TYPES OF FERTILIZERS

The issue of which fertilizer to use is not one size fits all. The best fertilizers to use depends on the crop you are planting and the type of soil that you have available. If you are growing vegetables on your farmland you will want to consider choosing a fertilizer that has high levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Nitrogen helps produce green leaves and stems, phosphorus helps produce root development, and potassium helps the plant withstand the stress from heat or cold.

Fertilizers are of different types and each one has its strengths and weaknesses. Take for instance, liquid fertilizers are easy to handle and apply but are often expensive. Granular fertilizers are easier to store but may take longer periods for the plants to absorb the nutrients.

1) Organic Fertilizers

These fertilizers are made from natural materials such as manure, compost, and green manure. Organic fertilizers generally improve the water and nutrient-holding capacity of the soil. Although, they are slower-acting than chemical fertilizers as they are slowly absorbed by the plant. Some organic fertilizers have special properties that help to condition soil and improve its structure over time. They are a good source of macronutrients and they reduce soil erosion and leaching.

The most common organic fertilizer is composting material from an animal source (such as manure, composted chicken litter, or pig droppings). This type of fertilizer helps retain moisture in the soil and adds essential nutrients to it. It also provides a habitat for beneficial insects like earthworms that aerate the soil and improve its drainage capacity.

2) Inorganic Fertilizers

These chemicals can be found in many different combinations to match the nutrient needs of specific plants. Inorganic fertilizer, which is often reasonably priced, consists of mineral-based nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) manufactured for immediate application on crops. Unlike the organic variety, inorganic fertilizer does not need to decompose over time to supply nutrients to plants. 

Most inorganic fertilizers contain balanced amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to feed plants and boost growth. These substances often derive from chemical processes such as urea, ammonium sulfate, and calcium nitrate. 

Some farmers find inorganic fertilizers helpful for salvaging malnourished plants because the phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen mix can provide instant treatment.

Inorganic fertilizers provide some advantages such as being affordable, easy to use, and very effective. The disadvantage, however, of inorganic fertilizers is that nitrogen fertilizers can cause contamination and toxic waste if too many were added to the soil and the plants.

Foliar Fertilizers

Foliar fertilizer is a chemical or natural substance applied directly onto a plant’s leaves to improve its health and increase fertility. By doing this, the plant obtains the necessary nutrients directly through its leaves for quicker results. There are examples of this such as DI Grow G-1 and DI Grow F-1. (they should be linked to our website)

Applying fertilizer directly on leaves increases leaf activity, directly impacting the plant’s water intake, which helps to boost root growth.

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