Most Commonly Asked Questions: Is Organic Fertiliser Better for Our Plants?

Ever had a dilemma deciding whether to get the brightly coloured synthetic fertiliser or the earthy-looking organic fertiliser between the aisles of your garden center? If you said yes, you are not the only one. Our previous article gave you insights on the different types of fertiliser, and today let’s dive in on how organic fertiliser can support the cultivation of your home garden and keep them growing healthy and happy.

What is an Organic Fertiliser?

Image Credit: Pennington

To recap, Organic fertilisers are natural and healthy for the soil. They provide nutrients that plants need to grow, and they also help to control pests. They are made from natural substances, such as animal manure, plant materials, composts, and seaweed extracts. Organic fertiliser provides plants with slow-release nutrients — this means that the soil is constantly being fed with the right amount of nutrients for long periods.

How is Organic Fertiliser helpful to my plants?

1. Organic fertiliser improves soil structure

Soil structure is improved due to the organic matter in organic fertiliser, and the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients rises. Organic matter generally such as worm castings enables the soil to cluster and agglomerate, improving soil structure. Water infiltration through the soil increases with better soil structure, enhancing the soil's capacity to absorb and hold water.

It improves the chemical and biological properties of the soil where the bacterial and fungal activity in the soil rises as the soil structure is also enhanced. As a result, they benefit both your plants and the soil. On the other hand, synthetic fertilisers deplete the soil's nutrients and render it useless.

2. Reduces the need for pesticides

Organic fertiliser is more expensive than synthetic fertiliser. Still, it can reduce pesticide use and overall nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium requirements. Organic fertiliser can be cost neutral or even cost-saving due to the reductions. Different components interact in the soil to impact the health of the plants that grow there. Soil fertility is determined by organic matter, specifically humus.