Types of Organic Fertilizers for Plants in Agriculture
A healthy plant needs healthy soil. Soil should provide all the nutrients for the growth of
the plant.
Many types of research have proved that plants seventeen nutrients in the growing
medium for healthy growth. Nutrients are divided into two groups nine macronutrients
and eight macronutrients. The micronutrients are consumed in larger quantities and
micronutrients are needed in very fewer quantities, but micronutrients are also needed
for plant growth.
Macronutrients are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Sulfur (S),
Magnesium (Mg), Carbon(C), Oxygen (O), and Hydrogen (H).
Micronutrients are Iron (Fe), Boron (B), Chlorine (CI), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper
(Cu), Molybdenum (Mo), and Nickel (Ni).
These elements stay in the soil in the form of salts. Plants consume them in these
elements as ions. So, the soil should be capable to provide all nutrients to the soil for a
complete plant cycle. In case soil gets nutritional deciency, we must modify soil fertility
by adding fertilizers.
Fertilizers are the best source to increase the fertility of the soil, fertilizers are two types
Organic and chemical fertilizers. Organic Fertilizers: Organic fertilizers are made of all the natural products like animal
matter, animal manure, vegetable matter like compost, and crop residues. And organic
fertilizers not only add required nutrients for the plants but also promote fertility of the
soil by increasing the solid structure and draining system of the soil.
Chemical Fertilizers: Chemical fertilizers are manufactured from synthetic chemicals
that promote nutrients in the soil to promote plant growth.
Organic fertilizers have all the natural ingredients, organic fertilizers release nutrients
slowly provides a steady ow of plant nutrients. Organic nutrients are non-toxic, they
don’t harm roots. Organic fertilizer improves soil structures, groundwater, fertility, and
promotes earthworms and microorganisms in the soil. Improves soil fertility from time to
time and balances chemical imbalances permanently for a long time.
Chemical fertilizers work on the soil and plants instantly. Chemical fertilizer is toxic, they
harm the roots. Chemical fertilizers destroy the organic matter in the soil. Continuous
application of fertilizers will kill small worms and microorganism in the soil that promotes
the draining system of the soil. Salts in the chemical fertilizers will make the soil more
acidic and kills earthworms.
Types of Organic Fertilizers – Dry Organic Fertilizers:
Dry organic fertilizers are slow-release fertilizers, they are mixed into the soil directly. you
can use the dry fertilizers in-ground garden soils and potting mixes. This type of organic
fertilizer is used for long-term seedlings, transplants, and crops. Dry organic fertilizers are
usually added during the plantation, they are mixed into the soil.
Types of Organic Fertilizers – Liquid Organic Fertilizers:
These fertilizers are in the form of liquids, the provide light and instant energy to the.Liquid fertilizers are can be used forever two weeks or every month during the growing
season and fruiting period. Liquid fertilizers are applied in the early morning or evening,
the fertilizers are easily and quickly absorbed by the plant without harming the foliage.
Liquid fertilizers are sprayed till the liquid starts dripping from the leaves.
Types of Organic Fertilizers – Growth Enhancers:
Growth enhancers are not fertilizers, they just boost up the power of plants to absorb the
nutrients from the soil. Kelp is the one of common growth enhancers, used by farmers.
Growth enhancers come in both liquid form and dry form. Growth enhancers have
enzymes and growth-promoting hormones. Growth enhancers have the capacity to
stimulate the bacteria in the soil that increases soil fertility. Make soil loose and well-
drained.
How to use organic fertilizers?
Organic fertilizers are used same as the chemical fertilizers, just buying pre-made
supplies and apply as per the instructions. Or if you want to prepare yourself as per our
garden need, you can do following an exact procedure. Don’t overdo it to avoid root burn
or it can kill sensitive plants.
How to apply dry organic fertilizers?
Follow the labeled instructions before using fertilizer.
Dry organic fertilizers are applied before planting, just add a 1-inch layer of dry organic
fertilizer to the soil.
Now rake the soil, so that fertilizer reaches up to 4 to 6 inches in the soil.
And add some fertilizers to planting holes or rows.
Side dressing plants with dry organic fertilizers during the growing season also provide
necessary nutrients to the plant.
How apply liquid organic fertilizers?
How to apply growth nutrients?
Follow the complete label instructions when you are applying growth enhancers as
foliar sprays to the plant leaves.
Adding growth boosters to the soil during planting will increase the soil fertility makes
soil well-drained.
Growth enhancers can be given once a month for ve months of growing seasons
depending on the crop growing period. List of Organic Fertilizers and Types of Organic
Fertilizers
Types of Organic Fertilizers – Plant-Based Organic Fertilizers: These Organic fertilizers
are made from plants.
Types of Organic Fertilizers – Alfalfa Meal:
Alfalfa meal is a plant-based organic fertilizer made from fermented alfalfa plants. This
fertilizer has low amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. It comes in a
powdered form and dissolves in the soil very easily. This organic fertilizer is used to rebuild
soil structure and organic matter by providing nutrients to the roots. It is a moderate-
release fertilizer that acts as a conditioner to the soil for early spring crops. N: P: K ration in
Alfalfa meal is 3:2:2.
Types of Organic Fertilizers – Cottonseed Meal:
Cottonseed meal is a plant-based organic fertilizer, it is a rich source of nitrogen and low
amounts of phosphorous and potassium. It is a slow-release fertilizer mainly used for.
Types of Organic Fertilizers – Composts:
Composts are plant-based organic fertilizers. Composts are decomposed forms of organic
matter, and the process of decomposing is also called composting. Composts are rich in
nutrients and used for gardens, landscaping, organic agriculture, container gardens,
backyard gardening, etc. Composts act as a good soil conditioner and boost up the
organic matter and the fertility of the soil. Compost provides a rich growing medium for
the plants that can hold moisture for a long time and provide necessary nutrients for the
plants. Compost can be used in many ways, it can be mixed in the soil or can be used as a
mulch. Compost tea is used as a foliar spray. Compost side dressing around plants will
give plants a constant supply of nutrients. Compost should have added before or after
planting, it acts as a good soil conditioner between growing seasons. N: P: K levels in
compost are 2:1.5:1.5.
Types of Organic Fertilizers – Soybean Meal:
Soybean Meal is plant-based organic fertilizer, it is a rich source of nitrogen and
phosphate and neutral pH levels. Soybean meal is a dry type of organic fertilizer, works at
a moderate speed. It is used as a long-term soil conditioner. Soybean meal is added once
or twice during the growing season of the plants, it improves the leaf growth. Application
of soybean meal to plants should be done as per the labelled instructions. N: P: K ratio in
soybean meal is 7:2:0.