Differences between Bio-Organic Fertilizer and Organic Fertilizer
Definition
Organic fertilizer: Carbon-containing materials derived primarily from plants and/or animals, applied to the soil to provide plant nutrients. Common organic fertilizer raw materials include livestock and poultry manure and plant and animal residues. For example, chicken manure, after simple composting, is organic fertilizer, which can add a large amount of organic matter to the soil.
Bio-Organic Fertilizer: A type of fertilizer that combines the effects of both microbial and organic fertilizers, made by combining specialized microorganisms with harmlessly treated and decomposed organic materials primarily derived from plant and animal residues (such as livestock and poultry manure and crop straw). For example, bio-organic fertilizer is made by adding beneficial microorganisms such as Bacillus subtilis and phosphate- and potassium-solubilizing bacteria to fermented sheep manure.
Composition Differences
Organic fertilizer: Its main components are organic substances such as humus, cellulose, and hemicellulose. These organic substances decompose in the soil, improving soil structure and increasing its ability to retain water and fertilizer. Take pig manure organic fertilizer, for example. It’s rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as a large amount of organic matter, which provides a food source for soil microorganisms.
Biological organic fertilizer: In addition to being rich in organic matter, it also contains a large number of beneficial microorganisms. These microorganisms can be bacteria, fungi, and other types. For example, when biological organic fertilizer containing rhizobia is applied to the soil of legumes, the rhizobia can coexist with the roots of legumes, converting nitrogen from the air into nitrogenous compounds that the plants can absorb, thereby improving their nitrogen nutrition.
Fertilizer Efficiency Characteristics
Organic fertilizer: Its effect is relatively slow, but lasts longer. It primarily works by decomposing organic matter in the soil, gradually releasing nutrients for plant absorption. For example, after applying organic fertilizer, with seasonal changes and the activity of soil microorganisms, the organic matter continues to decompose, providing a continuous supply of nutrients for plant growth, potentially providing benefits throughout the growing season.
Biological organic fertilizer: On the one hand, the organic matter in it can provide nutrients to plants, and on the other hand, the beneficial microorganisms can promote plant growth in various ways. For example, some microorganisms can produce plant growth hormones, stimulating the growth and development of plant roots. Others can break down insoluble nutrients like phosphorus and potassium in the soil, making them more readily available to plants. These fertilizers are generally more effective than organic fertilizers and offer advantages in improving the soil’s ecological environment.
Impact on the Soil Ecosystem
Organic fertilizers increase the organic matter content in the soil, improving soil structure and making it more porous and breathable, which is beneficial for the survival of various soil organisms. They also promote the formation of soil aggregates, enhancing water retention and aeration. However, if organic fertilizers are not fully decomposed, they may introduce harmful organisms such as pathogens and weed seeds.
Biological organic fertilizers: After beneficial microorganisms colonize the soil, they interact with existing microorganisms. They can inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, for example, by competing for nutrients and living space, or by producing antimicrobial substances that inhibit pathogens. Furthermore, these microorganisms participate in the soil’s material cycle, accelerating the decomposition and transformation of organic matter, further improving the soil’s ecological environment.
Different Production Processes
Organic fertilizer: The production process is relatively simple, primarily involving the collection, accumulation, and composting of raw materials. For example, cow dung is piled up and naturally fermented, raising its temperature and killing some pathogens and weed seeds. After a period of time, it can be made into organic fertilizer.
Bio-organic fertilizer: The production process is more complex. First, the organic raw materials must be decontaminated and composted. Then, selected beneficial microorganisms are added to the composted organic material through a specific process (such as inoculation and mixing). The activity of the microorganisms must be maintained during storage and use. For example, when producing bio-organic fertilizer containing Bacillus spp., the Bacillus spp. must be inoculated into the organic fertilizer substrate under appropriate temperature and humidity conditions to ensure its survival and effectiveness.
