A fertilizer is any natural or manufactured item that is applied to soil or plant tissues to provide nutrients to the plants. Fertilizer comes in a variety of forms, both natural and artificial.
Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the three basic macronutrients that fertilization in most modern agricultural conventions depends on.
Many natural things took the role of fertilizers in the past, for instance, animal manure, human manure, mined minerals, and residues of human-nature enterprises.
However, after improvements in plant nutrition in the 19th century, an agricultural sector centered on synthetically manufactured fertilizers arose.
This shift was critical in altering the global food system, allowing for larger-scale industrial agriculture and higher crop yields.
Classification:
1. Single nutrient fertilizers
The most used nitrogen-made direct fertilizers include ammonia. NH4NO3 (ammonium nitrate) is also commonly utilized. Another common nitrogen source is urea. It has the advantage of being stable and non-explosive in contrary to ammonia or ammonium.
2. Multinutrient fertilizers
These fertilizers are widely used. Multinutrient fertilizers as the name suggests, are made from two or more elements.
- Binary (NP, NK, PK) fertilizers
The fertilizer from which plants receive nitrogen and phosphorus is called NP fertilizer. It is a major two-compound fertilizer.
Monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) are the two most used NP fertilizers (DAP).
-NPK fertilizers:
NPK fertilizers are made up of three parts: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The two subcategories of NPK fertilizers are compound and mixes.
3. Micronutrients
Micronutrients are absorbed in lesser amounts and are found in plant tissue in parts-per-million (ppm) concentrations ranging from 0.15 to 400 ppm (less than 0.04 percent dry matter).
These nutrients are frequently needed for enzymes that play an important role in plant metabolism.
Micronutrient requirements are determined by the plant and the environment.
Organic Fertilizers:
"Organic fertilizers" refers to fertilizers that have an organic–biologic – origin, i.e., fertilizers made from living or previously living elements.
The best organic fertilizers for outdoor plants contain:
- Nitrogen (N) which is useful for the development of plant leaves
- Phosphorus (P) which is good for roots strengthening
- Potassium (K) is good for the formation of fruits and flowers of a plant.
Different Types of Organic Fertilizer:
Plant-Based Fertilizers - These are high in nitrogen and potassium. Some crops are even grown with the intent to turn them into fertilizer. Cottonseed is one of these crops.
Animal-Based Fertilizers - You would encounter a lot of animal-based fertilizers through industries that process dairy and meat products. Some consider this type of fertilizer to be one of the best.
Animal Manures - You can get manure from a lot of different animals, or even insects.
But, keep in mind that the nutrient composition of animal manure depends on the type of animal, so some types of manure are not as effective as others.
Cow manure is particular is found around many garden centers.
Alfalfa Meal - This is a special type of fertilizer, as it also comes in pellets. But, its nitrogen count is only medium.
Corn Gluten - Corn gluten is higher in nitrogen than Alfalfa Meal. it comes from industries that process corn and can contain seed germination.
Cottonseed Meal - Made in the cotton industry, cottonseed meal holds the remains of cottonseed after the oil has been pressed out.
The nitrogen count in cottonseed meal is only medium compared to other types of organic fertilizer.
And finally, it is also worth noting that some traces of phosphorus can be found on it.
Compost - Considered the Cadillac of organic fertilizers
Compost can be made from:
- Animal materials
- Plant materials
- Minerals
Since the ingredients include animal manure and/or garden wastes, some people opt for making their compost.
The Benefits of Using Organic Fertilizers:
Organic fertilizer is the safest and most efficient technique to promote healthy development and large production.
The following are some of the most popular benefits and advantages associated with organic fertilizers for good harvests:
- Organic Matter improves the structure of the soil, the retention of moisture, and the microbial life of the soil.
- Organic fertilizer helps ensure that nutrients are available to plants on a steady basis.
- Organic fertilizer also helps ensure that the soil structure enhances root growth.
- Organic fertilizer can improve soil texture. That allows it to retain water for a more prolonged period.
- Organic fertilizer is incredibly environmentally friendly, whereas if you go for nonorganic, you might see some more difficulties in that area.
Where to Get the Best Organic Fertilizer:
If you are ready to get yourself some organic fertilizer, then head over to TUILLY.
The best organic fertilizer for plants isn’t as difficult to find as it once was. Thanks to TUILLY, a lot of people can finally get find the best fertilizer for outdoor plants a lot more easily.
You also have the chance to buy and/or sell a variety of both plants and plant accessories.
