Types of Organic Fertilizers for Plants in Agriculture

Types of Organic Fertilizers:

The following information is about Types of Organic Fertilizers.

Introduction To Organic fertilizers:

A healthy plant needs healthy soil. Soil should provide all the nutrients for the growth of the plant.

Does the soil we use grow a healthy plant?

Many makeovers in our environment, showing a great impact on the soil. The Soil we use is losing its fertility, necessary nutrients required for the growth of the plant. So, we should provide some boosters to the soil to increase its fertility and nutrient levels.

What does the plant need for healthy growth?

Many types of research have proved that plants seventeen nutrients in the growing medium for healthy growth. Nutrients are divided into two groups nine macronutrients and eight macronutrients. The micronutrients are consumed in larger quantities and micronutrients are needed in very fewer quantities, but micronutrients are also needed for plant growth.

Macronutrients are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Sulfur (S), Magnesium (Mg), Carbon(C), Oxygen (O), and Hydrogen (H).

Micronutrients are Iron (Fe), Boron (B), Chlorine (CI), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Molybdenum (Mo), and Nickel (Ni).

These elements stay in the soil in the form of salts. Plants consume them in these elements as ions. So, the soil should be capable to provide all nutrients to the soil for a complete plant cycle.  In case soil gets nutritional deficiency, we must modify soil fertility by adding fertilizers.

Fertilizers are the best source to increase the fertility of the soil, fertilizers are two types Organic and chemical fertilizers.

Organic Fertilizers: Organic fertilizers are made of all the natural products like animal matter, animal manure, vegetable matter like compost, and crop residues. And organic fertilizers not only add required nutrients for the plants but also promote fertility of the soil by increasing the solid structure and draining system of the soil.

Chemical Fertilizers: Chemical fertilizers are manufactured from synthetic chemicals that promote nutrients in the soil to promote plant growth.

Organic Fertilizers and Chemical Fertilizers Comparison( Source Matrix.com)
Organic Fertilizers and Chemical Fertilizers Comparison( Source Matrix.com)

Difference between organic and chemical fertilizers?

Both fertilizers do the same work, they provide necessary nutrients to the plants, but you will know the difference in the long run. Choosing organic over chemical fertilizers will show a great impact on our soil, fruits, or vegetables on the plants and groundwaters.

How do Organic fertilizers work?

Organic fertilizers have all the natural ingredients, organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly provides a steady flow of plant nutrients. Organic nutrients are non-toxic, they don’t harm roots. Organic fertilizer improves soil structures, groundwater, fertility, and promotes earthworms and microorganisms in the soil. Improves soil fertility from time to time and balances chemical imbalances permanently for a long time.

How do chemical fertilizers work?

Chemical fertilizers work on the soil and plants instantly. Chemical fertilizer is toxic, they harm the roots. Chemical fertilizers destroy the organic matter in the soil. Continuous application of fertilizers will kill small worms and microorganism in the soil that promotes the draining system of the soil. Salts in the chemical fertilizers will make the soil more acidic and kills earthworms.

Organic Fertilizers:

Organic fertilizers improve garden soil from time to time. They make the soil loose and promote air movement to the roots of the plants.  There are many types of organic fertilizers that can fast and slow impact on the growth of plants.  Organic fertilizers are extracted from animal materials, plants, and natural mineral rocks.

Types of Organic Fertilizers:

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Dry Organic Fertilizers:

Dry organic fertilizers are slow-release fertilizers, they are mixed into the soil directly. you can use the dry fertilizers in-ground garden soils and potting mixes. This type of organic fertilizer is used for long-term seedlings, transplants, and crops. Dry organic fertilizers are usually added during the plantation, they are mixed into the soil.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Liquid Organic Fertilizers:

These fertilizers are in the form of liquids, the provide light and instant energy to the plants during the growing season. These types of liquid fertilizer are easily absorbed into the soil. These fertilizers are poured around the soil of the plant, which can be easily absorbed by the roots. Liquid fertilizers may be sprayed on the foliage also, these are mainly used for vegetables and fruit plants during the growing season. Feeding the leaves can supply the plant with the necessary nutrients that are not available in the soil or if the roots are stressed.

