SERVICES

Fertilizers are compounds fed on soil to increase its productivity by providing essential nutrients. They also improve soil texture. All fertilizers can be put into two broad classes, organic and inorganic. In both organic and inorganic fertilizers, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are released to the soil. Nitrogen helps in building proteins which enable the development of healthy leaves and stems. Phosphorus enables growth of roots and tubers. It also promotes production of more flowers and larger fruits. Potassium, like nitrogen, enhances protein development. It is vital for thickening stems and leaves.

Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are made of naturally occurring salts and minerals and are considered to be the safest forms of fertilizers to use. They are cheaper to make and easily available. They include things like manure, guano, peat moss, worm castings, coffee grinds and slurry. They can also be in the form of vegetable matter such as hay, mulch, seed hulls, corn husks, wood chips, bark, grass and leaves. Other forms of organic fertilizer are limestone, sulfate of potash and rock of phosphate. The greatest advantage of organic fertilizer is that you can make it in your compound at no extra cost! But given the time the whole process takes, it is preferable to buy them from stockists. Mulch is an effective natural fertilizer which contains up to 4% nitrogen. It also contains potassium and phosphorus among other elements. Mulch should be applied when completely dry so as to help the soil in retaining moisture. Mulch should not be used in large quantities when wet as it causes chemical reactions, making the soil too acidic.

There are many advantages of using organic fertilizers. They improve the soil structure and retain soil moisture. They are also good for mobilizing the already existing soil nutrients. They release nitrogen into the soil slowly and more consistently than inorganic fertilizers and therefore do not burn plants like chemical fertilizers.

You should be careful when using organic fertilizers and ensure that they are completely composted so as to reduce presence of pathogens. Also, organic fertilizers need to be used in larger amounts than inorganic fertilizers due to the low concentration of nutrients depending on the type used.

Inorganic fertilizers

Inorganic fertilizers are also called chemical or synthetic fertilizers. They are made up of chemicals mostly those of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The most common compounds used to make them are variants of ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate and potassium chloride. Examples of inorganic fertilizers are sodium nitrate and mined rock phosphate. They have the advantage of containing higher amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. They release nitrogen to the soil faster than natural fertilizers. Care should be taken when using these fertilizers so that they do not burn plants due to the high chemical content they contain. Because they do not have water retention qualities like organic fertilizers, plantations where they are used should be frequently watered to keep the soil moist.

Granular fertilizer

Also known as dry fertilizer, granular fertilizer is available in the form of dry pellets. It comes in different types depending on the materials used to make it, whether natural or synthetic. The basic fertilizer compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are used to make synthetic granular fertilizer, while things like compost and manure are pelletized to make natural granular fertilizer.

It is applied mostly prior to planting so that it releases the nutrients required for plant germination and growth. In some cases it can also be used in existing plants but it has to be watered to help it settle around the roots of the plants. Watering also keeps the plants from getting burnt. Its greatest advantage is that it releases nutrients in small bits over time, ensuring that the plants are not suffocated with nutrients.

To know the type of fertilizer best suited for your farm or garden, it is important to conduct a soil check or soil test. A soil test will bring to the fore the needs of your soil. It will also help you know whether your soil is acidic or alkaline and what type of fertilizer you need to use. Any dangerous compounds in the soil such as metals will also be identified. Many fertilizer suppliers will have a department that offers this service.