What Is the Differince Between Plant Food & Fertilizer?

The terms plant food or fertilizer refers to the supplements which are added to plants to sustain healthy growth. There is no difference between the two and the names are synonymous.

Nutritional Requirement of Plants

All plants need 16 essential nutrients to grow optimally, and fertilizer or plant food is designed to furnish these in the required amount. Plants can be fertilized with the use of organic or inorganic plant food or fertilizer.

Major Elements

The major nutritional requirements of all plants are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Minor Elements

The minor nutritional requirements are magnesium, calcium, iron, sulfur, manganese, copper, boron, chlorine, and zinc.

Organic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizers are derived from animal, plant, or mineral sources. Organic fertilizers supply the nutrients to the plant slowly, won't burn the plants, and are also safe for earthworms.

Inorganic Fertilizer

Inorganic fertilizers are also referred to as chemical fertilizers and are man-made plant foods. These are harmful for beneficial soil organisms. Their use should be carefully monitored as they can burn plants and contaminate groundwater.

References

• gregs Gardens: The Real Dirt on Gardening - How Much Does that Fertilizer Really Cost
• Gardening: The Difference between Plant Food and Fertilizer
• "1001 Hints &Tips For Your Garden;" Reader's Digest Association; 1996

Resources

• "The Garden Primer;" Barbara Damrosch; 2008
• "Introductory Horticulture;" H. Edward Reilley, Carroll L. Shry; 2000