Why should you use organic fertilizers in your garden? Just because they are good for your plants and good for the environment. Nearly 70 percent of water pollution coming from agricultural areas that use chemical fertilizers, according to the EPA. These chemicals seep into the water and cause soil erosion. While large agricultural operations are a major source of chemical fertilizers in the water, home gardeners are also guilty of such pollution. However, many producers seek to correct their mistakes by using organic farming methods. Organic fertilizers are those that use organic amendments to raise the nutrient content and improve soil characteristics of a garden. The addition of organic matter decomposition in an organic garden provides a natural fertilizer, providing nutrients that plants they need for optimal growth. These fertilizers also improve the nature of your garden soil, no matter what type you have. If your garden has clay soil, organic fertilizers preserve its topsoil, which prevents it from sticking. Organic fertilizers are also an excellent way to retain water in the soil. It’s a bargain if you have sandy soil in your garden. Fertilizer made of organic materials have properties that make micro-nutrients like iron and zinc at the disposal of your garden plants.
Plants need three major nutrients for growth: nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. All three are in organic fertilizers. Organic matter, manure, for example, does not have all three of these nutrients, however. Therefore, most suppliers of organic fertilizers combine and mix different materials to ensure proper dosage. Alfalfa meal is a green manure favored by gardeners who grow roses. It is a good source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and it also contains Triacontanol. It is a hormone that helps regulate the growth of your plants. Blood meal is another good organic fertilizer. It is an excellent source of organic nitrogen readily available. Bone meal is a good source of calcium and phosphorus in the long term. Both materials can be mixed for best results. Kelp meal is high in potassium, but has no phosphorus. This organic fertilizer should be used in conjunction with bone meal to compensate for his lack of phosphorus. It is important that gardeners determine the precise composition of any organic fertilizers they purchase, because the fertilizer may contain a number of micro-nutrients and perhaps not other nutrients essential for the growth of healthy plants. All the nutrients that are missing should be added using one of the blood meal, above, bone meal or kelp meal.
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