Conventional methods of growing crops can produce up to 25 percent more food than organic methods for cash crops such as wheat and corn. Why then would anyone want to use organic fertilizer? Organic fertilizer consists of natural materials from the remains of a once-living organism or the by-products of an organism. Organic fertilizers provide a steady release of nutrients for a very long time.
Also, almost any organic material can be used as a fertilizer, though the effectiveness of each will vary considerably. Unlike inorganic fertilizers, living organisms eat organic matter in natural fertilizers, which helps break down nutrients for plants to consume. They also allow the soil to better hold moisture while promoting proper drainage. While chemical fertilizers can sometimes not work on dead soil, organic fertilizers help build nutrients that naturally replenish the soil, and healthier soil leads to greater nutrition.
Soil that is fertilized with inorganic materials will eventually die as commercial fertilizers contain only enough nutrients to keep the plants growing. As the soil begins to die, it is necessary to add even more fertilizer to maintain the same nutrient levels to preserve the plants.
A study published in the May 2002 edition of Science revealed that using organic fertilizer can cut down on the amount of fertilizer needed by 34 to 53 percent, while reducing the need for pesticide use up to 97 percent.
Commercial fertilizers are also filled with toxic chemicals that leak into the water supply. They can poison local wildlife, kill surrounding soil, and endanger the safety of those who live nearby. In fact, the National Institutes of Health published a warning on plant fertilizer poisoning due to high levels of nitrates.
You can become infected not only by accidentally consuming them, but also by regularly coming into contact with conventional fertilizers. If you are a farmer or like to spend time in your food garden, this could be a health and safety concern for you and your family.
If you touch conventional fertilizer, you may experience burning skin. If you consumed it by accident, you may experience an upset stomach, pain in your abdomen, dizziness or shortness of breath. Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, may sometimes smell putrid, but they replenish soil, feed small organisms, and are safe to use.
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