Organic fertilizers are fermented and decomposed animal and plant waste. They are rich in organic matter and various nutrients, improving soil structure and increasing soil fertility. Common organic fertilizers include:
Manure: Made from the composted manure of livestock (such as cattle, sheep, and pigs), it is rich in organic matter and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It has long-lasting effects and improves soil structure. It must be thoroughly decomposed before use to avoid root burn.
Wood ash: The residue left after burning plants (herbs and woody plants) is rich in potassium and various trace elements such as phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. It is a fast-acting potassium fertilizer that is effective in promoting root growth and enhancing plant resistance in flowers. However, it is important to note that wood ash is alkaline and should be used with caution for flowers that prefer acidic soils.
Cake fertilizer: Made from the residue left after oil is pressed from the seeds of oilseed crops (such as soybeans, peanuts, and sesame seeds), it is rich in protein, fat, and various nutrients. It has a long-lasting effect and improves soil structure. Cake fertilizer can be mixed into the soil as a base fertilizer during repotting or planting, or used as a topdressing during the growth period of flowers.
Bone meal: A fertilizer made from processed animal bones, rich in phosphorus and calcium. Phosphorus is a key element for flower growth, playing an important role in promoting flower bud differentiation, early flowering, and extending the flowering period. Bone meal can be used as a base fertilizer or a topdressing fertilizer.
B. Inorganic Fertilizers
Inorganic fertilizers are inorganic substances containing crop nutrients produced by chemical methods or/and mixed methods. Common inorganic fertilizers include nitrogen fertilizers, phosphorus fertilizers, and potassium fertilizers.
Nitrogen fertilizers: Their primary function is to promote the growth of plant leaves and branches. They are important for the post-flowering recovery period of foliage plants and flowering plants. Common nitrogen fertilizers include urea and ammonium sulfate. However, excessive nitrogen fertilizer use over a long period of time can lead to problems such as excessive growth, a lack of flowering, or a shortened flowering period.
Phosphorus fertilizer: Its primary function is to promote flowering and fruiting. For flowering plants, the use of phosphorus fertilizer is crucial. Appropriate use of phosphorus fertilizer during the flower bud differentiation period and before flowering can significantly increase the number and quality of flowers. Common phosphorus fertilizers include superphosphate and potassium dihydrogen phosphate.
Potassium fertilizer: Its primary function is to promote root growth, enhance plant resilience, and improve fruit quality. For bulbous plants, potassium fertilizer can promote bulb enlargement and division. Common potassium fertilizers include potassium sulfate and potassium chloride.
C. Compound Fertilizers
Compound fertilizers are fertilizers that contain two or more of the three main nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Compound fertilizers offer comprehensive nutrients and long-lasting effects, meeting the diverse nutrient needs of flowers at different growth stages. Common compound fertilizers include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizers and potassium dihydrogen phosphate compound fertilizers. When using a compound fertilizer, choose the appropriate type and method based on the specific needs and growth conditions of the flower.
D. Other Fertilizers
In addition to the main fertilizers listed above, there are other types of fertilizers available, such as trace element fertilizers (such as iron, zinc, and manganese) and homemade fertilizers (such as traditional Chinese medicine residue, eggshell powder, and waste oil from range hoods). While less common than the above fertilizers, these fertilizers can provide essential nutritional support for flowers under certain circumstances.
There are significant differences between organic and inorganic fertilizers, primarily in terms of nutrient content, effective lifespan, soil impact, source, function, application rate, effectiveness, frequency, and processing technology.
a. Nutrient Content
Organic fertilizers: Contain rich organic matter and various nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic matter, and a variety of trace elements, providing a more balanced and comprehensive supply.
Inorganic fertilizers: Relatively speaking, they are relatively single-nutrient, typically containing only one or a few key nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, requiring a combination of fertilizers for balanced application.
b. Fertilizer Effectiveness
Organic fertilizers: Release nutrients slowly and have a long effective period, making them suitable for use as base fertilizers or long-term applications.
