Plants require a balanced nutrient supply to thrive and stay healthy. In today’s episode, the speaker will share a list of 15 powerful and useful organic or natural fertilizers that can revolutionize organic gardening. The speaker will provide insights on how to use these fertilizers effectively and share some organic fertilizers that viewers may have never heard of before.
Before delving into the list of fertilizers, the speaker will provide a brief introduction and basic concepts of fertilizers. The major nutrients or macronutrients found in fertilizers are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are essential for plant growth. The NPK ratio is crucial in deciding what one wants to achieve from their plants. The speaker will also discuss the harmful effects of synthetic fertilizers and the benefits of using organic fertilizers. By the end of the episode, viewers will be amazed by the many organic options for fertilizers and non-animal substitutes for vegan gardeners.
Key Takeaways
- Plants require a balanced nutrient supply to thrive and stay healthy.
- Organic and natural fertilizers can revolutionize organic gardening and provide many benefits.
- Understanding the basic concepts of fertilizers and the NPK ratio is crucial in deciding what one wants to achieve from their plants.
Basic Concepts of Fertilizers
Fertilizers are essential for providing nutrients to the soil and promoting plant growth. The major nutrients found in fertilizers are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are collectively known as NPK. Each fertilizer has a ratio of these nutrients mentioned on the label, which is important to decide what you want to achieve from your plants.
Nitrogen (N) is required for growth of foliage, that’s leaves of the plant. Phosphorus (P) is important for strong root growth and flowering and fruiting. Potassium (K) helps regulate important functional processes in a plant and make the plant healthy. The minor trace elements or micronutrients are also important and include iron (Fe), boron (B), chlorine (Cl), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), sulfur, and many more.
It is important to note that the use of chemical or synthetic fertilizers is harmful and hazardous to all living organisms on earth. On the other hand, organic fertilizers are beneficial for promoting plant growth without causing any harm to the environment.
Harmful Effects of Synthetic Fertilizers
The use of chemical or synthetic fertilizers can have harmful effects on the environment and living organisms. Some of the negative impacts of synthetic fertilizers are:
- Soil degradation: Synthetic fertilizers can make the soil acidic and decrease its fertility over time. This can lead to soil erosion and loss of nutrients, which can affect the growth of plants and crops.
- Water pollution: Synthetic fertilizers contain high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, which can leach into the groundwater and nearby water bodies. This can cause eutrophication, a process where excessive nutrients in the water lead to the growth of algae and other aquatic plants. This can deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to the death of aquatic animals.
- Air pollution: The production and use of synthetic fertilizers can release harmful gases into the atmosphere, such as nitrous oxide and ammonia. These gases can contribute to climate change, smog, and acid rain.
- Health hazards: Synthetic fertilizers can contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which can pose a risk to human health. Exposure to these chemicals can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues.
Overall, the use of synthetic fertilizers can have serious environmental and health consequences. It is important to consider the use of natural and organic fertilizers as an alternative, to promote sustainable and healthy agriculture practices.
Benefits of Organic Fertilizers
Organic fertilizers offer several benefits over chemical or synthetic fertilizers. They provide a slow and steady release of nutrients to the soil, which helps in the long-term health of the soil and plants. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient retention. Moreover, they are environmentally friendly and do not harm the soil, water, or other living organisms.
The use of organic fertilizers has shown to increase the yield and quality of crops, as well as improve the taste and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables. Organic fertilizers also promote natural pest and disease resistance in plants, reducing the need for harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Some of the most useful and powerful organic fertilizers include cow dung manure, vermicompost, blood meal, fish meal, chicken or poultry manure, bone meal, rock phosphate, seaweed, humic acid and fulvic acid, organic micronutrient granules, neem cake and powder, mustard cake and powder, and Epsom salt. Each of these fertilizers has its unique benefits and can be used alone or in combination with others.
Organic fertilizers are a great option for those who want to grow healthy, nutritious, and sustainable crops while preserving the environment. By using organic fertilizers, gardeners can ensure the long-term health and productivity of their soil and plants, without compromising on quality or taste.
Cow Dung Manure
Cow dung manure is a natural fertilizer that has been used for centuries. Other types of dung, such as horse and goat, can also be used, but it is important that the dung is fully decomposed before being used as a fertilizer. Cow dung manure generally has a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) ratio of 2:1:1 +/- 0.5, which makes it a good source of all three major nutrients. It can be mixed into potting soil in a proportion of about 30%, and a handful of cow dung once a month or twice a month is generally sufficient for most flowering and fruiting plants.
