What Is the Difference Between Organic & Chemical Fertilizers?

Plants pull nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium and calcium, out of the soil. For plants to keep growing and thriving, those nutrients must be restored. In a perfect world, ecosystems function in such a way that the natural breakdown of dead plant matter and animals replenishes the soil. In the gardener's world, a person often turns to fertilizer for needed nutrients. Gardeners can choose between organic and chemical fertilizers. Does this Spark an idea?

Chemical vs. Organic Fertilizers

Chemical fertilizers are usually derived from petroleum or rocks. Organic fertilizer comes from manure, bloodmeal, fish, chicken feathers and compost. While chemical fertilizers are processed so that they are purely nutrients and immediately available to the plant, organic fertilizers take time to break down into nutrient form. Chemical fertilizers generally contain the main three nutrients plants need -- nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium -- while organic fertilizers contain a range of nutrients, including calcium and magnesium, but in much lower concentrations.

Advantages of Chemical Fertlizers

Chemical fertilizers provide neglected plants with a quick boost of nutrition. The nutrients don't have to be broken down by bacteria or fungi, so the plant's health can improve in a short amount of time. Chemical fertilizers are also rather inexpensive, according to gardening expert Julie Day. The products are also relatively simple and easy to use, as they usually clearly labeled and have explicit directions.

Advantages of Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers more accurately mimic the breakdowns that occur in nature. Since organic fertilizers do not contain the high salt content that chemical fertilizers do, they do not dehydrate plants or cause salt deposits to build up. They release nutrients slowly, which can do less damage to the plant and won't burn the plants leaves. Over time, proper use of organic fertilizers can improve the health of the soil.

Risks and Downsides

When it comes to fertilizing, less is usually more, whether you use chemical or organic products. Too much fertilizer can kill a plant or cause it to produce more leaves when you want it to produce fruit. Excess fertilizer can pollute groundwater as well. While organic fertilizers improve soil, they work on their own timetable and may not be able to save a severely undernourished plant. On the flip side, a chemical fertilizer may rescue a dying plant, but won't do anything to improve the soil.

References

• Oregon State: Chemical Versus Organic Fertilizer?; Carol Savonen
• Danny Lipford: The Debate Over Organic Vs. Chemical Fertilizers; Julie Day
• "You Grow Girl"; Gayla Trail; 2005
• Oregon State Extension: Here's the Scoop On Chemical and Organic Fertilizers; Carol Savonen
• University of Colorado Extension: Planttalk: Organic Vs. Chemical Fertilizers