Phosphorus is found in soils both in an organic form and an un-organic (mineral) form and its

solubility in soil is low. There is equilibrium between solid phase phosphorus in soil and the
phosphorus in the soil solution.

Plants can only take up phosphorus dissolved in the soil solution, and since most of the soil
phosphorus exists in stable chemical compounds, only a small amount of phosphorus is available to
the plant at any given time.

When plant roots remove phosphorus from the soil solution, some of the phosphorus adsorbed to
the solid phase is released into the soil solution in order to maintain equilibrium.

The types of phosphorus compounds that exist in the soil are mostly determined by soil pH and by
the type and amount of minerals in the soil. Mineral compounds of phosphorus usually contain
aluminum, iron, manganese and calcium.

In acidic soils phosphorus tends to react with aluminum, iron and manganese, while in alkaline soils
the dominant fixation is with calcium. The optimal pH range for maximum phosphorus availability is
6.0-7.0.

Phosphorus is one of 17 chemical elements that all plants need, and it’s one of the nutrients that
we sometimes need to add to soils in fairly high quantities. Phosphorus levels in soils depend on
the ancestry of the soil and how it’s been managed during its farming history.

Phosphorus availability in soils is very strongly associated with pH. At low pHs, phosphorus tends
to bind up with iron and aluminum in soils and becomes unavailable to plants. At high pHs,
phosphorus can bind to calcium and magnesium and that also decreases it’s availability. Acidic
soils bind up phosphorus worse than alkaline soils do. Phosphorus is most readily available to
plants at pHs of at least 6.5. If the soil pH drops below 6.0, phosphorus becomes very unavailable.
Applying lime to very acidic soils is always a good idea, and one of the benefits of that is to help
phosphorus become more available even without adding it as a supplement.
 There are several methods used by various soil
testing labs for determining how much phosphorus soils can supply to the crops we grow in them.
When we interpret the results of soil tests, we need to consider the method used by the laboratory
that does the test. The numbers that the various tests provide don’t really mean anything on their
own until they are correlated to how well crops grow at the various levels. Some of the common
extractions for phosphorus are the weak and strong Bray solutions (Bray-1 and Bray-2), Mehlich-
1 and Mehlich-2, the Morgan and modified Morgan extractions, and the Olsen or sodium
bicarbonate test. Some tests are only appropriate for soils with specific characteristics. Examples
of these tests are the Olsen test, which is only appropriate for high pH soils with high carbonate
content, or the Mehlich-1 test, which does a great job of extracting phosphorus from soils with a
low cation exchange capacity (like many coastal plain soils of the southeastern U.S.).

The Bray-1 and Mehlich-3 tests are common in many parts of the country and the results from
these tests follow similar patterns. The lab we use for the CROPP Agronomy Program (Midwest
Labs) uses the Bray-1 and Bray-2 phosphorus tests for most samples, but the Olsen test for soils
with high pHs. The Morgan and modified Morgan tests are used by many labs in the northeastern
United States and these results are harder to correlate with numbers like we’d see from the Bray-1
test.

Whatever lab you’re using, it’s important to understand how crop growth responds to the
phosphorus level reported on your soil test. For our program, we use a target range of 25 to 50
parts per million (ppm) of Bray-1 phosphorus as our target fertility range for most agronomic
crops. These numbers represent a sort of middle ground between levels that universities in various
states have established as high phosphorus levels for field crops and the levels where
environmental regulations usually kick in.

The phosphorus levels recommended by some consultants are sometimes much higher than what
the university recommendations are. Each farmer has to decide for himself or herself what level to
aim for, but here is some information that you should consider when you’re making this decision.
Target levels recommended by universities are usually based on a combination of crop values,
yield goals, and the price of conventional fertilizer. These factors are all different with organic
cropping systems, but there are still principles we can use to help us sort through how much
phosphorus we really need in our soils.

If we identify a phosphorus deficiency in soils,

there are several things we can do to correct that. The most common sources of phosphorus for
organic cropping systems are manure and rock phosphates. For farms that have a livestock or
poultry enterprise, the manure these animals produce should be the first place we look when we
need to add phosphorus to soils. If we don’t have enough of a supply of manure to meet the
phosphorus we need, or if we need only phosphorus and not the potassium that also comes with
manure, we can use rock phosphates. There are different sources and forms of rock phosphate, but
they share the characteristics of being fairly slow to dissolve in soils. Growing legume crops on
soils where we’ve applied rock phosphate can help speed up this process by the crops removing
calcium, which helps the rock phosphate to dissolve faster. Another technique that can work well
is to mix the rock phosphate into manure by applying it to bedded packs, in gutters, or mixing it
into manure or compost piles. The phosphate part of the fertilizer also binds with ammonium in
manure to help keep it from evaporating, and that means more nitrogen from the manure will
actually make it back to the land.