A detailed video on cow dung tips and tricks is available in the link provided in the description.
Vermicompost
Vermicompost is a type of organic fertilizer made from earthworm castings. It has a NPK ratio of 2:1:1 +/- 0.5, which is similar to cow dung manure. Vermicompost can be used in place of cow dung manure or mixed with it. It is recommended to mix vermicompost in the potting mix in about 30% proportion. A handful of vermicompost once in a month or twice a month is good enough for most flowering and fruiting plants.
Using vermicompost has many benefits. It improves soil structure, enhances soil fertility, and increases plant growth. Vermicompost also contains beneficial microorganisms that help plants absorb nutrients. Additionally, vermicompost is an environmentally friendly fertilizer that does not harm the soil or water.
Overall, vermicompost is a powerful and useful organic fertilizer that can revolutionize organic gardening if used properly.
Blood Meal
Blood meal is an organic fertilizer made from powdered animal blood. This fertilizer has a high nitrogen content with a NPK ratio of 12:1.5:0.5, which means it is low in other elements. Blood meal is highly acidic, and over dosage can cause fertilizer burn, which usually happens with chemical fertilizers. However, the advantage of using blood meal is its highly fast-acting property, similar to chemical fertilizers, and can be used to quickly heal ailing plants with nitrogen deficiency.
To use blood meal, add half to one teaspoon near the roots of the plant and water the plant. Results should be visible within two weeks. Blood meal should be used in small amounts to avoid fertilizer burn, similar to the use of chicken or fish meal.
Fish Meal
Fish meal is a type of organic fertilizer made from fish and fish bones. It has a NPK ratio of 5:2:2 or may be different depending on the company label. This fertilizer is fairly fast-acting, similar to blood meal, and apart from nitrogen, it has decent amounts of phosphorus and calcium as well. Fish meal is considered an effective fertilizer for plants that require a lot of nitrogen and phosphorus, such as tomatoes.
To use fish meal as a fertilizer, it can be added to the soil before planting or to quickly heal a plant with nutrient deficiencies. The dosage should be small, similar to blood meal. Generally, a handful of fish meal once in a month or twice a month is good enough for most of flowering and fruiting plants.
Overall, fish meal is a useful and powerful organic fertilizer that can bring a revolution in organic gardening if used properly.
Chicken or Poultry Manure
Chicken or poultry manure is a fast-acting organic fertilizer that has an NPK ratio of 4:3:3 +/-1, which means it has more nitrogen content than cow dung manure. However, over-dosing can burn plants, so it’s best to use a small amount.
One way to use chicken or poultry manure is to add a small amount to the soil before planting or to quickly heal a plant with nutrient deficiencies. Generally, a handful of chicken manure once every month or twice a month is good enough for most flowering and fruiting plants.
It is important to note that the use of chemical or synthetic fertilizers is harmful and hazardous to all living organisms on earth. Therefore, the use of organic fertilizers like chicken or poultry manure is highly recommended.
Bone Meal
Bone meal is a natural fertilizer made from ground animal bones, which are available in fine steamed powder or coarse powder for slower release. It is rich in phosphorous, an essential nutrient for strong roots, healthy flowering, and fruiting. Bone meal has an NPK ratio of 4:20:0, making it an excellent source of phosphorus.
To use bone meal, mix one tablespoon per medium-sized container into the potting soil. This amount is sufficient for the entire growth cycle of a plant. Alternatively, you can use rock phosphate, a vegan alternative to bone meal with an NPK ratio of about 0:20:0. Add one tablespoon mixed with a potting mix volume of a 12 to 15 inch container or use one to two teaspoons of it once in about three months per plant if it’s already in soil or potted.
Bone meal is an excellent fertilizer for plants that need high levels of phosphorus. It is particularly useful for plants that require strong root systems and for fruiting and flowering plants.
Rock Phosphate
Rock phosphate is a vegan alternative to bone meal that has a high phosphorous content with an NPK ratio of about 0:20:0. It can be added to the potting mix while preparing it, with one tablespoon mixed with a potting mix volume of a 12 to 15 inch container. Alternatively, one to two teaspoons can be used once in about three months per plant if it’s already in the soil or potted. Rock phosphate is an excellent option for gardeners who are looking for a vegan alternative to bone meal.