Liquid fertilizers are can be used forever two weeks or every month during the growing season and fruiting period.  Liquid fertilizers are applied in the early morning or evening, the fertilizers are easily and quickly absorbed by the plant without harming the foliage.  Liquid fertilizers are sprayed till the liquid starts dripping from the leaves.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Growth Enhancers:

Growth enhancers are not fertilizers, they just boost up the power of plants to absorb the nutrients from the soil. Kelp is the one of common growth enhancers, used by farmers. Growth enhancers come in both liquid form and dry form. Growth enhancers have enzymes and growth-promoting hormones. Growth enhancers have the capacity to stimulate the bacteria in the soil that increases soil fertility. Make soil loose and well-drained.

How to use organic fertilizers?

Organic fertilizers are used same as the chemical fertilizers, just buying pre-made supplies and apply as per the instructions.  Or if you want to prepare yourself as per our garden need, you can do following an exact procedure. Don’t overdo it to avoid root burn or it can kill sensitive plants.

How to apply dry organic fertilizers?

  • Follow the labeled instructions before using fertilizer.
  • Dry organic fertilizers are applied before planting, just add a 1-inch layer of dry organic fertilizer to the soil.
  • Now rake the soil, so that fertilizer reaches up to 4 to 6 inches in the soil.
  • And add some fertilizers to planting holes or rows.
  • Side dressing plants with dry organic fertilizers during the growing season also provide necessary nutrients to the plant.

How apply liquid organic fertilizers?

  • Follow the labelled instructions.
  • Liquid fertilizer is applied only during the morning and evening times.
  • Liquid fertilizers may be sprayed on the foliage or can be watered around the plant.
  • The sprayer used should have a fine mist.

How to apply growth nutrients?

  • Follow the complete label instructions when you are applying growth enhancers as foliar sprays to the plant leaves.
  • Adding growth boosters to the soil during planting will increase the soil fertility makes soil well-drained.
  • Growth enhancers can be given once a month for five months of growing seasons depending on the crop growing period.

List of Organic Fertilizers and Types of  Organic Fertilizers

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Plant-Based Organic Fertilizers: These Organic fertilizers are made from plants.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Alfalfa Meal:

Alfalfa meal is a plant-based organic fertilizer made from fermented alfalfa plants. This fertilizer has low amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. It comes in a powdered form and dissolves in the soil very easily. This organic fertilizer is used to rebuild soil structure and organic matter by providing nutrients to the roots. It is a moderate-release fertilizer that acts as a conditioner to the soil for early spring crops. N: P: K ration in Alfalfa meal is 3:2:2.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Cottonseed Meal:

Cottonseed meal is a plant-based organic fertilizer, it is a rich source of nitrogen and low amounts of phosphorous and potassium. It is a slow-release fertilizer mainly used for conditioning the garden soils before you cover the crops or before the mulch is applied. Cottonseed meal is a popular fertilizer that promotes the healthy growth and beauty of grasses, ornamental plants, and vegetables. N: P: K ratio in cottonseed meal is 6:2:1.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Corn Gluten Meal:

The Corn Gluten Meal is a slow-release plant-based organic fertilizer that works as a good stabilizer for the soil. It is a dry organic fertilizer, and it takes time to break down into the soil and it can break down overwinters. It is applied in early spring and again in autumn.  Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn (maize) and it can control weeds formation. N: P: K ratio in Corn gluten meal is 0.5:0.5 :1. Corn gluten meal can be applied 5 to 6 weeks before sowing or two weeks after sowing.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Composts:

Composts are plant-based organic fertilizers. Composts are decomposed forms of organic matter, and the process of decomposing is also called composting. Composts are rich in nutrients and used for gardens, landscaping, organic agriculture, container gardens, backyard gardening, etc.  Composts act as a good soil conditioner and boost up the organic matter and the fertility of the soil. Compost provides a rich growing medium for the plants that can hold moisture for a long time and provide necessary nutrients for the plants. Compost can be used in many ways, it can be mixed in the soil or can be used as a mulch. Compost tea is used as a foliar spray. Compost side dressing around plants will give plants a constant supply of nutrients. Compost should have added before or after planting, it acts as a good soil conditioner between growing seasons. N: P: K levels in compost are 2:1.5:1.5.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Soybean Meal:

Soybean Meal is plant-based organic fertilizer, it is a rich source of nitrogen and phosphate and neutral pH levels. Soybean meal is a dry type of organic fertilizer, works at a moderate speed. It is used as a long-term soil conditioner. Soybean meal is added once or twice during the growing season of the plants, it improves the leaf growth. Application of soybean meal to plants should be done as per the labelled instructions. N: P: K ratio in soybean meal is 7:2:0.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Kelp Fertilizers:

Kelp is a plant-based organic fertilizer, made from a sea plant. Kelp is a rich source of trace elements and a good source of hormones that helps plants to grow up to their full potential. It is a liquid organic fertilizer used by mixing with water and used as a foliar spray. N: P: K ratio of kelp fertilizer is 1:0.2:2.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Seaweed Fertilizers:

Seaweed fertilizer is a plant-based fertilizer, it is instant release fertilizer. It contains all the major nutrients in minimum quantities and container zinc, copper, and iron in large quantities. Seaweed is the best fertilizer for grain-based crops that need high levels of potassium. The N: P: K levels in seaweed is 1.5:0.75:5.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers- Glass clippings:

It is a plant-based organic fertilizer, it is mainly used to prevent weeds and control the moisture levels in the soil. It used as mulch, adding a 2-inch layer of grass clippings is needed for a growing season. N: P: K ratio in grass clippings is 1:0:1.2.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers  – Mineral-Based Organic Fertilizers: Organic fertilizers derived from natural occurred minerals are called mineral-based organic fertilizers.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Rock Phosphate:

This organic fertilizer is extracted from the mineral rocks and clay. It is a good source of phosphate and other essential nutrients. Rock phosphate is a very slow-release fertilizer, it dissolves in water and stands around the soil till the plants absorb it. It is used to increase the acidic nature of the soil.  Rock phosphate promotes the growth of transplants and seedlings. Rock phosphate is highly acidic, before using it check the pH levels of the soil. The N: P: K ratio in rock phosphate is 0:5:0.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Green Sand:

Greensand, organic fertilizer is a rich source of iron, potassium, and magnesium. Greensand promotes the better growth of the plant, it loosens the soil, improves moisture levels in the soil and softens the groundwater, and improves the root establishments. N: P: K ratio in green sand is 1:1:5, nutrient levels in the green sand depend upon their source.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Animal-Based Organic Fertilizers: Organic fertilizers made from the animal’s blood, excreta, and animal matter.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Cow Manure or Cow Dung:

Cow manure is a highly used animal-based organic fertilizer for its good pack of nutrients.  Cow manure can control weeds, and increases the moisture-holding capacity of the soil, and increases air penetration in the soil. T Beneficial bacteria in cow dung support the growth of young roots by releasing nutrients slowly in easily accessible forms. Cow manure should be mixed with lighter material like straw or hay or vegetable matter or garden debris. It is used as a top dressing for the soil in gardens, containers, crops and it acts at a moderate speed. N: P: K ratio in cow dung is 2.5:1:2.5. too much use of cow manure can harm and burn the plants.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Livestock Manure:

Poultry manure like poultry crap is a nutrient-rich animal-based organic fertilizer that works very fast. It is mainly used for soil low in nitrogen levels. The livestock manure can be used after harvesting crops or before the beginning of gardening cycles. Early spring and early fall seasons are the best seasons to apply poultry manure. N: P: K ratio in poultry manure is 3.5:1.5:1:5.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Earthworm Castings:

It is an animal-based organic fertilizer, it is a bi-product produced from a composting process using earthworms.  This is also called vermicomposting, which contains water-soluble nutrients and a nutrition-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner, it is can use for flower and vegetable gardens. N: P: K ratio in earthworm castings is 2:1:1.

