Organic Fertilizer Resources

Organic fertilizers are an essential component of green lawn care and gardening. But while organic fertilizers can be purchased in specialty shops and online, homeowners can look into other resources that are convenient and economical. In addition to being all-natural, many of these substances are highly accessible because they are present in many households. And while commercial fertilizers are highly acidic, organic fertilizers do not have a tendency to be caustic and they are generally safer to handle.

Compost and Similar Waste

Enriching the soil with waste represents one of the oldest forms of fertilization. Compost is a mixture of all kinds of plant material that is allowed to decompose and that infuses soil with nutrients and enhances microbial activity. And discarded plant matter such as mulch or grass clippings can trap moisture and prevent erosion when applied to soil. Even a burnt substance such as wood ash is capable of enriching soil with valuable nutrients, including potassium.

Food

Some food products have demonstrated effectiveness as fertilizers. Used coffee grounds contain valuable soil nutrients including potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and sulfur. When sprinkled on the lawn, the grounds nourish the soil. Brewed coffee produces the same effect when it is poured on the ground. Some gardeners also use beer as a fertilizer because it is believed to protect roots and ward off pests such as slugs.

Animal Waste

Manure is a time-honored fertilizer that also happens to be organic. The waste produced by chickens, cows and horses has been shown to improve soil composition because of its nitrogen-rich properties. But the success of manure as a fertilization treatment depends on a few conditions. First, manure is most effective when it is the byproduct of a healthy animal diet. Second, manure should not be applied when it is fresh, or it will burn plants; let it decompose for a month or two. Third, manure works best when it is firmly packed into the soil.

Retail

Although conventional chemical fertilizers dominate the market, consumers can still purchase organic alternatives that are synthesized from green materials. But since the term "organic" is not tightly regulated, buyers should be cautious of the ingredients in these mixtures. A product can be marketed as "organic" even if it contains few carbon-based substances. To assess the eco-friendliness of these products, buyers should always analyze their composition.

References

• Green Living Tips: Natural Fertilizer
• EPA: Compost and Fertilizer Made From Recovered Organic Materials
• ABC News Good Morning America: Just One Thing: Green Your Fertilizer