bit of effort, some growers make their own organic fertilizer.

It is only when organic fertilizers are used with a strict feeding regimen or to correct a specific deficiency that their less precise nature might matter.


Organic Fertilizers Are Harder To Store

Organic fertilizers such as manure, compost, bone meal and similar products cannot be stored easily…

…..are bulky to use and need more than concentrated fertilizers.

They often need to be applied more frequently than concentrated fertilizers, which are also inconvenient to store.

The aroma of organic products attracts pests and animals, so organics must be stored in a secure location…

….in order to avoid spoiling. Furthermore, they are more prone to spoiling than dry manufactured products.


Sum up

Now that you know the importance of all-natural versus manufactured fertilizer…

…you can determine which strategy is best for your garden. A soil amendment containing organic matter…

….will produce beautiful, healthy results. Some growers use kelp or fish products instead of synthetic fertilizer.

You can mix the categories as you wish: your plants will not mind!


Conclusion

Last thing for sure. This plant need to be care carefully, remember all plant need the “love” too.

Alright that’s all for today! Do you have any questions about all of this?

Or do you want to add some method for getting rid mold form houseplant?

Let me know your recommendation from the comment below. Find out more about gardening from us!

I hope you can now take care your plant and it’s growing big and healthy!

Thanks for reading this article! Bye!


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