Manure is a great source of phosphorus, but we often focus on manure as a nitrogen source for
crops like corn. If we use manure as the only source of nitrogen for growing corn, we will continue
to raise phosphorus levels over time because manure provides nutrients at different proportions
than what crops need to grow. This can be helpful for soils that are low in phosphorus, but if we
already have high phosphorus levels it can eventually cause problems.
When soil fertility levels for almost any nutrient go up, so do crop yields. If we add phosphorus to
a soil that’s very deficient, we see dramatic yield responses as the amendment becomes available.
If we continue to add more phosphorus, the yields generally continue to increase, but at a lower
rate. Eventually we reach a point where we need to add larger and larger amounts of phosphorus
for smaller and smaller increases in yield. If we’re growing crops that have very high value and
the source of phosphorus is relatively inexpensive, it’s tempting to try to achieve the highest yields
we can. But that might not be a good idea.

Phosphorus in soils tends to bind very tightly with mineral compounds of iron, aluminum, calcium,
and magnesium in soils, and phosphorus associated with organic matter is usually pretty well
protected against runoff or leaching losses. Because of this, soil scientists used to believe that we
could build up extremely high levels of phosphorus in soils without any danger of environmental
damage. We’ve learned over the past 20 years or so that this isn’t true. When we have soils with
very high phosphorus levels, runoff waters can carry significant amounts of phosphorus to surface
waters. This elevated phosphorus level in the water makes its way to rivers, lakes, and eventually
the ocean, where it causes an explosive growth of algae. These algae eventually die and
decompose, which depletes the oxygen level in the water, causing the “dead zones” we hear about
so often in places like the Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay, and even in the Great Lakes.

As phosphorus levels in soils continue to rise to

extremely high concentrations, the soil gets to a point where it just can’t hold any more and the
phosphorus begins to leach out of the profile and end up in groundwater. This can cause problems
in well water, and where groundwater seeps into surface waters, it can cause problems in lakes,
rivers, and the ocean just like surface runoff.

Because of the potential for environmental problems like these, nutrient management planning
regulations often focus on phosphorus levels in soils. This is good for all of us to keep in mind,
but it’s especially important for farmers who have livestock and need to spread manure. When soil
test phosphorus levels reach a threshold for the area where you farm, you might be prohibited from
being able to apply manure to that field. We should aim for phosphorus levels that give good crop
yields and still allow us some flexibility with where we can apply manure if we need to.

Phosphorus levels in soil tend to be very stable without active management to change them. If you
have higher levels of phosphorus than you want, the best way to bring them down over time is to
harvest crops that will draw down the reserves. Various crops remove phosphorus to different
degrees. A 4 t/a dry matter yield of typical forage removes 40 to 60 lb of phosphate (P 2O5) per
acre, while a 20 t/a yield of corn silage at 65% dry matter removes about 72 lb of phosphate per
acre. A 150 bu/a crop of corn grain removes around 57 lb/a of phosphate per acre. Small grains
remove varying amounts of phosphorus depending on species and yield. A 60 bu/a yield of oats
would remove around 17 lb of phosphate, and if we removed a 1.5 t/a straw crop along with the
grain it would remove another 14 lb of phosphate. A 60 bu/a yield of wheat would remove 30 lb
of phosphate, and a 1.5 t/a yield of straw would take an additional 9 lb of phosphate.
The Bray-1 phosphorus target ranges we use in the coop’s soil testing program are well above the
levels used by universities that research soil test levels, but below the thresholds established for
most nutrient management programs where restrictions come into play. Except for produce crops,
you should be able to attain high crop yields at Bray-1 phosphorus levels between 25 and 50 ppm.
If your soil test levels are low, it’s worthwhile to work on bringing them up, but remember that
more is not always better, so be careful about building up phosphorus levels beyond the point of
good stewardship.

Why do we need fertilizers?

Crops require a balanced diet of essential nutrients throughout their growth

cycle.

Many of these essential nutrients can be found in the soil, but often in insufficient
quantities to sustain high crop yields. Soil and climatic conditions can also limit a plant’s
uptake of nutrients at key growth stages.
Plants need 13 essential minerals, all of which play a number of important functions. If
any of these is lacking, plant growth and yield suffer. Farmers can turn to Yara for help.

