There are significant differences between organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers in many aspects, including sources, nutrient composition, fertilizer effectiveness period, impact on soil, time to see results, etc. The following is a detailed description of these differences:
a. Different sources
Organic fertilizers: mainly derived from natural organic matter such as animal and plant waste, crop straw, and feces. They are decomposed by microorganisms and converted into fertilizers rich in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients. These fertilizers are usually called farmyard fertilizers, such as human feces, manure, compost, green manure, cake fertilizer, biogas fertilizer, etc.
Inorganic fertilizers: also known as chemical fertilizers, are produced in factories by chemical synthesis methods. They are mainly composed of inorganic substances, including single fertilizers and compound fertilizers such as nitrogen fertilizers, phosphate fertilizers, and potash fertilizers. Common inorganic fertilizers include ammonia water, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, urea (nitrogen fertilizer), superphosphate, calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer, and phosphate rock powder (phosphate fertilizer).
b. Different nutrient composition
Organic fertilizer: contains rich organic matter and various nutrients, providing comprehensive and balanced nutrition for crops. These nutrients are gradually released in the soil, which is conducive to the continuous growth of crops.
Inorganic fertilizer: relatively speaking, the nutrients are single, and it is necessary to rely on compounding to balance fertilization. Their main function is to directly provide high-concentration inorganic nutrients to crops and promote the rapid growth of crops.
c. Different fertilizer effect period and effective time
Organic fertilizer: nutrient release is relatively slow, so the fertilizer effect period is longer. Generally speaking, the effective time of organic fertilizer is about 30 days, but its long fertilizer effect can last for 1-2 years.
Inorganic fertilizer: nutrient release is relatively fast and the fertilizer effect period is short. After use, nutrients can be quickly absorbed and utilized by crops, so the fertilization effect is fast, but the fertility is not long-lasting.
d. Different effects on soil
Organic fertilizer: contains a large number of beneficial microorganisms and organic matter, which can promote the biological transformation process in the soil and is conducive to the continuous improvement of soil fertility. At the same time, it can also improve soil structure and increase soil water retention and fertilizer retention capacity.
Inorganic fertilizer: Excessive use can inhibit the activity of soil microorganisms, resulting in a decrease in the soil’s self-regulation ability. The soil surface may become dry and compacted, which can easily cause soil erosion.
e. Different fertilization amount and frequency
Organic fertilizer: Due to the relatively low nutrient content and slow release, the amount used each time is usually large. For example, farmyard manure may need to be applied to the soil in tons. At the same time, due to the long fertilizer effect period, the fertilization frequency of organic fertilizer is relatively low, usually one or two times a year.
Inorganic fertilizer: The nutrient content is high and the release is fast, so the amount used is relatively small. For example, water-soluble fertilizer generally uses 10 kilograms per mu of land to meet crop needs. However, due to the short fertilizer effect period, inorganic fertilizers need to be top-dressed multiple times according to the growth of crops.
In summary, there are significant differences between organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers in terms of source, nutrient composition, fertilizer effect period, impact on soil, and fertilization amount and frequency. In agricultural production, fertilizers should be selected and used rationally based on crop requirements, soil conditions and other factors.
