Mineral vs. Organic Fertilizers: Differences, Pros, and Cons

Mineral vs. Organic Fertilizers: Differences, Pros, and Cons

Many people who grow plants at home find themselves pondering whether to use mineral or organic fertilizers. Choosing the right type of fertilizer is not straightforward, especially for those with limited knowledge on the subject. Interestingly, many of these products were developed as fertilizers for marijuana, even though its cultivation is illegal in Poland. What else is there to know about mineral and organic fertilizers? Let's delve into it.

The effects of using fertilizers on plants cannot be overstated. They enable flowers, fruits, and vegetables to develop properly and increase yields. They also provide a valuable source of nutrients. It's worth noting that they affect the soil as well. The best indicator of changes in the soil and its quality are soil enzymes. Their activity depends on catalytic efficiency, or the ability to accelerate certain chemical reactions, which in turn is influenced by many factors, including fertilization. Below, we describe the action of mineral and organic fertilizers in detail.

Mineral Fertilizers – Types, Characteristics Mineral fertilizers, also known as "artificial fertilizers," are produced through industrial processes or from minerals. Their composition is not entirely natural, but some of their components are found in nature. Among these fertilizers, we can list:

• Magnesium fertilizers,
• Calcium fertilizers,
• Phosphorus fertilizers,
• Potassium fertilizers.

Additionally, they can be divided into:

• Single-component fertilizers – consisting of one of the aforementioned components
• Multi-component (NPK) fertilizers – consisting of several listed components.

Single-component fertilizers are intended for individuals with extensive knowledge of plant cultivation. For those new to the world of fertilizers, we recommend using multi-component products.

Mineral fertilizers are available in several forms. In stores, they are most commonly found as powder or granules, as well as in liquid form (which is mixed with water and used to water the plants).

Advantages of Mineral Fertilizers The main advantages of mineral fertilizers include their efficiency and speed of action, outperforming their organic counterparts. Another benefit is the ease and speed of application. Their highly concentrated ingredients are absorbed directly by the plant, so there's no need for processing. Moreover, they provide more minerals needed for proper plant growth.

Mineral fertilizers typically enhance yields and improve quality. Importantly, they also increase the biomass of crops. This is crucial because the greater the biomass, the more carbon dioxide the plants can absorb, reducing its concentration in the atmosphere – hence, they have a positive environmental impact.

Disadvantages of Mineral Fertilizers However, artificial fertilizers for flowering plants have their downsides. They include the risk of over-fertilizing, negatively affecting the soil and the organisms living in it. Therefore, it's important to use such products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

It's also worth noting that mineral fertilizers can quickly deplete the soil since they do not contribute to an increase in humus, unlike natural fertilizers. Using them for many years can render the soil infertile. Hence, they should be used alongside organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure.

Organic Fertilizers – Types, Characteristics Organic fertilizers are often used in plots and gardens, but also indoors – they help house and balcony plants grow better. Obtained from organic substances, they are entirely composed of natural materials of plant or animal origin. The most popular organic fertilizers include:

• Compost,
• Manure,
• Green manures.

Sometimes, other materials such as bark, plant infusions, biohumus, wood ash, and bird droppings are also used. A common feature of all organic fertilizers is the presence of organic matter, which transforms into life-giving humus in the soil. They also contain more sodium than mineral fertilizers.

Advantages of Organic Fertilizers Organic fertilizers have a decidedly better impact on the soil than mineral fertilizers. The soil needs organic matter more than anything else. The microorganisms in it positively affect the soil's quality and structure, making it more porous, and improve its water-retention properties. Thanks to them, the soil becomes more fertile, and vegetables grow healthier and yield more. They are also less susceptible to drought, and less frequently attacked by pests, viruses, and various diseases. Plants utilize the nutrients in the soil more effectively.

In the case of these fertilizers, organic NPK components – nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – are released more evenly than in mineral fertilizers. As a result, organic fertilizers can act over a longer period, supplying the soil with valuable nutrients for several years. This is because the mentioned biogenic elements are released after being decomposed by fungi and bacteria, minimizing the risk of root burn or leaching of valuable nutrients from the plants.

Organic Fertilizers – Disadvantages The primary drawback of organic fertilizers is often their unpleasant smell, which is related to their composition, hence, plant and animal-derived materials. However, this issue does not exist with liquid fertilizers, which have a neutral smell.

Another downside of organic fertilizers is that their action takes some time – this is how, for example, root growth stimulators work. Plants can absorb specific elements only after the mineralization of organic compounds. Moreover, in some products, the amount of certain mineral elements may be too small – in such cases, it is advisable to supplement them by using artificial fertilizers.

Summary Both mineral and organic fertilizers have their advantages and disadvantages. Mineral fertilizers act much faster and positively affect the environment but, if used too long, can have a negative impact on the soil. Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, significantly enrich the soil, though their effects take some time to manifest. It's worth noting that there are also organo-mineral products available in stores, combining the characteristics of both these preparations – alongside organic substances, they contain mineral ingredients. Want to learn more about fertilizers? Or perhaps you need advice? If so, contact us. We're happy to answer all your questions!