Crop Needs
Each crop needs a different range of nutrients at every critical stage of its development.
For example, nitrogen and phosphorous are often more critical at early stages of growth
to fuel root and leaf development, whereas zinc and boron are important during
flowering.

Cereal crops use nutrients for growth, progressively moving them from the roots, leaves
and stems into the ear prior to the dying off and harvesting of the grain.

Tree crops have different nutrient requirements than field crops. They can store
nutrients like nitrogen within their trunk, branches and leaves and then redistribute them
at key points during the growth cycle. It is important, however, to supply trees with
replacement levels of the nutrients removed in the harvested fruit and those that are
critical for growth but can’t be recycled.

High-value, high-quality greenhouse cropshave perhaps the greatest need for

nutritional precision. Top- quality strawberries, lettuce or fruit require a constant and
accurately balanced diet. Growers therefore often control crop growth by spoon-feeding
plants with what they need in an environment protected from the changing soil and
weather conditions.

In all situations, it is important that fertilizer formulation and selection matches the crop’s
needs. We at Yara have an established and highly successful range of crop nutrition
management programs that do just that.

Armed with this information and the right Yara product, the grower can ensure nutrient
needs are met and growth and crop quality is maximized. This provides high yields and
high profits from the use of high-quality fertilizers.

Major Nutrients
Of the major nutrients, nitrogen (N) is often required in the greatest quantity by crops,
primarily for vigor and yield. Nitrogen plays a key role in chlorophyll production and
protein synthesis. Chlorophyll is the green plant pigment responsible for photosynthesis.
When nitrogen is deficient, plants develop yellow or pale leaves and their growth is
stunted.

Phosphorus (P), is a vital component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which supplies

the energy for many processes in the plant. Phosphorus rarely produces spectacular
growth responses, but is fundamental to the successful development of all crops. For
example, maize or other corn crops that lack phosphorus during the growing season
achieve lower yields.

Potassium (K) is needed by virtually all crops and often in higher rates than nitrogen.
Potassium regulates the plant’s water content and expansion. It is key to achieving
good yield and quality in cotton and critical for increasing the size, juice content and
sweetness of fruit.
Secondary Nutrients
Of the three secondary nutrients needed at lower levels than nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium (NPK), calcium (Ca) is perhaps the most important. Calcium strengthens
cell walls, helping to reduce bruising and disease in fruit, salad and vegetable
crops. This means that a good supply of calcium produces food crops that are less
prone to damage and have a longer shelf life. Crops short in calcium will have
growth disorders such as corky skin.

Fruit and vegetables containing higher levels of calcium also have a higher nutritional
value – for example, vitamin C and antioxidants in tomatoes. This means that eating
fresh fruit with strong skins and a great, crisp bite will help provide us with the calcium
we need for strong bones.

Magnesium (Mg) is also important for crop quality, but is also a key component of leaf
chlorophyll and the enzymes that support plant growth. Low magnesium leads to
reduced photosynthesis, which severely limits crop yields.

Grain fill in rice and dry matter content of potatoes can be significantly reduced if
magnesium is undersupplied.

Sulfur (S) is an essential part of many amino acids and proteins. Without both S and
Mg, crops suffer; growth slows and leaves turn pale or yellow. Sulfur is particularly
important for ensuring the protein content of cereal crop grains.

Micronutrients
Micronutrients reinforce and supplement the strong plant growth and structures
provided by major and secondary nutrients.

Most micronutrients influence growth. For example, manganese (Mn), iron

(Fe) and copper (Cu) all influence photosynthesis, the process whereby plants use
sunlight for growth.

 Iron deficiencies are common – for example in seed fruits – where the effect is to reduce
production of chlorophyll. As a result, crops struggle and younger leaves develop a
severe yellowing or chlorosis.
 Boron (B) is needed for the development of shoots and roots, and is essential during the
flowering and fruiting phases of crops.
 Zinc (Zn) is needed for the production of important plant hormones, like auxin. Zinc
deficiency leads to structural defects in leaves and other plant organs.
 Molybdenum (Mo) is involved in plant enzyme systems that control nitrogen metabolism

 Insufficient fertilizer can slow plant growth or cause deficiency

symptoms such
 as leaf chlorosis (yellowing), leaf death and stunting. Lack of
fertilizer
 means the plant has inadequate levels of mineral nutrients it needs to
make
 essential compounds or for general metabolism, such as nitrogen for
proteins
 and chlorophyll, magnesium for chlorophyll, and several micronutrients
as
 enzyme activators. A severely nitrogen deficient plant loses its normal
green
 color because it cannot make enough green chlorophyll. However, most
plants in
 nature do not look chlorotic but would respond with more rapid growth
and get
 greener if given nitrogen fertilizer. Thus, in nature, nitrogen
typically
 limits plant growth; plants merely slow their growth to fit the
available
 supply of nitrogen.

