Are you aware that chemical fertilizers harm the environment and your crops? It's time to switch to a more sustainable and eco-friendly solution - organic fertilizers.
With the increasing demand for organic food and the need to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, these fertilizers have become a popular and effective solution for farmers and gardeners alike. As per the latest report by Kings Research, the global organic fertilizers market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.31% to reach USD 27.48 billion in revenue by 2030.
So let's dig deep to learn more about organic fertilizer, which promotes healthy and sustainable growth in your crops.
Boost Your Garden's Health With Organic Fertilizers
Organic fertilizers, also known as "organic manures", is a term used to describe compost derived from animal waste or a combination of animal and plant remains that contain high levels of natural by-products. It contains substances like guano, ground bone, crushed shells, dried and powdered blood, finely pulverized fish, phosphate rock, and wood. These fertilizers primarily enrich the soil and provide nutrients to plants naturally and sustainably.
Most nutrient components found in organic fertilizer are in inorganic form, which makes it challenging for crops to utilize them directly. However, with the help of microorganisms, these diverse nutrient elements are released gradually, ensuring a continuous supply of nutrients to plants.
Significance of Organic Fertilizers
Continuous advancements in modern agriculture are boosting the role of organic fertilizer and making it more crucial in agricultural settings.
Agricultural products cultivated with organic fertilizer naturally have a pleasing taste and can effectively uphold the unique nutrition and flavor of vegetables and fruits, and also play a pivotal role in protecting and improving soil conditions and crop yields.
According to the Organic Trade Association, these fertilizers play a significant role in the fertilizer industry, as 82% of U.S. households purchase organic products.
Sustainable Benefits of Switching to Organic Fertilizers
Organic Fertilizers offer the following benefits:
- Improved Soil Structure
The presence of organic substances in organic fertilizer improves the soil's composition, leading to a better capacity to retain water and nutrients. This results in the cultivation of healthy and nutritious crops.
- Better Microbes
Synthetic fertilizers contain carbon-free chemical molecules. These molecules can often cause disturbances and cannot easily be used by microbes. In contrast, organic fertilizers have a significant amount of organic substance, which provides favorable conditions for the growth of microbes. These fertilizers consist of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which nourish microbes and enable them to release nutrients naturally for plant growth.
- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Synthetic fertilizers leach into rivers and oceans, causing harm to marine organisms and the quality of water. On the other hand, organic fertilizers do not run off and enhance the soil structure. According to the National Institute of Health, organic fertilizer has the potential to facilitate crop yield while having a positive impact on biodiversity, which makes them a viable option for maintaining and sustainably utilizing areas of high natural value (HNV).
- Minimize the Use of Chemical Fertilizers
Organic fertilizer has the potential to decrease the reliance on pesticides and the overall demand for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. As a result of these decreases, organic fertilizer can have a neutral or even cost-saving impact.
To support this concept, CORDIS, the European Commission's primary repository, showcases innovative research projects aiming to improve sustainable fertilizer production and nutrient management. These projects aim to develop new technologies, reduce environmental impact, and enhance nutrient management efficiency. CORDIS supports sustainable agriculture and nutrient management in Europe.
- Preventing Potential Plant Damage
Synthetic fertilizers can negatively impact the leaves and roots of plants, damaging plant growth. Organic fertilizer has a lower probability of causing such harm, and they do offer essential nutrients and promote productivity.
Top 4 Innovations in Organic Fertilizers for a Healthier Planet and Stronger Plants
Here are the latest innovations that benefit crop health and the environment:
Plant Based Organic Fertilizer
Biota Nutri's organic fertilizers are derived from plant-based components, notably seaweed, and serve as crucial sources of nutrients and micronutrients essential for the growth of plants. By stimulating the proliferation of favorable microorganisms in the soil, these fertilizers enhance both soil health and nutrient absorption in plants.
Notably, Biota Nutri's organic fertilizers possess distinctive advantages, including the capacity to augment crop yields and diminish reliance on chemical fertilizers. Biota Nutri’s fertilizers promote sustainable agriculture practices, enhancing soil vitality and simultaneously bolstering crop productivity while mitigating the environmental ramifications associated with conventional farming methods.
Chicken Manure Organic Fertilizer
Phiri, a founder of AG Beyond Sustainability and a social innovation expert with a decade of experience in frugal innovation and ESG projects, advocates for regenerative agriculture to address climate change and promote sustainable farming practices. Regenerative agriculture aims to rebuild soil organic matter and biodiversity, improving carbon drawdown and water cycles. Organic materials, such as raw chicken manure, in organic fertilizers like Dijo Tsa Mobu can be used to improve soil quality and reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions. This approach has the potential to contribute to a low-carbon economy by transferring atmospheric carbon dioxide into the soil and preventing its emission back into the atmosphere.
Nitro-Gro Liquid Organic Fertilizers
BioAge is a start-up in South Africa that specializes in agri-biotech. It focuses on offering eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for plant health, cultivation, fertility, and propagation. One of its notable products is Nitro-Gro, a liquid organic fertilizer and plant biostimulant.
The company's portfolio includes a range of entirely natural items made using the Nutri-Gro idea that can be utilized in a variety of settings viz., residential, garden, or farm. These products ensure effective outcomes when employed with indoor plants, grain crops, flowering plants, annuals, vegetables, ornamental plants, fruiting trees, grass, ornamental trees, and perennials.
Waste Derived Organic Fertilizer
Regen Organics effectively converts organic waste into valuable resources that can be used in agriculture. Through its local manufacturing process, it also contributes toward reducing the carbon emissions associated with food, animal feed, and fuel production.
Regen Organics has two primary product lines, namely Evergrow and Evergrow Gold. The latter holds the prestigious ECOCERT certification, which is considered the ultimate recognition for organic fertilizers. Farmers can expect to witness a significant 30% boost in their crop yields by incorporating these innovative solutions into their agricultural practices. Furthermore, these fertilizers are rich in carbon and can be stored in the soil, wherein they contribute to its overall sequestration.
To Wrap Things Up
Organic fertilizers are not just a trend but a necessary solution for sustainable agriculture and healthy crop growth. By using natural materials and promoting soil health, these fertilizers can help increase crop yields and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. From small gardens to large-scale farms, these fertilizers serve as a cost-effective and environment-friendly solution for enhancing soil fertility and promoting healthy plant growth.
