Organic Fertilizers: What You Need to Know

Microbial and fungal growth in the soil helps in the release and absorption of required minerals and nutrients, and it takes at a slower pace with the use of organic supplements

Fremont, CA: The use of organic fertilizers in your garden or farm needs to look upon carefully, as the practice tends to have enormous benefits which are relatively unknown to the users. Regular use of chemical fertilizers degrades the soil quality and texture by inhibiting the growth of microbes and, there, by nutrient agglomeration. The fertility of the soil is affected by the continuous use of chemical fertilizers and can harm the sustainability of the ecosystem in nature, leading to the underdevelopment of plants and soil contaminants.

Listed below are some of the key benefits of organic fertilizers:

Replenishment of the soil

Regular use of organic fertilizers can induce significant changes in the soil system as it helps in the growth of microbes, fungi and other organisms which cater to the natural texture development and soil replenishment. Microbial and fungal growth in the soil helps in the release and absorption of required minerals and nutrients, and it takes at a slower pace with the use of organic supplements. The process allows the plants in developing adequate resilience to pathogens, pests and harmful diseases and aids the process of humus content growth and earthworm castings. The addition of organic manures to the soil helps in water retention and prevents soil erosion and degradation.

Nutrient supply to the plants

Organic fertilizers mainly consist of slowly decomposed natural components that are considerably easier for the plants to absorb and digest into the system. Due to the decomposition process involved in the creation of organic supplements, they tend to release the nutrients and minerals into the system slowly and ensure continuous enrichment. Plants become more adaptive to their natural habitat and are seen to have a lesser number of fungal and p[pesticide infections.

Pest control and disease management

Apart from the synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, the organic version of these uses a gentle approach in dealing with foreign body growth and attacks on the plants. They have mainly kept out the system through the provision of preventive methods rather than having sudden lash out of chemicals into the systems. One of the most common methods practiced is by having physical inspections on the plants and carrying out the removal of infected plants. The method is suitable for a limited number of plants and is not practical with large plant groups. Plants can also be protected by the use of lightweight, spun-bound fabrics known as raw covers.