Seaweed
Seaweed is a fast-acting organic fertilizer that is available for free along most coastlines. Its NPK ratio is about 2:1:4, which means it is high in potassium and has a decent amount of nitrogen and phosphorus. Seaweed is also rich in micronutrients like zinc and iron, making it highly beneficial to plants that need high levels of potassium.
Commercially, seaweed is available as either Zyme Granules or Seaweed liquid extract, which also contains humic acid, fulvic acids, and other useful amino acids. Half to one teaspoon per plant of seaweed can be added once a month to nourish them with seaweed nutrients. Liquid seaweed extract can be used to quickly revive an ailing plant of nutrient deficiencies by spraying it on the leaves, which is called foliar feeding, and also by watering the plant. The dosage is 10 ml per liter of water. It is important to spray more on the underside of the leaves because the stomata or the openings are more in number on the underside.
Humic Acid and Fulvic Acid
Humic acid and fulvic acid are natural growth enhancers that are produced during the natural decay of animal and plant materials. These acids are an excellent natural and organic way to provide plants and soil with a concentrated dose of essential nutrients, vitamins and trace elements. Humic acids chelate complex nutrient compounds in the soil to convert them to a form suitable for plant absorption. This reduces the fertilizer usage by up to 30% and increases flowering and fruiting by up to 70%.
To use humic acid and fulvic acid, one teaspoon per litre of water should be added and mixed well. Then, one cup of the mixture, which is approximately 250 ml, should be watered per plant. If using liquid humic acid and fulvic acid, three ml per litre should be added and the plants should be watered.
Results should be visible within two weeks of application.
Organic Micronutrient Granules
Organic Micronutrient Granules are a type of organic fertilizer that contains both major NPK nutrients and micronutrients like Calcium, Sulphur, Zinc, Copper, Iron, Boron, Molybdenum, Manganese, Chlorine, etc. It is a well-balanced fertilizer that can help plants grow healthy and strong.
To use these granules, simply add about 1 teaspoon per plant once a month. This will provide the necessary nutrients for the plant’s growth. It is important to note that overuse of any fertilizer can be harmful to the plant, so it is recommended to follow the instructions carefully.
Organic Micronutrient Granules are a great option for those looking for an organic and natural way to fertilize their plants. They can be used in combination with other organic fertilizers to create a cocktail mixture for ease of application. By using these organic fertilizers, gardeners can avoid the harmful effects of synthetic fertilizers and promote a healthier and more sustainable environment.
Neem Cake and Neem Cake Powder
Neem cake and neem cake powder are organic fertilizers that can also act as soil pesticides. They are the leftover product after neem oil extraction. Neem cake has a high NPK ratio of 4-1-2 and contains other essential nutrients like sulphur, magnesium, and calcium.
To use neem cake as a fertilizer, mix 10% of it while preparing the potting mix to avoid soil pests. Sprinkling it around existing plants is also an option. Neem cake tea can be made by adding one handful per liter of water and allowing it to brew for at least 24 hours. This liquid fertilizer can be used by watering the plant directly or by further diluting in water.
Overall, neem cake and neem cake powder are useful fertilizers that can also help control soil pests.
Mustard Cake and Powder
Mustard cake and powder is a natural source of NPK that can increase flowering in plants. It is used similarly to neem cake powder, by mixing about 10% of it while preparing the potting mix to avoid soil pests.
A liquid fertilizer or mustard cake tea can also be made by adding one handful per litre of water and allowing it to brew for at least 24 hours before watering the plant directly or by further diluting in water.
Overall, mustard cake and powder is a useful and powerful organic fertilizer that can bring a revolution in organic gardening if used properly. It is one of the 15 most useful and powerful organic or natural fertilizers that can be used to address an imbalance in soil nutrients and improve plant growth and health.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a natural source of magnesium sulfate and is considered the best source of magnesium for plants. Magnesium is an important nutrient for plant growth and is involved in the production of chlorophyll. Epsom salt can be used as a fertilizer to provide magnesium to plants.
To use Epsom salt as a fertilizer, mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt with 1 gallon of water and water the plants with this solution once a month. The solution can also be sprayed on the leaves of the plants as a foliar feed.
It is important to note that Epsom salt should not be overused as it can cause a buildup of magnesium in the soil, which can lead to other nutrient deficiencies. A small amount of Epsom salt once a month is sufficient for most plants.
Overall, Epsom salt can be a useful and natural fertilizer for plants, providing them with the necessary magnesium for healthy growth.