Organic Fertilizers: What Are They and How Do They Improve Your Crop?
The use of organic fertilizers for plants has an ancient history, dating back thousands of years. As agricultural practices developed, humans observed that crop size directly depends on soil quality, and they began applying natural substances—manure, compost, humus—to maintain soil fertility and increase yields. Today, organic fertilizers remain an important element of modern agriculture.
What are organic fertilizers are…
... natural substances derived from plant or animal sources, used to improve soil quality and plant nutrition. The main components of organic fertilizers include:
These materials contain a wide range of nutrients, both micro- and macronutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are essential for the normal growth and development of plants. Through the gradual decomposition of these components by microorganisms present in the soil, organic fertilizers help restore the soil's microbial balance, which is especially important for sustainable agriculture.
Unlike chemical fertilizers, which dissolve quickly in water and can be washed out of the soil, organic products work more slowly, providing plants with long-lasting and steady nutrition. Moreover, they do not contain toxic substances, meaning they do not harm ecosystems or human health.
- plant residues (leaves, stems, tree bark);
- livestock waste (manure, poultry litter);
- other natural substances (such as peat, sapropel).
These materials contain a wide range of nutrients, both micro- and macronutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are essential for the normal growth and development of plants. Through the gradual decomposition of these components by microorganisms present in the soil, organic fertilizers help restore the soil's microbial balance, which is especially important for sustainable agriculture.
Unlike chemical fertilizers, which dissolve quickly in water and can be washed out of the soil, organic products work more slowly, providing plants with long-lasting and steady nutrition. Moreover, they do not contain toxic substances, meaning they do not harm ecosystems or human health.
Advantages of organic fertilizers
Organic soil fertilizers offer numerous benefits that make them indispensable for maintaining soil health and increasing crop yields. Let’s look at them in more detail.
It’s also worth noting the safety of organic fertilizers for human and animal health, as they do not contain harmful chemicals that can accumulate in plants and enter the food chain. This is particularly important for the production of environmentally friendly products.
- Firstly, organic fertilizers restore soil fertility. They promote the accumulation of humus, which forms a porous structure in the soil, allowing plant roots to breathe freely and access moisture even during dry periods. As a result, plants develop better, and yields increase.
- Secondly, they support the microbiological activity of the soil. Thanks to their natural components, organic fertilizers positively affect the growth of beneficial microorganisms, which, in turn, play a crucial role in processing nutrients and converting them into forms that are available to plants. This makes the soil more "alive," and its ecosystem is sustained through natural processes.
- Thirdly, regular use of organic fertilizers strengthens the immune system of plants, making them less susceptible to diseases and unfavorable environmental conditions. This is especially important in the context of climate change, where stress factors (such as droughts or temperature fluctuations) are becoming more frequent.
It’s also worth noting the safety of organic fertilizers for human and animal health, as they do not contain harmful chemicals that can accumulate in plants and enter the food chain. This is particularly important for the production of environmentally friendly products.
Main types of organic fertilizers
Organic fertilizers consist of a variety of natural materials, each offering unique benefits for both soil and plants. Let’s take a look at some of the best organic fertilizers used in agriculture.
Manure is one of the most common types of organic fertilizers. It enriches the soil with beneficial nutrients, improves its structure, and stimulates the growth of useful microorganisms. There are two types of manure:
Humus is the product of long-term decomposition of manure and other organic materials. It has a more stable composition compared to manure and is easily absorbed by plants. Humus improves soil aeration, enhances its water-retention capacity, and helps plants absorb nutrients more efficiently.
Poultry manure is a concentrated organic fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It decomposes quickly in the soil, providing plants with immediate access to nutrients. However, it must be used carefully, as excessive amounts can increase soil acidity.
Sapropel is sediment that forms at the bottom of freshwater bodies. It is rich in nutrients and microelements, making it an effective means of rejuvenating depleted soil. Sapropel activates biological activity in the soil and helps retain moisture.
Green manure (cover crops) are plants that are sown and later plowed into the soil. They enrich the soil with organic matter, improve its structure, and supply nitrogen. Popular green manure plants include mustard, lupine, clover, and phacelia. They also help suppress weeds and protect the soil from erosion.
Compost is the result of decomposing plant and food waste mixed with soil. It is rich in microorganisms that help improve soil quality and accelerate the breakdown of organic materials.
Vermicompost is produced through the processing of organic materials by earthworms. It contains a high concentration of humus substances that aid in soil regeneration. Vermicompost is rich in beneficial microorganisms and enzymes, making it an effective biostimulant for plants.
Manure is one of the most common types of organic fertilizers. It enriches the soil with beneficial nutrients, improves its structure, and stimulates the growth of useful microorganisms. There are two types of manure:
- Bedded manure is animal waste mixed with peat or straw, which are also organic materials.
- Non-bedded manure does not contain additional materials but is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—the primary elements for plant growth.
Humus is the product of long-term decomposition of manure and other organic materials. It has a more stable composition compared to manure and is easily absorbed by plants. Humus improves soil aeration, enhances its water-retention capacity, and helps plants absorb nutrients more efficiently.
Poultry manure is a concentrated organic fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It decomposes quickly in the soil, providing plants with immediate access to nutrients. However, it must be used carefully, as excessive amounts can increase soil acidity.
Sapropel is sediment that forms at the bottom of freshwater bodies. It is rich in nutrients and microelements, making it an effective means of rejuvenating depleted soil. Sapropel activates biological activity in the soil and helps retain moisture.
Green manure (cover crops) are plants that are sown and later plowed into the soil. They enrich the soil with organic matter, improve its structure, and supply nitrogen. Popular green manure plants include mustard, lupine, clover, and phacelia. They also help suppress weeds and protect the soil from erosion.
Compost is the result of decomposing plant and food waste mixed with soil. It is rich in microorganisms that help improve soil quality and accelerate the breakdown of organic materials.
Vermicompost is produced through the processing of organic materials by earthworms. It contains a high concentration of humus substances that aid in soil regeneration. Vermicompost is rich in beneficial microorganisms and enzymes, making it an effective biostimulant for plants.
How to use organic fertilizers
To achieve maximum effectiveness and benefits, it’s important to follow several rules when applying organic fertilizers:
Also, keep in mind the seasonality of organic fertilizer application. It is most effective to apply them in the fall or spring, when the soil is neither too hot nor too cold. This allows the fertilizers to decompose and penetrate the soil more efficiently. Organic fertilizers can also be used in the summer, but it’s better to opt for biostimulants and composts that do not require a long decomposition period.
- Consider the type of soil and regional climate conditions. Different types of soil may require different kinds of organic fertilizers. For example, sandy soils, which do not retain moisture well, are better suited for humus or compost, as these help retain water. In heavier clay soils, it is recommended to use compost and sapropel to improve their structure.
- It is important to follow the correct dosage and frequency of fertilizer application. An excess of organic matter can lead to excessive soil acidity, which can worsen its properties.
Also, keep in mind the seasonality of organic fertilizer application. It is most effective to apply them in the fall or spring, when the soil is neither too hot nor too cold. This allows the fertilizers to decompose and penetrate the soil more efficiently. Organic fertilizers can also be used in the summer, but it’s better to opt for biostimulants and composts that do not require a long decomposition period.
Organic fertilizers from Bonaplant
Organic fertilizers are not just a way to maintain soil fertility but also a tool for improving the quality of agricultural products, enhancing ecosystem health, and preserving plant vitality. Bonaplant offers a wide range of mineral organic fertilizers, developed based on years of scientific research and advanced technologies. Bonaplant's organic fertilizers, designed to meet the needs of different soil types and plants, are certified to European quality standards.