 The mobility of a mineral nutrient in the plant determines where the
deficiency
 symptoms occur. Mobile mineral nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium
and
 phosphorus, have deficiency symptoms first on old leaves because
existing
 mineral nitrients are transported to growing points when a deficiency
occurs.
 Root and shoot tips of calcium deficient plants die because calcium is
needed
 for cell walls, and calcium is not mobile in the plant. There may be
excess
 calcium in old leaves but the plant cannot transport it to deficient
growing
 points, it must get calcium from the soil for the growing points.

 Having excess fertilizer often causes a salinity problem because the
excess
 salts make water less available to the plant due to an osmotic effect.
This is
 usually the case for mineral nutrients such as potassium, calcium,
magnesium,
 and nitrate-nitrogen, which do not produce a specific toxicity.
Excesses of
 these mineral nutrients may induce a deficiency of other mineral
nutrients. For
 example, magnesium excess can cause a calcium deficiency.

 Excesses of other mineral nutrients, such as boron, manganese, copper,
zinc,
 and ammonium-nitrogen, cause specific toxicity symptoms. One of the
mineral
  nutrients that has the smallest range between sufficient and toxic is
boron.
 Excess boron causes leaf tip death because it is carried in the
transpiration
 stream to the leaf edges where it accumulates.
Organic Fertilizers are materials derived from plant and animal parts or residues. Examples are, Blood
Meal, Compost, Bat Guano, Manure, Seaweed, and Worm Castings. It is a production system which
favour maximum use of organic materials (like crop residue, animal residue, legumes, on and off farm
wastages, growth regulators, bio-pesticides) and discourages the use of synthetically produced agro-
inputs for maintaining soil productivity, fertility and pest management under ...

Synthetic Fertilizers are “Man made” inorganic compounds - usually derived from by-products of the
petroleum industry. Examples are Ammonium Nitrate, Ammonium Phosphate, Superphosphate, and
Potassium Sulfate. usually derived from by-products of the petroleum industry. Examples are
Ammonium Nitrate, Ammonium Phosphate, Superphosphate, and Potassium Sulfate. Plants require 13
nutrients.

Chemical fertilizers add nutrients to the soil, but they don’t add anything else. Plants needs more than
just nutrients to survive. They also need organic matter and living organisms. Synthetic fertilizers do not
support microbiological life in the soil. The application of a synthetic fertilizer actually kills a significant
percentage of beneficial microorganisms. These tiny creatures are responsible for breaking down
organic matter into a stable amendment for improving soil quality and fertility. Some convert nitrogen
from the air into a plant useable form.

Compost and organic material introduces beneficial microorganisms. Microorganisms commonly found
in soil and compost convert organic nitrogen into inorganic nitrogen, a process called mineralization.
Plants may then take up the nutrients released by these. Composts contain an astonishing variety of
microbes, many of which may be beneficial in controlling pathogens. Beneficial microbes help to control
plant pathogens.

Organic matter improves soil structure, resulting in a crumb-like structure.

Organic matter improves water retention and enhances soil fertility.

Microorganisms can break down contaminants in the soil and water to components that pose less of an
environmental hazard.

Limitations of chemical fertilizers:

Most chemical fertilizers do not contain micronutrients.

Synthetic fertilizers do not support microbiological life in the soil.

Chemicals fertilizers do not add organic content to the soil.

Synthetic chemicals can easily be over applied, and can "burn" roots, or create toxic concentration of
salts.
 Chemical fertilizers can release nutrients too quickly, creating a great deal of top growth before the
roots are able to catch up. This kind of growth often leads to weaker and disease prone plants, with less
fruiting.

Synthetic fertilizers often leach, because they dissolve easily, and release nutrients faster than plants
use them.

8 Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Organic Fertilizer


 Share


With 82% of U.S. households buying organic products, according to the Organic Trade Association,
organic fertilizers are going to be an important tool for fertilizer users to consider when building
programs. Here are 8 advantages and disadvantages to consider when using organic fertilizers in
your program.

What is an organic fertilizer?

Organic fertilizer is usually made from plant or animal waste – think manure or compost. They can
also be highly processed products with a compost or manure base.

What are the advantages of using organic fertilizer?

