Natural Fertilizer: Providing Nourishment the Natural Way

The lifeblood of any fertile soil is organic matter. It is that which allows the soil to retain water better and hold nutrients in. Porosity of soil makes it more water absorbent. And the more water the soil absorbs, the lesser chance your plants die from shortage of water supply. Plus, the soil’s ability to hold nutrients can very well mean the difference between a scraggly, sickly looking plant and a lush, green shrub.

Using natural fertilizers in your garden or farm will help improve the soil “tilth.” By that, we mean the condition or health of the soil. That’s because natural fertilizer is less likely to burn the lawn or leach down through the soil and into groundwater.

Natural fertilizer does not destroy the naturally occurring organic matter in soil. Instead, it enhances it. A large complement of minerals ranging from nitrogen to phosphorous for plant growth is contained in natural fertilizer so your plants can grow and stay healthy.

However, when you use natural fertilizers, you should keep in mind that they contain relatively low amounts of nutrients, especially if you compare them with other fertilizers with more concentrated nutrients, such as 10-10-10. So, when you do use natural fertilizers on your plants, be prepared for the extra long time it will take and the effort you will have to exert in order to incorporate the fertilizer in your garden.

You see, natural fertilizers are often made of all-natural biodegradable materials, such as chopped vegetable peelings, compost, dried blood and the like. These materials will decompose as time goes, during which the bacteria and fungi that help in the decomposition process develop.

It takes awhile for the bacteria and fungi to break down natural fertilizers. And it takes them even longer to convert these organic materials into nutrients that plants require for their food. That’s why you need to plan ahead when you decide to use natural fertilizers.

Another thing. Natural fertilizers tend to be more expensive than the conventional products in the market. That’s just how it goes. Even organic foods are considerably more on the expensive side compared to the alternatives. That’s why most people prefer to use chemical fertilizers as opposed to natural fertilizers since the former has more concentrated nutrients for a lesser price.

But price should not be your only criteria when buying fertilizers. There are several advantages of using natural fertilizers instead of chemically processed ones. Though natural fertilizers may produce slower results and are far from cheap, they are more cost effective, as you will soon find out.

When you apply natural fertilizers, it is essential that you test the soil first. This is needed because you want to know what type of soil your garden or farm has, whether it is loamy, sandy, or clay.

After soil testing, you should also try to bring nutrient levels up to adequate levels before even attempting to add natural fertilizers. This is so because the natural fertilizers should only serve as supplemental nutrients. With each year that passes, the soil will lose its nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as these chemicals will be fast absorbed by your plants. When that happens, then it is time for you add some more natural fertilizers.
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