Safe Organic Fertilizers

Home growers are beginning to understand the need for providing nutrients quickly in order to promote abundant plant growth in gardens and landscapes. Application of nutrients may be accomplished by using either organic or inorganic fertilizer.

Due to increased environmental concerns, many growers prefer to use organic fertilizers over the inorganic type. This is because inorganic fertilizers are known to contain chemicals that may be harmful and concentrated nutrients that may leach into the soil.

Most people who buy organic fertilizers use them because they believe they are safer for plants. However, if the fertilizer is improperly applied, it can be just as harmful to plants as chemicals are. If not applied, they may contribute to ground water pollution, induce salt burn, or cause nutrient deficiency and toxicity.

The nutrient needs of plants vary with soil conditions, previous fertilizers used, and the type of plants that are being grown. If you want to know specifically what kinds of nutrients are needed in organic fertilizer, you must conduct a soil test.

Nutrient deficiency in soil is most often Nitrogen-based, that is why organic fertilizers are produced with high amounts of Nitrogen. Most grasses simply will not grow, or will grow very lowly if there is a Nitrogen deficiency. The same can be said of vegetable and fruit gardens. If you are looking to increase the growth of lawn grass or improve crop yields, fish emulsions and seaweed extracts are the organic fertilizers you should use. These fertilizers are high in soluble Nitrogen.

The labels of organic fertilizer have numbers in them that represent the concentration of the major nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). For example, a fertilizer with a label that read 5-10-0 contains 5 % Nitrogen, 10% Phosphorus, and 0% percent Potassium.

Other ingredients commonly found in organic fertilizers are iron, sulfur, and zinc. Besides supplying plants with the essential nutrients for growth, organic fertilizer also contains organic matter. The organic matter allows for greater water retention in the soil and also improves drainage.

If a soil test informs you that some nutrients are at high or excessive levels, you should choose an organic fertilizer that has lower concentrations of these nutrients. Any excess of nutrients in the fertilizer can lead to leaching and imbalance which will inevitably slow plant growth. But if a soil test informs you that Nitrogen is needed, you should choose a fertilizer with high Nitrogen content. If you discover that your soil is lacking in both Nitrogen and Phosphorus, then a fertilizer with high levels of both nutrients is best for you.

One possible problem with organic fertilizers is that many of them contain high levels of salt, which can cause “burning” in plants. Organic fertilizer may be applied either on the surface or directly into the soil by tilling or watering. It may help to use a spreader to be certain the fertilizer is appropriately applied.

A Closer Look At Seaweed Organic Fertilizers

Before we get into the subject of seaweed organic fertilizer, let’s talk about organic gardening. With the growing trend of eating organic foods, comes the rise of organic fertilizers and more people are choosing the organically grown varieties available to them. This is the direct result of chemically processed fertilizers are known to harm the environment.

Organic fertilizers can give plants the necessary nutrients for a healthy growth cycle. Many organic fertilizers come from fish emulsion, compost (even the local backyard compost), cornmeal, and manure. Bone meal is one healthy way plants can obtain calcium. Another organic fertilizer is derived of sea grass.

The sea grass sits on the bottom of the ocean floor soaking in the trace elements needed for healthy plants to thrive. As the rivers and streams filter the trash and bits of elements, the ocean floor is covered with healthy by products of the filtration system. Sea weeds found on the bottom of the ocean are engulfed with the nutrients and trace elements used to produce healthy plants.

Some trace elements that are found in seaweed make it a perfect candidate for fertilizer. One of the most important elements found in sea grass is nitrogen, which is essential for plants to produce nitrate. Nitrate is a key component needed by plants during photosynthesis. Other trace elements beneficial for healthy plant growth are magnesium, potassium, and iron. All are found in the nutrient rich sea grass.

The use of seaweed organic fertilizer treats soil to promote healthy, strong and disease resistant plants. Although there are many types and brands of sea weed fertilizer, the applications are simple. A fertilizer sprayer can apply the organic material directly on the plant using foliar spray. This application tends to produce healthier plants because the plants soak up most of the nutrients through the leaves and stem.

Besides liquid fertilizer, sea weed fertilizer also comes as a powder. In order to use this properly, read directions on the container. Most of the powder varieties need to be added to water to dispense properly. The powder is concentrated sea weed and turns the water green when added.

Sea weed organic fertilizer can be used for soil watering, foliar feeding and even hydroponics. For the best results, the fertilizer can be used in combination with other organic soil and water treatments.

The following technique of preparing sea weed organic fertilizer using the tea bag method.

Add one quarter pound of seaweed organic powder to one gallon of water.

Stir mixture thoroughly and let stand, or steep, for 24 -72 hours.

After the third day, shake mixture gently and strain. Old panty hose, sack cloth, or any other old clean rag will work as a strainer.

The seaweed organic fertilizer is now ready to apply on plants.