Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizers
By Bruce Lee Deuley - 12/16/02

Why go Organic?

Organic fertilizers "feed the soil" which in turn feeds the plants, micro organisms, beneficial bacteria and fungi as well as larger living things such as earthworms. All of which are vital parts of the earth we share.

Chemical (synthetic) fertilizers "feed the plant" but ignore or are detrimental to natural organisms that make up the soil. Synthetic fertilizers can and will burn your plants. Organic fertilizers will not.

Chemical fertilizers don't provide the carbohydrates that are essential for a healthy soil food wed, and in many cases are so caustic that they kill soil organisms and end up inhibiting plant growth in the long run. When chemical fertilizers are put into the soil they dissolve and seek natural combinations with minerals already present. These new combinations glut or overload the plant, causing it to become unbalanced. Other compounds remain, many in the form detrimental to the health of plants.

Organic fertilizers are not water soluble, but rather are broken down by the natural organisms in the soil at a slow steady pace. About the same rate most plants need the nutriment (isn't Mother Nature wonderful)

Also, because organic fertilizer is not water soluble, it is not washed away by rain or heavy watering. As long as the organic fertilizer isn't physically removed by flooding it remains in the soil and available to the plants. Not so for synthetic fertilizer, It is water-soluble and some is leached away each time the soil is watered, ending up in our wells, aquifers and rivers. Eventually ending up in our oceans.

By using composted, organic materials and a few other organic compounds such as compost teas, seaweed extracts molasses and apple cider vinegar you can have a complete organic fertilizer program without the use of synthetic fertilizers. You and your soil and plants and all of us will be healthier for your decision. If the organic approach is so great, why isn’t everybody doing it? Well, consumers are getting educated about being organic and health conscious. Unfortunately, the chemical companies have a tremendous clout and substantial marketing budgets, which tells the average consumer there way is the best.

So "feed the soil" and not the pocketbooks of the giant chemical companies. We will all be better off for it!

Next week: Molasses, a great soil food.