Natural Fertilisers

Natural fertilisers are compounds obtained from organisms’ remnants or by-products. 

Organic fertilisers are broken down and released into the soil by microorganisms. They enhance the soil organic matter, increase the oxygen-holding capacity of the soil, lower soil crusting issues, and minimise erosion from wind and water. Nutrients are released gradually and consistently. 

Fertiliser selection may be difficult for many gardeners. The plant, mineral, and animal sources of nutrients are used to make natural fertilisers. Natural fertilisers frequently contain ingredients including bone meal, blood meal, rock phosphate, alfalfa meal, compost, etc.

What are Organic Fertilisers?

Organic fertilisers are those made from organic resources like plants, minerals, and animals. 

Organic fertilisers, unlike typical chemical fertilisers, must arise organically. Organic fertilisers vary in composition according to the firm’s nutritional needs; however, in most situations, organic fertilisers are made up of just one element.

When opposed to chemical fertilisers, organic fertilisers’ nutritional and component value does not give a quick remedy. Instead, organisms and biological processes break them down over time, allowing plants to absorb nutrients while conditioning and regenerating the soil.

As a result, organic fertilisers are environmentally beneficial, which is why they are chosen in organic and healthy agriculture.

Types of Organic Fertilisers

Plant-Based Fertilisers

Compost

Compost is nutrient-dense and may be utilised to boost soil fertility and organic matter. It gives plants a high level of growth nutrients and the ability to retain water in the soil for an extended period of time.

Seaweed

Seaweed is a good provider of zinc and iron and is an immediate-release fertiliser. It complements the high-potash crop well.

Cottonseed

Cottonseed Meal is a high-nitrogen, low-phosphorus, and low-potassium source. It is a good grass for organic fertiliser. It is primarily used to manage the soil environment by covering the garden soil.

Animal-Based Fertilisers

Compost

Composting breaks down organic materials. Vegetable and plant waste, as well as animal excreta, can be utilised as organic materials. Since compost contains few plant nutrients, it is usually utilised as a soil supplement rather than a fertiliser in agriculture and gardening.

Manure

Manure is one of the numerous organic fertilisers available for use in the garden. It is derived from sheep, horses, poultry, and cattle waste. It is the simplest to process and create because it’s primarily made up of animal excrement mixed with litter. Because of its high organic content, manure is often known as a ‘complete’ fertiliser.

Blood Meal

The dried form of animal blood is called a blood meal. It can increase the amount of nitrogen in the soil and make plants grow more densely. Quick nitrogen release encourages blooming and serves as a natural insect deterrent.

Bone Meal

Crushed animal bones are used to make a bone meal. It’s a good source of phosphate and calcium, as well as nitrogen. It can aid in the growth of plant seedlings, the development of blooms, and the increase of yield.

Fish Meal

Fish meal is a high-nitrogen, high-phosphorus, and high-calcium fertiliser that releases quickly. It can help plants grow by improving soil health, increasing fertility, and increasing soil health.

Shellfish

Shellfish and crabs’ broken shells or bones are used to make shellfish. Shellfish organic fertilisers are high in calcium and phosphorus, as well as other trace minerals.

Mineral-Based Fertilisers

Greensand

Greensand is a glauconite-rich olive-green sandstone. Iron, potassium, and magnesium are abundant in this food. It encourages fruit trees to bloom and fruit. It improves the rhizosphere by loosening the soil and increasing the water content in it.

Rock Phosphate

It contains more than 30% phosphate, as well as significant levels of trace elements. It can be used to raise soil acidity and encourage the development of plant seedlings.

Use of Natural Fertilisers

Manure and compost have undoubtedly been used as fertilisers since the dawn of agriculture. Many traditional farming methods still rely on these sustainable fertilisers, and their usage is critical to the efficiency of certified organic farms that are prohibited from using synthetic fertilisers.

The use of organic fertilisers in agriculture aids in the elimination of undesirable and harmful pollution in the environment, such as surface water contamination, subterranean water table contamination, and so on. They actively aid in the decomposition of other natural chemicals in the soil, therefore enhancing its contents.

Benefits of Natural Fertilisers

• Soil structure improves as a result of the organic matter in organic fertiliser, and the soil’s capacity to store water and nutrients improves as a result.

• Organic fertilisers, when compared with synthetic fertilisers, are environment friendly as well as sustainable.

• Pesticides and overall nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium need can be reduced. Organic fertilisers can be cost-neutral or even cost-saving, depending on the reductions.

• Organic fertilisers provide a well-balanced mix of nutrients and organic matter that are crucial for soil microbes and earthworms.

• Organic fertiliser aids in the removal of undesired and dangerous contaminants in the environment, such as surface water contamination, subterranean water table contamination, and so on.

Conclusion

The usage of natural fertilisers should be considered to nurture both the plants and the soil instead of using synthetic chemical fertilisers. Natural fertilisers supply not only mineral sustenance for growing plants but also feed the soil’s living inhabitants. These organisms break down these natural fertilisers into nutrients that plants need to develop.