Comparing different types of fertilizers

Hello and welcome to another article from Gardening For Beginners. In today's article, we'll be comparing different types of fertilizers.

As you may or may not already know, fertilizers are compounds added to the soil to promote plant growth. They are usually absorbed into the plant via it's roots and help the plant grow faster and stronger than it would otherwise, by supplementing it with nutrient rich substances. Especially in areas with poor soil, overused soil or plots where the topsoil has been washed away by rain, fertilizers can provide the plants with much needed minerals to survive. Fertilizers will allow you to grow more plants in the same plot of land and allow you to keep reusing the land after every batch of plants.

Fertilizers are largely divided into two categories, organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are those which are derived from organic matter such as animal manure, compost and seaweed. Inorganic fertilizers are made from simple inorganic minerals and chemicals.

Organic fertilizers can be further divided into those which are manufactured (like compost) and those which occur naturally (like sulphur of potash).

Organic Fertilizers tend to be cheaper than inorganic fertilizers and are better for the environment as well as plant health. However they tend to be more diluted than inorganic fertilizers and can contain harmful pathogens. Inorganic Fertilizers are readily available and can be manufactured in vast quantities. However they can cause eutrophication due to runoff. It is up to you to decide which type of fertilizer you would rather use.