How to Choose an Organic Fertilizer
Organic fertilizers are becoming more commercially available as consumers move towards sustainable practices for their yard and garden. Many organic fertilizers gently deliver plant nutrients and benefits to the soil. Common materials include plant meals, animal meals, manures, composts and mined minerals. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select composts and naturally occurring minerals for ease of handling and minimal odors as compared to animal meals and manures. Find composted products as this process insures that the material has already been decomposed and that it is free of harmful pathogens and weed seeds. Non-decomposed substances can be detrimental to the soil. Microbial activity begin to break these materials down. This process robs the root zone of much need oxygen and consumes nitrogen that could be used by the plant.
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Match an organic fertilizer to your needs by learning its nutrient profile. The three NPK numbers on the front of the bag represent the primary nutrients that plants need to grow: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen promotes growth, phosphorus promotes root development, and potassium encourages budding and fruit development. Use a higher nitrogen formula -- 5 to 10 percent -- on turf grass and heavy feeding plants such as corn. Apply a more balanced formula such as 5-5-5 on flowers, fruits and vegetables. Switch to a high-phosphorus formula when establishing new plants.
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Check the label for micronutrients. Organic fertilizers often contain calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) among others. Organic fertilizers may also contain many beneficial microorganisms, including fungi.
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Check that the product is approved by either OMRI -- the Organic Materials Review Institute -- or a state department of agriculture for organic use. There are two different definitions for the word "organic." The chemical definition means "bound with carbon." The more common consumer definition is "naturally occurring and produced in a sustainable way." The problem with this is that a product may be labeled organic but not allowed for organic production. To identify if a fertilizer is truly organic, add up the 3 NPK numbers. If the total adds up to over 15, the fertilizer most likely contains synthetic nutrients.
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Shop around at home and garden centers and nurseries to find the best product for the price. Weigh the value of beneficial substances such as micronutrients, humic acids -- which benefit soil water-holding capacity -- and microorganisms when comparing prices. Organic products may include these for the same price as an NPK-only alternative. Note the total weight of the bag and the amount of nitrogen to accurately compare prices. The area the bag covers depends on the nitrogen content and the weight of the product in the bag.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the following formula to determine the coverage of the bag: weight X %nitrogen X 1,000 = Sq Feet of Coverage
Sterilized products do not contain beneficial microorganisms because they have been killed during the sterilization process.
Check the particle size and consistency - some organic products can be quite dusty or inconsistent. This can cause problems during application.
Sterilized products do not contain beneficial microorganisms because they have been killed during the sterilization process.
Check the particle size and consistency -- some organic products can be quite dusty or inconsistent. This can cause problems during application.
Some organic fertilizers are made from the same material as dog food -- blood and bone meal. Keep these products away from pets.
References
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