Organic fertilizers differ from chemicals as organic feeds your plants while building the soil's structure. Soils with lots of organic material, remain loose and airy, are better able to hold moisture and nutrients, foster growth of soil organisms, including earthworms, and promote healthier root development. Building a healthy soil is the key to successful organic gardening.
Another advantage of
organic fertilizers is that they are made from plant and animal sources, or from rock powders. These materials need to be broken down by soil microbes in order for their nutrients to be released, and that takes time. Because organic fertilizer works slowly, it provides long-term nutrition and steady, rather than excessive growth.
On the other hand, chemical fertilizers work fast, which is a good thing, if that's what you're looking for. They can make a bad garden or lawn look good much quicker than most organics can. However, it's my opinion that the nutrients are released too quickly, creating a great deal of top growth before the roots are able to catch up. This kind of growth often leads to weaker plants. Also, because they are so rich, synthetic chemicals can easily be over applied and "burn" roots or create toxic concentration of salts.
Chemical fertilizers will not improve the structure of the soil. In fact, because they are composed of high concentrations of mineral salts, they are capable of killing off many of the soil organisms that are responsible for decomposition, and soil formation. If only chemicals are added, the soil gradually loses its organic matter and microbiotic activity. As this material is used up, the soil structure breaks down, becoming lifeless, compact and less able to hold water and nutrients. The result is pretty clear - you'll have to use more and more fertilizer.
Directly Mixing Manure into the Soil
Step 1
Use a large scoop to broadcast the chicken manure evenly over your garden soil.
Step 2
Let the manure rest in a pile outdoors for at least three weeks before spreading the chicken manure.
Step 3
Work the aged chicken manure into your garden soil using a hoe or tiller before planting.
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Organic Chicken Fertilizer Pellets - Top quality - Cheap - High nitrogen - Slow release - Organic material
Chicken Fertilizer