1. Soil Structure

Because of the organic matter present in organic fertilizer, soil structure is improved and as a result
the soil’s ability to hold onto water and nutrients increases.

>>For additional information on organic matter, read our blog: What is Humus?

2. Microbes Thrive

Synthetic fertilizer consists of chemical molecules without carbon. These molecules can sometimes
be disruptive and are not accessible to microbes. On the other hand, organic fertilizer is rich in
organic matter, which helps microbes thrive. Organic fertilizer contains carbon as part of its chemical
makeup; and it is the carbon, along with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that feeds microbes
and enables them to make nutrients available for plants in a naturally occurring biological process.

>>If you are interested in learning more about soil microbes, visit this blog: 5 Types of Soil Microbes
to Nurture Plant and Soil Health

3. Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly

Synthetic fertilizers runoff into our waterways harming marine life and water quality. Organic
fertilizers do not run off as easily (if at all) and are associated with soil structure. According to the
Organic Trade Association, organic fertilizer also increases species biodiversity by 30% compared
with synthetic fertilizer.

>>To learn more about fertilizer run off, check out this article: What Are Marine Dead Zones?
4. Reduce Fertilizers and Pesticides

Although organic fertilizer can be more costly than synthetic, it can reduce the need for pesticides
and the overall nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium requirements. Because of the reductions,
organic fertilizer can be cost neutral and sometimes a cost savings.

>>For information on reducing fertilizer and pesticides through the use of organic products, visit
Holganix’s university studies here: Holganix University Studies Preview

5. Plant Damage Threat Avoided

Some synthetic fertilizers can cause plant damage to leaves and roots. This is less likely with
organic fertilizers.

What are the disadvantages of using organic fertilizers?

1. Not All Products Are Created Equally

Not all products are created equally and many organic products produce inconsistent results. Make
sure you are selecting a product that is industry vetted by reviewing any university studies or case
studies.

2. Nutrient Levels Are Low

The level of nutrients present in organic fertilizer is often low. In addition, the nutrients are usually
complexed in organic chemical structure; this means using organic fertilizer may not produce the
pop of color seen with a chemical fertilizer. Using an organic fertilizer is a process, not an event.

3. DIY Compost is a Complicated Procedure

While you can produce your own compost, it’s a messy and complicated process that often leads to
an inconsistent product and end-result

Advantages and Disadvantages of Organic Fertilizer

By Jessica GoreBiologist
Contributor: Andy Martin

SOURCE

Balancing the advantages and disadvantages of organic fertilizers have been the subject of debate
for nearly 100 years, with the history of the organic movement dating back to the earliest days of
chemical alternatives. For most people, a careful weighing of the options will help you determine
which method is best for your lawn or garden.

The Benefits of Using Organic Options

Until early in the twentieth century, composted manure, kitchen scraps, and other organic wastes
represented the only means of improving soil fertility. Organic farming and gardening were not
 moral or environmental choices, but simply the way of life. Organic fertilizers are an all-
encompassing method that build soil structure and composition as they slowly release nutrition
to the plants.

Related Articles

 Advantages of a Compost Pile

 Is Organic Fertilizer Safe?

 Commercial Organic Fertilizer Options

3 Steps for Soil Health

Virtually every aspect of organic gardening revolves around the health of the soil. a Thriving
growing substrate revolves around maintaining the delicate symbiotic relationship between soil
microorganisms and the nutrients they (and the plants) require. Organic fertilizer contributes to
soil health in the following ways:

1. Increased nutrition: Natural soil is rich in organic matter that releases nutrients at a steady rate.
Increasing organic matter in agricultural soil improves the soil structure, creating more air space
and water retention within the soil. Quality dirt is made up of a mix of particles and substances
graded by permeability (how easily air, water and roots can move through it) - granular
particles/stone, clay, sand, humus/organic matter. Organic fertilizer assists microorganisms to
break down organic matter while allowing a metered release of that nutrition. Organic physical
additives like stone dust - and peat or coconut hulls - create good soil with a balanced
permeability.
2. Reduced soil erosion: A higher proportion of organic material in the soil will also prevent soil
erosion, helping to avoid the dust bowl effect seen in the 1930s. Soil structure is critical to root
health. Too permeable soil, like sandy substrates allow too much air and water to move through
quickly. Water carries nutrition with it , and quick drainage equals a faster loss of nutrients (this
run-off is what damages ecosystems and waterways near industrial agricultural fields). Likewise,
clay soils, because of compaction, hold too much water and very little air and "light," dusty earth is
prone to the erosion witnessed during the infamous Dust Bowl. Since organic fertilizers are
inherently "found" materials - like manure, vegetable scraps, aggregates, seaweed - they build soil
structure as they hold and release nutrients to the plants.
3. Healthy Ecosystem: Organic fertilizer is rooted in a complex foundation. Organic fertilizers are not
used alone- they are intertwined in a gardening process that is gentler on microorganisms and
earthworms living in the soil, creating a healthy ecosystem that is assisted by careful additions of
physical (mulch) and nutritional (liquid seaweed) elements. Synthetic or chemical fertilizers create
"burn" or bursts of ammonia, phosphorous and nitrogen that give a fast release. These fertilizers, if
applied incorrectly, hinder proper fruiting and impede soil ecosystem development. Organic
gardeners want to build a healthy, sustainable and environmentally beneficial farming system that
becomes self-sustaining with minimal disruption.

