Many nutrients are present in soils, but sometimes not all of them are available, or not enough are available.  Fortunately, the good farmer can remedy the situation by adding organic fertilizers.  Proper soil nutrition is essential, just as proper nutrition is essential in our own diets.  The fuel to keep plant growth steady is proper nutrition.  Plants require sixteen nutrients total to grow well.  Nine of these nutrients are needed in greater quantities, and the remaining six are needed in smaller quantities.  The nine are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.  The remaining six are iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum, and chlorine. 

The Big Six

Out of the sixteen nutrients named above, the below six are most utilized by plants.  Three of the six big nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) are used in such great quantities that they usually need to be added to the soil with fertilizer (discussed below).  Calcium and magnesium are supplied when the soil is limed (discussed below).  Sulfur is released by the air. 

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is essential for that beautiful deep green color.  Too little results in stunted growth, yellow leaves, weak stalks, and slow growth.  Too much results in excessive leaf growth and the delay of flowering or harvest.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is important for good root growth and development of flowers, fruit, and seed.  It also increases the resistance of some crops to disease.  Too little results in small woody plants that don't flower, and leaves that are slightly purple. 

Potassium

Potassium helps the plant change starches to sugars.  It is very important for leaf development and root systems.  Potassium is especially important for root crops, such as carrots, potatoes, and beets.  Too little results in leaves with dry and scorched edges, and an overall weak plant.

Calcium

Calcium promotes early growth, vigor and good roots.  Too little results in wrinkled leaves, and stunted growth.

Magnesium

Magnesium is important for seed development and the formation of fats and oils.  Oil rich seeds contain alot of magnesium.  Too little results in yellowing leaves, starting from the lower leaves first.

Sulfur

Sulfur spurs root growth and development.  Too little results in plants that are pale green in color, especially in dry weather.

The Minor Seven

Trace elements such as iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum and chlorine, are usually available in sufficient amounts.  The exception is when soils have been cropped for many years with little nutrient renewal.  In all other cases, their supply is usually assured by the addition of animal manures. 

Fertilizer Basics

Fertilizers, both organic and inorganic, are readily available in Ventura garden supply stores (see our Ventura Garden Resources section).  If the fertilizer contains all three essential nutrients – nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (potash) – it is called a complete fertilizer.  This type is great for vegetable gardening.  The package label by law is required to list the ratio of the three essential nutrients.  For instance, 5-10-5 mix contains a ration of 1-2-1 – 1 part nitrogen, 2 parts phosphorous, and 1 part potash.  How to add fertilizer is discussed more in our Soil Preparation section.  The ratio also indicates the percentages of the nutrients.  In a 5-10-5 mix, 5% of the mix is nitrogen, 10% is phosphorous, and so on.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizers

Organic sources of fertilizer are often more expensive.  In addition, they take longer for the plant to absorb.  Before a plant can absorb organic fertilizer, microbes must break it down.  Inorganic fertilizers, on the other hand, are cheaper, and can be absorbed by plants immediately.  Often the best way to quickly rescue a sick crop is through concentrated water-soluble fertilizers (e.g. 30-10-10).

So organic fertilizers are more expensive and take more time.  Why should we use them? First off, the results (in terms of soil improvement) last longer.  Organic sources of fertilizer maintain soil quality longer than inorganic sources.  Long live your garden.  Also, at Venturahealth.net, we think it’s a lifestyle choice.  Pro-organic gardeners, like all pro-organic people, believe it’s just better when it comes from the earth.  Synthetic fertilizers are man made, and although not proven, may not have the same nutrient benefits that organic sources provide.  We’ve tasted both inorganic and organic food alike, and nothing beats home grown organic food.  Some of the societies around the world that live the longest are organic farmers, and there is probably good reason for it – Mother Nature knows best. 

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment 2.0!