Inorganic fertilizers: Release nutrients quickly and have a short effective period, typically requiring multiple topdressings depending on crop growth.
c. Impact on Soil
Organic fertilizers: Contain a large number of beneficial microorganisms, which promote biotransformation in the soil, contributing to the continuous improvement of soil fertility. They also improve soil structure, increase soil aggregate structure, and enhance the soil’s ability to retain and supply nutrients and its buffering capacity.
Excessive use of inorganic fertilizers can inhibit soil microbial activity, leading to a decrease in the soil’s self-regulating ability, resulting in dry and compacted soil surfaces, which can easily lead to soil erosion and reduce the organic matter content in the soil.
d. Sources
Organic fertilizers: Primarily derived from fermented materials such as animal and plant debris or excrement, such as manure, compost, and cake fertilizer.
Inorganic fertilizers: Also known as chemical fertilizers or fertilizers, these are fertilizers produced in factories using chemical synthesis methods, such as urea, calcium phosphate, and potassium chloride.
e. Functions
Organic fertilizers: Their primary function is to improve soil fertility, enhancing soil quality and creating favorable conditions for crop growth.
Inorganic fertilizers: Their primary component is inorganic nutrients, directly affecting crop growth and development, providing quickly available nutrients.
f. Fertilizer Amount
Organic fertilizers: Because their nutrient content is relatively low and their release rate is slow, larger amounts are required per application. For example, farmyard manure may require tons of fertilizer to be applied to the soil.
Inorganic fertilizers: Their nutrient content is purified and high, requiring a relatively small amount. For example, some water-soluble fertilizers may only require a few kilograms per acre to meet crop needs.
g. Fertilization Effects
Organic fertilizers: While their effects may be slower to develop after application, their fertility remains long-lasting, benefiting long-term crop growth.
Inorganic fertilizers: Nutrients are released quickly after application, and crops absorb them quickly, resulting in quick results, but the fertilizing effect is less long-lasting.
h. Fertilization Frequency
Organic fertilizers: Typically applied once or twice a year, they release fertility over a long period of time.
Inorganic fertilizers: Multiple topdressings are required depending on crop growth to meet the needs of the crop at different stages of growth.
i. Processing Technology
Organic fertilizers: They are generally made by thoroughly composting plant and animal matter. The production process is relatively complex and takes time.
Inorganic fertilizers: They are produced in factories through chemical synthesis methods. The production process is relatively simple and fast.
Choosing the right fertilizer for flowers depends on many factors, including the plant type, growth stage, soil conditions, and environmental conditions. The following are some common fertilizer types that are suitable for different situations:
Plant Types:
Foliage plants: They generally require more nitrogen (N) to promote leaf growth and can use high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Flowering plants: They require more phosphorus (P) around the time of flowering to promote flower bud differentiation and flower formation. High-phosphorus fertilizers can be used.
Fruiting plants: During the fruiting period, they require more potassium (K) fertilizer to promote fruit ripening and improve quality. A high-potassium fertilizer can be used.
Growth Stage:
Seedling stage: They require a balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer to promote a healthy root system and overall growth. A balanced compound fertilizer can be used.
Active growth stage: They require more nitrogen fertilizer to support rapid growth. A high-nitrogen fertilizer can be used.
Flowering or fruiting stage: As mentioned above, the use of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be increased.
Soil Conditions:
Poor soil: Organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted animal manure should be added to improve soil structure and provide nutrients.
Alkaline soil: Acidic fertilizers or sulfur powder may need to be added to lower the soil pH.
Acidic soil: Lime may need to be added to raise the soil pH.
Environmental Conditions:
Indoor plants: Due to limited light and ventilation, slow-release fertilizers or liquid fertilizers can be used to control the amount of fertilizer applied.
Outdoor plants: Use a controlled-release fertilizer, which slowly releases nutrients based on the plant’s needs and seasonal changes.
Special Cases:
Micronutrient Deficiency: If your plant shows signs of a deficiency, use a fertilizer containing trace elements such as iron, zinc, and boron.
Slow Growth: Use a nitrogen-containing fertilizer to stimulate growth.
Root Damage: After repotting or transplanting, use a rooting fertilizer to promote root development.