Slow and Steady Release of Nutrients

The slow and gradual release of nutrients is listed among both a pro and con of organic fertilizer
use. As an advantage, the natural release of elements means that there is a reduced risk of
nutrient burn from over-fertilization. This approach also means that applications of soil
amendments are required less frequently, reducing operating cost and manual labor. With
organic fertilizer, nutrient availability and uptake by plants occur at roughly an equal rate,
meaning nutrients are preserved in soil and plant matter rather than leaching away with
rainwater. The resulting plant growth occurs at a natural, healthy pace. This tends to produce
stronger, more stable plants than those grown at an artificially accelerated rate, theoretically
producing improved taste and nutritional value at the same time.

Organic Is Economical

SOURCE

Organic fertilizer is potentially a cheaper option than chemical alternatives. If you have
a compost or live in a rural area, the only cost is time. Many farmers will sell manure by the
truckload or even give it away if you are willing to pick it up. In urban and suburban
neighborhoods, a composting unit can be cheap, effective, and unobtrusive. For a nominal
upfront investment, even apartment dwellers can have their own organic worm bin composting
system to feed a balcony garden.

Better for the Environment

The combined influence of increased organic matter and reduced nutrient leaching means that
elements such as nitrogen and phosphorus will end up in your plants' roots instead of the local
waterways. Nutrient leaching from agriculture is a major culprit in the development of algae
blooms on lakes and ponds. This process, known as eutrophication, disrupts ecosystems and
renders water unfit for human use.

Even organic fertilizers can impact the environment if they are not stored or used correctly (think
of manure run-off into streams). Since quick release conventional fertilizer products are intended
for that fast uptake - the solubility means that drainage carries extra salts off of the growing area
at a higher concentration rate. These leached elements enter water supplies as contaminants.
Retained chemical fertilizers negatively affect the soil ecosystem creating issues with soil
acidification, compaction (or soil crumb), and a systematic destruction of the delicate microflora.
Over-use of chemical fertilizers will slowly "kill" off a healthy soil structure.

Always do a soil test before adding any compounds to your garden. Soil testing is easy - simply
gather your sample according to the kit's directions and send the sample off. After the initial test,
you can retest annually if needed, or every few years.

Drawbacks to Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizer holds many advantages over chemical alternatives, but it may not be best in
every situation. Conventional fertilizers can be used in a beneficial way - if applied correctly in
necessary growing situations. Some potential disadvantages of organics include:

 Limited nutrient availability: The slow-and-steady approach that makes organic fertilizer perfect
for most applications can pose a problem in certain situations. Organic fertilizers are bound into
their structures - this is what allows for the slow break-down. The release of nutrients from organic
fertilizers can be dependent on both climate and the presence of microorganisms in the soil.
Damaged soils may lack the necessary biological conditions for effective composting. Severely
nutrient-deprived plants needing a boost might do better initially with a readily available nutrient
mixture in a liquid form.

 SOURCE

Labor-intensive: Organic fertilizers can be bulky, messy materials. Some would argue that working
with organic fertilizer is a labor of love, but turning compost piles, moving manure, and spreading
solid fertilizer are not for everyone. This also means that applying fertilizer on a large scale can be
more difficult, as heavy manure or blood meal granules are less suitable for mechanical spreaders.
  Potentially pathogenic: Incomplete composting can leave certain pathogens in the organic matter.
These pathogens can enter the water system or the food crops, causing human health and
environmental problems.
 Expensive: Commercial organic fertilizers are often more expensive per unit than comparable
chemical products.
The negative aspects of manufactured fertilizer can be mitigated and reversed by careful soil
testing. Add lime and compost to soils that have been treated with fertilizers. Plant health is
negatively affected by the salts and acidification of too much (or too long) use of chemical
products, since they can kill off the bacteria and fungal organisms that boost roost
health. Mycorrhizal fungi coexist with a plant's root structure (the roots feed the fungi) and the
mycorrhizae boost the plant's health by stimulating its immune system and assisting in its
nutrient and water uptake.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Inorganic Fertilizers

Inorganic fertilizers are also known as synthetic or artificial fertilizers. These kinds of fertilizers are
manufactured. Inorganic fertilizers do not need a certain time to be broken down or decomposed before
usage because these contain nutrients that can be readily absorbed by plants.

