Advantages of Using Organic Fertilizers (2024)

Shop Knowledge centerCrop careWhat are the advantages of organic fertilizers?

Written by Maarten Casteleijn | Latest update: 18-08-2022

Durability and environmental friendliness are gaining more and more popularity amongst consumers in the horticultural sector. There are multiple advantages of Organic fertilizers. These fertilizers are completely built from natural raw materials of plant or animal origin. The biggest difference with chemical fertilizers is that organic fertilizers improve the soil’s health and condition, which increases the fertility.

What are organic fertilizer made off?

Organic fertilizers are fertilizers produced entirely of natural raw materials of plant or animal origin. Mostly based on manure of compost. The nutrients in organic fertilizers, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, are released when soil organisms such as beneficial bacteria and fungi break down the fertilizers pellets. These micro-organisms found in the soil are also called soil life.

Advantages of using organic fertilizers

Organic fertilizers have multiple advantages for growers:

• Improved airy soil structure;
• Healthier soil and more fertile;
• Longer period available for crops than chemical fertilizers;
• Environmentally friendly;
• Easy to use.
  

Our specialist will discuss each advantage in detail.

Airy soil structure

The use of natural fertilizers leads to an augmentation of micro-biologic activity in the soil. Organic fertilizers are broken down by organisms in humic acid and amino acid. During this process oxygen is needed and air is drawn, making the soil structure lighter. Due to this combination, a rich, healthy soil with a good biodiversity is created. Because of this, the plant get enough nutrients and humidity from the soil, resulting in a healthy crop with high resistance against diseases and pests.

Healthier soil and more fertile

Organic fertilizers are broken down for two reasons. The first is to improve the core structure of the soil. The second is to increase its ability to hold water and important nutrients for a longer period of time. Over time, the regular and proper use of these natural fertilizers can result in healthy and stronger crops. In addition, unlike synthetic fertilizers that only provide primary nutrients to the crop, organic fertilizers also contain adequate levels of micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, sulfur and copper.

Longer availability

Another advantage of organic fertilizers is that the nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) are supplied more gradually comparing to chemical fertilizers. This, because organic fertilizers only supply nutrients when bacteria break down the fertilizer pellets. A longer availability of the nutrients can be seen as result of this, which brings along a lower risk of leaching and burning of the roots (could happen with excessive amount of chemical fertilizers).

Environmentally friendly

Organic fertilizers are less concentrated than synthetic fertilizers and are therefore much safer to use. Organic fertilizers are ecological, environmentally friendly and non-toxic in nature, making them the best fertilizers for plants and crops in greenhouse farming. Their regular use does not lead to pollution and contributes to a better future.

Easy to use

In addition to being harmless, organic fertilizers are also extremely user-friendly. Thus, you do not need to use any protective clothing or gadgets for these natural products.

Fields of application

• Vegetable crops
• Fruit crops
• Viticulture
• Arboriculture

Advantages of organic fertilizers compared to advantages NPK fertilizers

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