Synthetic Fertilizers
Synthetics are nutrients produced either through various chemical reactions or mined from rock deposits and are manufactured and mixed together into a form of easily transportable, granular salts. Nitrogen (N, the first number on a fertilizer bag) is formed through ammonia and often converted into an easier to handle product such as nitric acid or ammonium nitrate. Phosphorus (P, the second number) is extracted from mined phosphate rock, and potassium (K, the third number) is derived from mined potash. Chemically, these nutrients are identical to nutrients derived from an organic source.
The salts are water-soluble, meaning that with moisture the salt dissolves and the nutrients are available to plants immediately. This results in quick and strong growth, with rapid greening, bright blooms and large fruits and vegetables.
The convenience is tempting - you simply add the fertilizer to the soil in the spring and fall, and you are done. The nutrients are available immediately, and your garden looks like a paradise. But behind the scenes, the synthetic fertilizer story isn't so rosy...
Four main problems with synthetic fertilizers:
1. Pollution and leaching - Because the salts are soluble and quick-release, they quickly leach from the soil into groundwater, where they end up in rivers and lakes. The problem isn't necessarily the fertilizer; it's the improper application. Many people unknowingly add too much fertilizer to their lawns and gardens, not realizing the damage they are causing. The extra nitrogen washing out of urban soils into the water cause algae blooms,
which suffocate fish and other aquatic animals. Slow-release fertilizers are available in the form of pellets coated with a slower-dissolving material, but they are much more expensive.
2. Synthetics do not "feed the soil" - That is, strictly adding synthetic fertilizer only adds plant nutrients. Soils need much more than nutrients to stay healthy in the long run. The result is a steady decline in the overall health of gardens. Weeds and pests become more prevalent, forcing the conventional gardener to treat with pesticides. This results in a steady download cycle of greater fertilizer and herbicide treatments.
3. Your plants form a chemical dependency - Since nutrients are so readily available, your garden plants and lawn have no need to grow strong roots in their search for nutrients. With a stunted root system, they are less resistant to weeds and pests, forcing the constant use of pesticides.
4. Many all-purpose fertilizers only consist of the 3 main nutrients - In reality, your plants need a variety of micronutrients along with the basic NPK nutrients. Calcium, boron, magnesium, copper, iron are examples of other trace nutrients. Though your plants need them in much smaller amounts, over time chemically-treated soils will become deficient in them.
which suffocate fish and other aquatic animals. Slow-release fertilizers are available in the form of pellets coated with a slower-dissolving material, but they are much more expensive.
2. Synthetics do not "feed the soil" - That is, strictly adding synthetic fertilizer only adds plant nutrients. Soils need much more than nutrients to stay healthy in the long run. The result is a steady decline in the overall health of gardens. Weeds and pests become more prevalent, forcing the conventional gardener to treat with pesticides. This results in a steady download cycle of greater fertilizer and herbicide treatments.
3. Your plants form a chemical dependency - Since nutrients are so readily available, your garden plants and lawn have no need to grow strong roots in their search for nutrients. With a stunted root system, they are less resistant to weeds and pests, forcing the constant use of pesticides.
4. Many all-purpose fertilizers only consist of the 3 main nutrients - In reality, your plants need a variety of micronutrients along with the basic NPK nutrients. Calcium, boron, magnesium, copper, iron are examples of other trace nutrients. Though your plants need them in much smaller amounts, over time chemically-treated soils will become deficient in them.
Organic Fertilizers: Slow, Steady and Super Healthy
After reading about synthetics, it puts organic sources in a much better light. However, organic sources work quite differently from synthetics, and many people who switch without realizing the difference are often not satisfied with the initial results. This is because most natural fertilizers work best in rich, healthy soils. They are also slow release, meaning they do not immediately provide all of the nutrients to your plants. The nutrients are locked within organic material, which is released through the actions of soil microbes, beneficial fungi, worms and water.
If you are planning to make the transition to organic gardening, you must first build up the health of the soil. This alone will replace almost all of your fertilizer and pesticide efforts, as your plants will grow healthy and strong, better able to repel weeds and resist pests. The best way to build up your soil is by applying compost, which can be bought commercially or created in your backyard through a compost bin or tumbler.
Compost is like the swiss army knife of your garden. Not only does it supply a good percentage of nutrients and micronutrients to your plants, it also balances soil pH, builds up the structure of your soil to both better retain water and break up water-clogged clay, and retains more oxygen thanks to its fluffy nature. Finally, it's the primary food source for microbes and worms, allowing these populations to thrive underneath your garden.
Compost is seen as a soil amendment, not a straight fertilizer. It supplies a lot of nutrients, but it all depends on the ingredients. For instance, if you eat a lot of bananas, the banana peels in your compost will result in higher levels of phosphorous and potash.
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