Mineral and organic fertilizers: What are the differences?

The eternal question faced by farmers and gardeners striving to improve the condition of agricultural land and increase yields is: "Which fertilizers should I choose — mineral or organic?" Clearly, both types have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them depends on a variety of factors: soil condition, cultivation goals, and even ecological preferences. Understanding the differences between organic and mineral fertilizers will help make informed decisions for successful and sustainable agriculture.

Mineral fertilizers are compounds that contain macro- and micronutrients essential for the growth and development of crops. Mineral additives can consist of a single component (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium) or include several elements in various proportions (similar to the multivitamin complexes that people take).

Mineral fertilizers are chemical products produced in the form of granules, powders, and liquids to facilitate their precise application to the soil. The main advantage of mineral additives is that they dissolve easily in water and are quickly absorbed by plants. Therefore, they are indispensable in situations where it is necessary to promptly replenish a deficiency of a particular nutrient. For example, nitrogen fertilizers stimulate rapid green growth, phosphorus strengthens the root system, and potassium increases plants' resistance to stress and disease.

However, despite their quick action, mineral fertilizers have their downsides. They can leach from the soil during heavy rainfall and excessive watering, which reduces their effectiveness and necessitates frequent application. Additionally, improper use of mineral products can lead to salt accumulation in the soil and its degradation, disrupting soil structure and reducing long-term fertility. Therefore, to avoid deteriorating soil and ecosystem health, mineral products must be applied with strict adherence to dosages and technologies.

As the name suggests, organic fertilizers are natural materials. They can be of plant or animal origin. Like mineral products, they are used to provide plants with nutrients, but they also have the ability to improve soil fertility.

Organic materials include:

• Manure — one of the most common types of organic matter that enriches the soil with nitrogen and micronutrients;
• Compost — decomposed plant and food waste that is rich in microorganisms and organic substances;
• Green fertilizers (green manures) — plants that are sown for the purpose of later incorporation into the soil to enrich it with organic matter;
• Biohumus — a fertilizer obtained from the processing of organic material by earthworms, which contains a large amount of humic substances that increase soil fertility.

Organic fertilizers can restore the microbiological activity of the soil by stimulating the growth of beneficial microorganisms. These microorganisms, in turn, participate in the decomposition of organic materials and the slow release and transformation of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrient macro- and micronutrients into forms accessible to plants. This way, plants receive nutrients throughout the entire growing season.

Organic matter enriches the soil with humus, which improves soil structure, increases its ability to retain moisture, enhances aeration, and prevents erosion. This is especially important for soils prone to compaction or nutrient leaching. Additionally, organic materials help reduce the negative impact of chemical products by restoring the natural balance of the soil and its biological diversity. The use of organic matter contributes to the long-term improvement of soil, its fertility, and resilience to adverse conditions.

The use of organic and mineral fertilizers serves one purpose — to supply plants with the necessary nutrients. However, their action, composition, and impact on the soil and plants differ significantly. These differences are crucial, so the choice of products depends on the intended use and the condition of the soil.

One of the key differences between mineral fertilizers and organic ones is the speed of their action. Mineral fertilizers consist of quickly soluble inorganic compounds that plants can absorb almost immediately after application. This allows for the rapid replenishment of deficiencies in specific elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, or other macro- and micronutrients, quickly correcting nutrient shortages.

Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, act slowly. The nutrients in them are in a bound form and are released during the decomposition of organic matter by soil microorganisms. This means that the effects of organic fertilizers are not immediate, but they provide long-lasting and stable nutrition for plants throughout the season. This makes organic fertilizers most suitable for improving soil condition in the long term.

Mineral fertilizers directly influence the nutrient elements in the soil but have little effect on its physical structure. Moreover, frequent use of mineral fertilizers without additional measures can lead to soil depletion and deterioration of its quality. Gradual accumulation of salts can cause soil compaction, worsen its water and air permeability, and reduce biological activity. Therefore, mineral fertilizers are often recommended to be used in conjunction with organic materials.

Organic materials, on the contrary, have a significant positive impact on soil structure. They help improve its looseness, water retention capacity, and aeration. Organic matter increases the humus content in the soil, which enhances its fertility, supports microbiological activity, and improves root nutrition for plants. Thus, organic fertilizers help restore the soil balance and prevent its degradation in the long term.

Mineral fertilizers contain specific doses of macro- and micronutrients in their inorganic form. This allows for precise calculation of the necessary amount of the product for the quick application of specific elements. However, they do not contain biologically active components necessary for maintaining healthy soil microflora.

Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, consist of natural materials that contain both macro- and micronutrients in complex organic compounds. Unlike mineral fertilizers, organic matter contains organic acids, humic substances, and enzymes that activate biological processes in the soil and improve its condition.

When misapplied or used excessively, mineral fertilizers can become a source of environmental pollution. For example, nitrogen fertilizers can leach into groundwater, causing nitrate contamination. Excess phosphates in the soil can lead to eutrophication of water bodies, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, mineral fertilizers should be used strictly according to instructions and in moderate dosages.

Organic fertilizers, in turn, are considered safer for the environment. They do not lead to the contamination of water bodies and soils, as their nutrients are released gradually and are better absorbed by plants. Additionally, organic matter enhances soil biodiversity, supporting the health of the ecosystem as a whole.

Mineral fertilizers are generally cheaper in the short term since they provide quick results. However, their initially higher cost compared to organic products, along with the need for frequent applications due to the rapid leaching of nutrients from the soil, increases overall expenses for their purchase and use.

Organic fertilizers, while typically cheaper than mineral ones, can be more costly because they require larger volumes. However, in the long run, they are more economical. Organic matter helps maintain soil fertility, reducing the need for frequent applications of fertilizers. Furthermore, organic materials, such as compost, can be more accessible if farm waste or food scraps are utilized.

Both mineral and organic fertilizers have their strengths, and their combination provides the best results for maintaining soil health and high yields:

• Mineral fertilizers help quickly replenish nutrient deficiencies and promptly address plant growth issues;
• Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, work for the long term by improving soil structure, microbiological activity, and water retention properties.

Bonaplant offers wholesale fertilizers from the manufacturer so that you can purchase high-quality plant nutrition products. The comprehensive application of mineral and organic fertilizers will ensure complete nutrition for agricultural crops and maintain soil fertility for many years. Bonaplant's products help achieve sustainable plant growth, enhance their stress resistance, and increase yields while supporting environmentally safe farming practices.