When it comes to fertilisers, there are several sources to choose from. Most commonly we see organic or synthetic fertilisers on offer. While minerals, atmospheric gases, and inorganic waste are used to make synthetic fertilisers, organic fertilisers get their nutrients from bacteria, organic waste, and other sources. So what is the difference? A simple way to think of it is that organic fertilisers feed and enrich the soil, while synthetic fertilisers are designed to feed the plant.
Let’s take a closer look at the comparison between organic and synthetic fertilisers:
Ease of Application
Organic:
- Some organic fertilisers are “raw,” not pellets, and need more work to spread over vast areas.
- Overapplication or spills rarely cause injury.
Synthetic:
- Use a fertiliser spreader.
- Over fertilisation, including overlapping rows, can cause crops to burn.
Nutrients
Organic:
- Fertiliser nutrients can fluctuate.
- Micronutrients are present and supply trace nutrients to plants.
Synthetic:
- Nutrient quantities are precise.
- Custom blends can be made.
- Soil nutrient buildup can lead to leaching and runoff.
- They generally lack the required micronutrients.
Rate of Nutrient Release
Organic:
- Nutrients are released slowly, decreasing leaching and runoff.
- Microbes break down organic matter to release nutrients into the soil.
- Fewer applications save on work and effort over time.
- Controlled growth enables stronger root growth and disease and pest resistance.
- Dependent on soil temperature: cooler soil slows the release rate, which affects plant nutrient uptake.
- Soils deprived of beneficial microbes may slow results.
- Long lasting.
Synthetic:
- Provide a sudden but short-lived surge of nutrients, causing rapid growth without a stable root structure.
- Results within 1–2 weeks.
- In most forms, they are water-soluble.
- As nutrients are swiftly released, more applications are needed.
- Available in various forms such as pellets, granules, liquid, pills, spikes, and controlled release.
- A short-term fix for a long-term issue.
Impact on Soil
Organic:
- Boosts soil health.
- Decomposes organic debris, which feeds plants and microorganisms for rich, fertile soil.
- Improves soil texture, which promotes water retention.
Synthetic:
- Little benefit to the soil or environment.
- Chemical nitrogen stimulates excessive microorganism development, which depletes soil organic matter.
Plant Safety
Organic:
- Rarely burns plant leaves or roots.
Synthetic:
- Incorrect use or overapplication of chemical nutrients can burn plants.
- Can cause root stress and surplus top growth.
Environmental Safety
Organic:
- Minimal leaching or run-off.
Synthetic:
- Run-off and leaching can remove up to one-third of water’s nutrients.
To conclude, both organic and synthetic fertilisers have their pros and cons. When looking at the long term, organic is the preferred option as it has more benefits for your plants and soils and is more friendly to the ecosystem. That being said, both organic and synthetic fertilisers can be used simultaneously on your crop, to boost both plant and soil health.
Contact Goldsuite today to see how we can help you grow profitable harvests.