Fertilizers are additives that provide essential nutrients to plants not supplied by the soil. Such additives improve qualities such as density, hardiness, disease resistance and color. Although different fertilizers meet specific needs, the basic ingredients -- nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium -- remain the same. The ingredients each fertilizer is composed of are listed on the packages according to their weights in percentages.
Types
The two main types of fertilizers are organic and synthetic or inorganic. Organic fertilizers are extracted from animal or plant sources while synthetic fertilizers are chemically manufactured. Organic fertilizers include natural materials without the use of chemical additives that are safer for the soil and do not have any side effects. Examples of organic fertilizers include compost, manure, bone meal and peanut hulls.
Organic Versus Inorganic
Organic fertilizers take longer to break down in the soil than inorganic counterparts, creating a slow-release situation that provides soil additives over a period of time. Inorganic fertilizers consist of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in amounts readily absorbed by plants, thus providing fast-release nutrients. Although organic fertilizers improve the soil's quality, they cost more as opposed to inorganic fertilizers. Another drawback of organic fertilizers is that they depend on organisms in the soil to break them down to release nutrients that are ineffective when the soil is dry.
Application
You can use different methods of fertilizer application depending on the particular plant's needs and fertilizer formulation. Fertilizers are broadcast or spread around the base of the plant where they penetrate the soil or are incorporated with a spade. Soluble fertilizers are diluted with water and sprayed over the foliage of the plant. Soluble fertilizers high in phosphorus are fed to transplants while dry fertilizers are applied to growing plants, 4 to 6 inches away from their trunks, as side dressings. Granular fertilizers are spread around the plant and watered to help soil penetration.
Ingredients
Fertilizers contain three main elements: nitrogen, phosphate and potassium (NPK) and trace elements. Nitrogen promotes fast plant growth and reduces susceptibility to contracting diseases. Phosphate or phosphorus assists root branching and development and plant establishment. Phosphorus fertilizers are added to soils prior to planting to amend nutritional deficiencies. In organic fertilizers, bone meal boosts phosphorus deficiencies. Potassium boosts plants' ability to fight insect damage and disease and makes it stronger. It is usually used before or during the winter to boost plants' immunity. The trace elements include zinc, copper, boron, iron and chlorine.
Drawbacks
To avoid drawbacks, always use fertilizer in proportion to the recommended amount. For instance, overfeeding plants with a high-nitrogen fertilizer causes leaves to yellow or die in extreme cases. Frequent soil tests determine what elements are present in the soil to avoid overfeeding. Fertilizers can run off to nontarget areas such as waterways, causing them to become polluted. Chemical fertilizers can be toxic to humans and pets and must be handled or stored properly.
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