Organic fertilizer refers to fertilizer derived from natural organic matter and produced through the process of biological decomposition. It is composed of residues, waste, compost, etc. of plants, animals or microorganisms, and does not contain chemically synthesized fertilizer ingredients.
- Classification by applicable crops
a. Flowers
Organic fertilizer is very suitable for flower crops, such as roses, carnations, tulips, etc. Organic fertilizer can not only provide sufficient nutrients for flowers, but also increase the content of soil organic matter and soil moisture retention capacity, improve soil structure, and promote the growth and flowering of flowers.
b. Food
Organic fertilizer is also widely used in food crops, such as rice, wheat, corn, etc. Organic fertilizer can improve soil structure and soil fertility, improve the absorption and utilization rate of crop nutrients, increase crop yields, and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.
c. Vegetables
Organic fertilizer is very suitable for various vegetable crops, such as green vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplants. Organic fertilizers are rich in organic matter and nutrients, which can improve soil fertility and soil ecological environment, promote plant growth and development, and improve crop quality and yield.
d. Fruits
Organic fertilizers are also very suitable for fruit crops, such as apples, grapes, strawberries, etc. Organic fertilizers can provide sufficient nutrients for fruit crops, increase soil microorganisms and soil water retention, improve soil aeration and protect the root system. Compared with chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers can improve the sweetness and flavor of fruits.
- Classification by nutritional type
a. Animal fertilizer type
Mainly composed of livestock and poultry manure, human feces and urine, compost, and cake fertilizer, they have a wide source and large stock, and are the main source of organic fertilizers in rural areas. They are rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and have obvious effects on improving soil, fertilizing soil fertility, and improving soil water retention, fertilizer retention, and aeration performance.
b. Crop straw type
Made from plant materials such as plant residues and straw, such as straw compost, wood chip compost, lawn mowing, etc. Plant organic fertilizer contains rich organic matter and trace elements. When applied to the soil, it has significant effects on fertilizing the soil and retaining moisture.
c. Green manure type
Green manure is a fertilizer made from green plants. It is a complete biological fertilizer source. Planting green manure can effectively increase the fertilizer source, improve the soil quality, and provide sufficient nutrients for the soil. When it is irrigated on the soil surface, once it dissolves in the soil, it can greatly increase the organic matter and various trace elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the soil.
- Classification by properties
a. Liquid
Liquid organic fertilizer is generally understood as a new type of agricultural fertilizer in liquid form. It is organic matter + nutrients + amino acid fertilizer, with a scientific nutrient formula. It is rich in organic matter, amino acids, and magnesium, iron, boron, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum and other trace elements necessary for plants. It can enhance the ability of plants to resist diseases, drought, cold, lodging, and pests.
b. Granular
Granular organic fertilizer is organic fertilizer that has been processed through a certain process and made into granules for easy use. Granular organic fertilizer can be used as base fertilizer. When turning the soil, the fertilizer is spread on the surface and then plowed into the soil. It can also be used as topdressing. It is applied in holes or furrows at the root extension site of the plant. Fertilization can be carried out by base application, furrow application, hole application, and spreading.
c. Powdered
Powdered organic fertilizer does not need to be decomposed for a long time, blends with the soil faster, has sufficient contact with the root system, and is better absorbed.
- Application method
a. Bottom application
Apply organic fertilizer directly to the soil before sowing or transplanting, and then turn the soil again to fully mix the soil and fertilizer. In this way, the fertilizer can also act well on the plants and enable the crops to fully absorb nutrients.
b. Topdressing
During the growth of crops, add organic fertilizer to the crops in a timely manner according to the needs and growth stage of the crops. Topdressing and fertilization can be carried out by spraying, topdressing equipment, irrigation, etc.
c. Foliar spraying
By spraying organic fertilizer solution or liquid fertilizer, the nutrients are directly sprayed onto the leaves of crops, and the nutrients required by the crops are provided through the absorption of the leaves. This can not only ensure sufficient water, but also avoid excessive fertilizer concentration in the plants, thereby helping the plants to absorb better and grow more vigorously.
- Purchase tips
a. Look at the raw materials
Organic fertilizer raw materials are extensive, with more than 1,000 kinds. Generally, some straw, grain refined products or some grain scraps, or some oils, soybean meal, peanut meal and other raw materials containing plant protein are selected. Organic fertilizers made from plant protein. After high-temperature harmless treatment, this kind of organic fertilizer itself has a strong chelating effect. When it enters the soil, it can feed a large number of microorganisms and can directly provide nutrient absorption for crops.
b. Look at the water content
The water content of good organic fertilizers should be neither dry nor wet. Grab a handful of fertilizer and squeeze it in your hand. You can feel some moisture in the palm of your hand. Then let go of your hand and the fertilizer will spread out by itself. The fertilizer in this state is better.
c. Look at the color
Look at the color of the appearance of organic fertilizer. Organic fertilizer dried by physical methods still maintains the color of the original feces, but it has reduced moisture. Organic fertilizer treated by composting technology turns brown or black after decomposition. Generally, the darker the color, the higher the organic matter content, and there are no impurities in the finished product.
- Key knowledge
a. Tips for using organic fertilizer
Organic fertilizer is generally used in combination, that is, before planting, that is, when preparing soil, it is mixed with ordinary garden soil. You can also add some coconut soil, vermiculite, etc., and then plant plants. When planting flowers, plants and vegetables in pots or fields, the bottom is soil, and then some organic fertilizer is spread on the soil surface, and then covered with a layer of soil. In this way, when the plants grow to a certain extent, they can absorb nutrients.
b. Storage of organic fertilizer
Organic fertilizer basically has no shelf life. As long as it is stored in a sealed bag or bottle, it can be used for a long time. Organic fertilizer is generally soluble in water. It is very easy to clump or turn into liquid and flow away after being damp or wet, which seriously affects the fertilizer effect. Be careful not to damage the packaging bag during storage. Do not pile it outdoors and let it be blown by the wind, covered by snow, or exposed to the sun. It should also be padded with wooden boards indoors, more than 0.3 meters above the ground. The same kind of organic fertilizer should not be piled too high.
c. Precautions for using organic fertilizer
Organic fertilizer should be fully decomposed before application. Undecomposed feces are decomposed and fermented by microorganisms in the soil, and the ammonia produced can easily cause crop root burn and poisoning. Organic fertilizer should not be too concentrated or applied in large quantities. Especially for dryland crops, if organic fertilizer is applied directly between rows or near the roots of crops, it will cause physiological water loss in crops and form reverse osmosis. Organic fertilizer will lose a lot of fertilizer effect if it is dried and applied. In some places, people are accustomed to drying manure in the sun or applying it to the topsoil, which leads to the volatilization loss of nitrogen, the loss of most phosphorus and potassium, and polluting the environment.