Advantages of Using Inorganic Fertilizers

• Works immediately

Inorganic fertilizers are usually given as a “rescue treatment” to plants that are malnourished, unhealthy
or even dying. Inorganic fertilizers are appropriate in this situation because the nutrients needed by the
plants are readily available. In comparison, using an organic fertilizer would mean that the plant has to
wait until the components of the organic fertilizer have been broken down first into its primary nutrients.
By then, the plant could be dead already.

• Contains all necessary nutrients that are ready to use

Inorganic fertilizers are designed to give plants all the nutrients-Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium
that they need in appropriate proportions and amounts. Hence, plants do not get more of one can of
nutrient over the other. Instead it has a balance of all the nutrients it needs and are readily available at a
given time. Adding inorganic fertilizers into the soil to be planted makes the soil ideal for planting as it is
already enriched with nutrients.
 • Affordable

You do not have to spend much on buying an inorganic fertilizer because it is relatively cheap. Of course,
it is not as cost-effective when compared to using compost. Yet, for the convenience that it gives you
when it comes to caring for your plants, an inorganic fertilizer is a very good deal already.

• Convenient to use

It takes awhile to make your own organic fertilizer. Though the process is relatively easy to do, still you
need to delegate enough time to do the task and wait for the decomposition part to take place. It takes
awhile. With an inorganic fertilizer, you save a lot of time and effort. Inorganic fertilizers are quite cheap
and even easier to use and prepare. They are available at almost every gardening store.

The Disadvantages of Using Inorganic Fertilizers

• Leeching happens

Inorganic fertilizers contain nutrients that have been broken down already into the most basic of its
components for easy absorption by the plants. Yet, it can also be washed away easily when watering or
irrigating the plants. This is called leeching. Leeching happens very often as you water your plants.
Hence, a lot of the fertilizer goes to waste. Nitrogen is one of the elements that easily get washed away
since it usually settles below the roots of the plants quickly.This is called leeching, and it happens very
often. When you’re using inorganic fertilizers you need to pay special attention to the roots of the plant
when you’re watering it and not over water the area so that you’re not encouraging the leeching of the
nutrients in the soil.

• Some are not affordable

Generally, inorganic fertilizers are inexpensive. Yet, some specially formulated inorganic fertilizers come
at a cost that are considerably higher than most.

• Accumulation of toxic wastes

Inorganic fertilizers are not entirely composed of the nutrients needed by the plants. It also contains salts
and other compounds. These are not absorbed by the plants so they are left behind in the soil and build
up over time. When found in large amounts in the soils, these compounds can alter the chemistry of the
soil that makes it less ideal for planting. Often times, the soil needs to be neutralized using other
substances to return it to a normal state that is suitable for planting. Furthermore, these toxic compounds
may also get washed away when you water your plants and seep into groundwater. It has been reported
that the toxic wastes from fertilizers contaminating the water we drink is bad for the health.

• Too much is not a good thing

Fertilizers are good sources of nutrients for plants. However, too much of it can also be harmful to the
plants. Applying the fertilizer directly to the plants may burn the delicate plant structures such as the roots.
This could affect the over-all development of the plant.

Inorganic fertilizers have both good and bad points. Should you consider using them, better maximize
and the advantages and try to prevent all its avoidable disadvantages

The "Plant Nutrient Recommendations" tables in each crop section can be used to determine nutrient needs
based on soil test results. Nitrogen recommendations are based primarily on crop needs and are discussed
later in this section under "Nitrogen Inputs." Phosphorus and potassium recommendations are based on soil
test results in relation to crop needs.

