All living things need to eat – - it is what makes everything grow and proliferate whether one is an animal, plant or bacteria.
There are many things a plant can use for food to stay alive, but just like people, there are certain foods that will create health and vitality, and other foods that make the plant weaker and more susceptible to disease.
For both plants and animals, the general rule is: the more natural the food source, the better. Our systems were designed to be in harmony with nature, able to readily assimilate simple forms of the foods around us. Eating an unbalanced and overly processed diet may keep you alive for a while, but it won’t make you thrive.
This is why organic fertilizers are better for plants. They are the simple but balanced forms of food that the plant will respond best to. Buyer beware. There are many “organic” fertilizers out there that are incomplete and/or of poor quality but can still be called organic since they were derived from natural ingredients.
There are three nutrients needed by plants in larger quantities than any others: Nitrogen(N), Phosphorus(P), and Potassium(K). This are usually rated on fertilizer as its “NPK” value. These are the nutrients that most chemical fertilizers focus on. This can be equated to a person eating a diet full of simple sugars and protein, without any vitamins minerals.
A good organic fertilizer will have many other nutrients (in their balanced and natural state) to aid the plant in being stronger and more nutritious.
The following are some recommended organic fertilizers.
COMPOST! : Many people would not consider this a fertilizer, but a well made compost should have just about every possible nutrient a plant would need, AND in the form it desires it most. You build up the organic matter in the soil, stimulate beneficial microorganisms, and feed the plant nutrients. . . it just doesn’t get any better. But, the next recommendations are valuable too to give the plant an extra boost, especially if good compost isn’t readily available.
Fish Hydrolysate : This is different from fish emulsion. Fish hydrolysate is enzymatically digested and cold processed to keep the nutrients ready to be used by the plant. This is a good source of Nitrogen and sometimes Phosphorus. This is an especially good source of Nitrogen, because it is in a protein form which breaks down slowly and feeds the beneficial microorganisms in the soil as well. You will get a slow release of nutrients greater than the rating on the bottle as the season progresses. Also a very good source of micro-nutrients
Kelp (seaweed) : Kelp is an excellent source of micro-nutrients, Potassium, and plant growth stimulating hormones. It helps to boost the plants immune system making it less prone to disease and pest. Kelp is also helpful in transplanting to prevent root shock. Research is still being done on all the many benefits of using kelp.
Humic Acid (Humates) : This is a substance mined in certain areas, shown to be a great source of micro-nutrients, and excellent in stimulating the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. It also seems to have a value in decreasing the amount of other fertilizers needed since it helps make more of what’s there available to the plant.
Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate) : Sulfur is an essential nutrient and needed in larger quantities than other minerals, and it’s sulfate form is most kind to beneficial microorganisms than other forms. The calcium is also another essential nutrient. In the Verde Valley’s high pH (alkaline) soils, this substance helps to bring it down a little. You want to be a little careful with how much Gypsum you use since sulfur is a fungicide. A little is essential, too much can harm beneficial organisms in the soil. 2-5 lbs per 1000 square feet should be adequate.
A little extra hint. Have dandelions? Spread some Gypsum where they are located. Dandelions are an indicator species of unavailable calcium in the soil, and when the calcium is present, the are less likely to grow.
All in all, just remember. . . Nature did it first, and Nature does it best. We can be most effective stewards of plants by doing our best to mimic that system.
If you can’t find the above fertilizers locally, a couple of online sources for them are: Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, www.groworganic.com, Sustainable Growth, www.sustainablegrowth.com, Bountiful Gardens, www.growbiointensive.com . Encourage your local nurseries to start carrying organic fertilizers as well to support local business.
Tags: , Chicken, Compost, Fish, non-toxic, Organic Fertilizer
