Chemical versus Organic Fetilizers

Chemical

Organic

Release nutrients rapidly

Release nutrients slowly feeding plants steadily over time.

Fertilizer lost to leaching (water washing nutrients away from plant roots so they cannot be used)

Increase water holding capacity

Leaching can pollute water sources

Increase nutrient holding capability of soil

Mineral salts may build up making soil toxic after continuous use

Promotes earthworms and soil micro-organisms

High chemical levels may repel earthworms and soil micro-organisms

Buffers soil from chemical imbalances

May burn plants (often need to be watered-in after application

Non-burning

Fertilizer

Benefit

Bird and animal manure

Source of nutrients and micro-organisms. Must be well aged before applying directly to plants.

Blood meal

Slow releasing nitrogen and trace mineral source. Use sparingly.

Fish meal / fish emulsion

Source or nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements. Quick releasing. Has a natural fish smell -- look for de-odorized fish emulsions.

Greensand (a type of sandstone mined from deposits of minerals that were originally part of the ocean floor)

Rich in potassium and micro-nutrients.

Rock phosphate

Helps support blooming of flowering plants

Shellfish meal

Excellent source of calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus and micro-nutrients

Effect

Amendment

Bind sandy soil

Colloidal rock phosphate

Condition soil – add body to sandy soils and lighten clayey soils

Compost, composted (aged) animal manure

Enhance composting process

Alfalfa meal, blood meal

Loosen clayey soil

Greensand, coconut coir

Promote Large blooms and fruit

Bat guano

Promote root growth

Phosphate rock, bone meal

Promote sturdy plant growth

Blood meal, fish emulsion (or meal)