In general, the goal should be to maintain nutrient elements within the optimum range as reported on the soil
test. When nutrient levels are within this range, the needs of most crops will be met. If levels
are low or medium (below optimum), most crops would benefit by adding the appropriate nutrient(s) to increase
levels to high or optimum. However, if levels are at above optimum or very high levels, there will be no additional
benefit and excess levels may reduce crop yield or quality and may cause environmental harm. This happens
in fields where soil testing was not used to monitor fertility levels or when nutrients are applied even when soil
levels are sufficient. When a nutrient is above optimum levels it should not be included in any amendments until
the excess is taken up by crops. It may be wise to temporarily stop applying compost until nutrient levels are in
the desired range. This is a practical way to manage nutrient levels if small to moderate amounts of mixed
crops are to be grown.
If a significant acreage of a particular crop is to be grown, fertilizers should generally be tailored to the specific
needs of that crop, based on the amounts of nutrients that the crop is expected to remove during the growing
season (see Table 5 ). If the soil tests indicate that a nutrient is high/optimum it is likely that the soil will supply
enough to meet the crop's needs. However, many growers will apply enough of the nutrient to replace what is
removed by the crop. If the test level is above optimum/very high, additional applications should normally be
avoided unless the crop has an unusually high demand for a specific nutrient. Occasionally, nutrient
applications may exceed the soil test recommendation or the expected average removed by the crop (Table 5)
because a particular cultivar is considered a heavy feeder such as long season Russet potatoes. Or, for
example, a large crop of tomatoes can be expected to remove a large amount of potassium and it may be
justified to apply some of this nutrient even if the soil test indicates a level somewhat above high/optimum. The
nutrient recommendation tables for each crop have been developed on this basis. This can also be a practical
way to determine nutrient needs of high value crops, even when they are grown on a small scale. It is important
to keep in mind that factors other than nutrients may limit crop potential, and simply adding more nutrients will
not solve such problems

The Negative Effects of Nitrogen-Rich Fertilizer to the

Environment
Written by Bobbie Whitehead; Updated December 09, 2018

Gardeners and homeowners sometimes might need to add nitrogen fertilizer to their gardens and
lawns to provide just the right food for their plants. The amount used typically depends on plant and
seed instructions as well as on the other sources of nitrogen, such as manure, already applied to the
soil. While an addition of nitrogen to the lawn and garden may be necessary, homeowners often use
more than what's recommended, and over time this excess nitrogen pollutes water and air. Nitrogen
at higher levels causes a loss of certain plant species, depletion of soil nutrients, death of fish and
aquatic organisms, and contamination of drinking water.
Plant Loss
Though nitrogen serves to aid plants in their growth, weeds and nonnative plants tend to grow more
readily with additional nitrogen supplies. Other plants that have lower nitrogen needs end up dying,
causing a decline in native species, according to the Ecological Society of America. In California, for
example, the National Science and Technology Council reports that too much nitrogen encourages
the growth of nonnative grasses and kills off lichens on trees. In the coastal areas of the western
United States, soils have higher levels of nitrogen, which feed nonnative grasses. The shift in plant
species increases the chances of wildfires because these new grasses are flammable, the ESA
explains.
Soil Imbalance
In the soil, too much nitrogen also creates an imbalance of nutrients that causes a depletion of other
important minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. While fertilizer overuse causes this
change, nitrogen-polluted air, caused by nitrates from automobiles and industrial plants, also results
in this acidification of the soil when acid rain falls. When the nitrogen abundance reduces important
minerals, toxic elements such as aluminum can proliferate and harm plants as well as fish in rivers.
Algae Growth
When nitrogen levels in rivers and streams increase, they aid in algae overgrowth. As algae dies and
decomposes, organic matter in the water increases. This process uses up oxygen, causing levels to
drop. Without the oxygen, fish, crabs and other aquatic life die. In the San Francisco Bay Delta, for
example, blue-green algae blooms occur in numbers during the warmer months, especially when the
conditions such as increased nitrogen occur, according to the California Department of Health.
Researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution say these algae blooms, which can appear
in different colors, produce toxins that can be harmful.
Water Contamination
A soluble substance, nitrogen soaks deeply into the soil after a rainstorm or after irrigation, reaching
ground water and nearby wells. When babies under a year old and elderly people ingest water with
high nitrogen levels, they can develop symptoms such as gastrointestinal swelling and irritation,
diarrhea, and protein digestion problems, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.
These symptoms result from the condition methemoglobinemia, also called "blue baby syndrome,"
which occurs when nitrates mix with iron in red blood cells, leaving the blood unable to transport
oxygen to the body's cells. Because nitrogen is odorless and colorless, only testing can determine
whether contamination has occurred. In January 2013, the California State Water Resources Control
Board reported that more than 400 private wells and more than 200 water systems in the state were
contaminated with nitrates.