Vermicompost Biohumus Fertilizer.
Vermicompost Biohumus Fertilizer.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Blood Meal:

A blood meal is an animal-based organic fertilizer, it is a dried form of animal blood. A blood meal raises the nitrogen levels in the soil and makes plants grow bushy and greenish. Blood meal releases nitrogen rapidly, promotes flowering and fruiting’s and used as a natural pest repellent. It can be added dry or water dissolves to the roots of the plants as per the labelled instructions and best to add blood meal to the soil before planting.  The highly acidic nature of blood meals can harm young plants if used in large quantities. N: P: K levels in blood meal is 12:1.5:0.5.

Read this: Integrated Pest Management Strategies.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Bone Meal:

Bone meal is an animal-based dry organic fertilizer, is a form of grounded form of animal bones. Bone meal is a slow-release fertilizer used as a source of phosphorous, calcium, and other proteins. Bone meal promotes the growth of transplants and seedlings.  Phosphorous in the bone meal will help flowers and fruits to grow bigger and increases the yields. N: P: K ratio in bone meal is 4:20:0.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Feather meal:

Feather Meal is animal-based organic fertilizers, is a grounded form of poultry feathers. Feathers meal is a rich source of nitrogen and it doesn’t contain any calcium or phosphorous. It added prior to planting to boost up the nutrients in the soil or side dressed around the plant for a constant supply of nitrogen. N: P: K ratio in feather meal is 12:0:0.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Seabird Guano:

It is animal-based organic fertilizers. It is a suitable fertilizer for plants and lawns and makes plants greenish and healthy. Seabird guano acts as a natural fungicide and control nematodes in the soils.  It is the best organic fertilizer, with decent amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium, and containers with good amounts of trace elements like iron, boron, copper, etc. that support the growth of plants.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Bat Guano:

Bat Guano is an animal-based fertilizer and is a rich source of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium, and other micro-nutrients necessary for plant growth. It is a water-soluble fertilizer used as a foliar spray.  It promotes root growth and supports flowering and fruiting’s and makes stems stronger.  N: P: K ratio in bat guano is 10:10:2.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Fish Meal:

Fish meal is an animal-based organic fertilizer, it is a fast release fertilizer. It is a rich source of organic nitrogen, phosphorous, and calcium.  Fish meal improves soil health, increases fertility, and adds primary nutrients to the soil, for plants to grow healthy. N: P: K ratio in the fish meal is 5:2:2.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Fish Emulsion:

It is an animal-based organic fertilizer, it is a liquid fertilizer. It is a source of all micronutrients and acts as a conditioner to the soil. Fish emulsion can be used as a root drench or as a foliar spray. N: P: K levels in fish emulsion 2:4:0 to 5:1:1. Fish emulsion is highly acidic can cause burning in plants if used in large quantities. Use them as per labelled instructions.

Types of  Organic Fertilizers – Shell Meal:

Shell meal is animal-based organic fertilizer, container good amounts of calcium, phosphorous, and a good amount of trace elements. Shell meal is also used as natural pesticides, it protects plants from nematodes. N: P: K ratio in shell meal is 5:2:5.

Even though our plants don’t know the difference between natural and chemical ingredients, you can see the results in the long run. Chemical and no health problems for humans, animals, plants, and soil. So natural things are always best.

In case if you are interested in this: How To Grow Organic Lettuce.

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