WHAT DOES A FERTILIZER DO?
One of the main purposes of fertilizer is to provide nutrients to the soil to improve fertility that will increase yield. A natural fertilizer is produced from organic materials and there are many different types of natural fertilizers available. Some are created using animal manure, crop waste, compost, and wood ash, and there are several things to consider when choosing what natural fertilizer to use. Choice of fertilizer is usually dependent on the plant and type of soil and sometimes a combination of fertilizers is required. Consideration should also be given to the amount of fertilizer to use. Excess fertilizer will alter the salt concentration of the soil, which may lead to sudden plant growth resulting in an insufficient root system that will not receive an adequate supply of water and nutrients.
There are two very important factors to consider before devising a fertilizing strategy.
Factor One: Soil types
Soils need to contain the correct amount of organic matter to activate the soil and feed plants. Most wholesome earthy soils mixed with good compost need a minimum amount of fast-releasing fertilizer, such as animal manure or decomposed plant matter. Sandy soils, on the other hand, need a good amount of slow-releasing fertilizers such as eggshells, coffee grounds or pomace.
Factor Two: Crop rotation
The fertilizer’s fundamental task is to restore fertility to the soil and the amount of fertilizer to use is directly linked to the soil’s cultivation history. It is good practice to keep an up to date record of this and it is a very important factor when crop rotation is not possible. Pumpkin, zucchini, peppers and tomatoes are very demanding crops that all need a good amount of rich, fast-releasing fertilizers, as well as good compost. Onions, garlic and chickpeas on the other hand, do not need a great deal of fertilizer and it may not be necessary to intervene if the soil is already rich enough.
TYPES OF NATURAL ORGANIC FERTILIZERS
Fast Releasing Fertilizers
- Animal manure
- De-composed plant matter
- Seaweed
- Compost
- Black tea
- Epsom Salt
- Sweet corn
- Blood meal
- Pomace
Slow Releasing Fertilizers
- Eggshells
- Banana peel
- Coffee grounds
- Fish remains
- Worm castings
- Wood Ash
- Bat Guano
