| The main advantage of using organic fertilizer is that | | | | other animal maneuver and often times poultry |
| it improves the overall structure of the soil itself, | | | | feathers. The phosphates typically come from |
| which leads to healthier plants that grow larger and | | | | composted guano, manure from seabirds, bats and |
| live longer. Soil that has organic fertilizer added to it | | | | seals. It may also come directly from rock phosphate. |
| improves the long-term strength and stability of soil | | | | The Potassium comes from seaweed meal which |
| and plants. It remains airy and loose and is capable of | | | | helps soil to retain moisture as well. Bone meal also |
| retaining moisture and oxygen. These qualities also | | | | provides the soil with phosphates and calcium, which |
| allow better drainage. The organic matter in the | | | | is very important for the roots and plants to grow |
| fertilizer attracts a diverse and rich array of beneficial | | | | strong. In order for the plants to absorb the bone |
| micro organisms such as bacteria, fungi or | | | | meal, they need living organisms to process and |
| earthworms that continue to keep the soil aerated. | | | | digest the nutrient and the living organisms present in |
| This also continually adds organic matter back into | | | | organic fertilizer are ideal for this job. |
| the soil, which creates a self-sustaining fertilizer as | | | | The sources of these nutrients can be controversial |
| the cycle repeats over and over as there are always | | | | so it is best to thoroughly research the company you |
| nutrients for the plants to absorb. This allows the | | | | purchase from. Is the seaweed harvested for |
| plants' roots to develop in a strong and healthy | | | | seaweed meal being commercially exploited? When |
| manner. Strong, healthy roots are the key to growing | | | | harvested, does it threaten or destroy marine life? Is |
| healthy plants. | | | | the manufacturer of your fertilizer polluting while |
| Organic fertilizer releases nitrogen slowly and | | | | producing? Consider the distance the products |
| continuously so your plants are constantly being fed. | | | | traveled to get to you. Can you buy locally? These |
| The microorganisms present in organic fertilizer do | | | | are all important questions to ask when purchasing |
| this work for you. They break the nitrogen down | | | | organic fertilizer. |
| and help your plants absorb it. This may not be the | | | | The sustainable, cyclical and repeated relationship |
| instantly gratifying way to grow plants, but in the | | | | between organic fertilizer, the living organisms living in |
| long run, you will grow strong, healthy plants that live | | | | the soil such as bacteria and fungi and earthworms, |
| longer due to the higher nutritional levels and disease | | | | and the plants growing under these circumstances, is |
| resistance. | | | | the real advantage of gardening with organic fertilizer. |
| The sources of the nutrients found in organic fertilizer | | | | These three players do much of the gardening for |
| vary depending on where you live, and the natural y | | | | you. These benefits promote healthy, long term |
| present minerals and resources. The nitrogen in | | | | growth that leaves plants stronger and more |
| organic fertilizer may come from chicken, cow or | | | | resistant to disease and infestation. |