Organic Fertilizer vs. Traditional Synthetic Fertilizer

What is an organic fertilizer and what are the pros and cons?

Organic fertilizer is almost always made from plant material or animal waste.  They can also be extremely processed products with a compost or manure base.

 

Pros of using organic fertilizer

1. Soil Structure

Because of the organic matter that is present in all organic fertilizer Soil structure is always improved & as a result the soil has the ability to hold onto water  other nutrients increases.

2. Microbes Thriving

Molecules can sometimes be disruptive and are not accessible to microbes. Organic fertilizer is rich in organic matter, which intern lets microbes thrive. Organic fertilizer contains carbon as part of its basic chemical makeup Carbon along with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that feeds microbes and enables them to make nutrients available for the turf.

3. Environmentally Friendly

Organic fertilizers do not run off and are associated with soil structure.

4. Reduce Fertilizers

Organic fertilizer reduces the need for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium requirements.

5. Turf Damage Threat Avoided

It is virtually impossible to damage turf with organic fertilizer even if misapplied to your Hartville lawn.

 

Cons of applying organic fertilizers

1. Not All Products Are Created Equally

Not all products are all created equally and many organic fertilizers produce inconsistent results.

2. Nutrient Levels Are Low

The levels of certain nutrients present in organic is often low. Using an organic fertilizer is a process, not a quick fix.

3. Money & Labor

Organic fertilizer cost more and is more labor intensive. It takes more pounds of organic fertilizer than traditional synthetic to properly fertilize a lawn.

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What is traditional synthetic fertilizer and what are the pros and cons?

It is made up of ammonia for nitrogen, coal or phosphate rock for phosphorus and the potassium is sourced chloride a primary component of potash.

 

Pros of applying traditional synthetic fertilizers

1. Made for exactly what you need

Synthetic fertilizer is made to ensure specific ratios and nutrients

2. Slow or fast release

It can be made to release the fertilizer fast or slowly. Whatever your needs are for that particular application.

3. Quick applications

Synthetic fertilizers can bee applied very fast.

4. Cost effective

It is the most economically friendly way to apply fertilizer

 

Cons of applying traditional synthetic fertilizers

 

1. Nutrient loss

Can deplete nutrients in the soil using some synthetic fertilizers.

2. Run off

More likely to run off in other areas.

3. Long term health

Synthetic fertilizer will need more steady applications to keep up on long term health of your Hartville turfgrass.