Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizers

Despite all the hype about organic fertilizers, they’re not the be-all and end-all plant food most people assume. There is no clear winner when you compare inorganic vs. organic fertilizers because it all depends on what your plants need.

What worked for your neighbor’s lawn might not work for your garden. Even plants of the same species usually have different needs to stay healthy. In fact, using the wrong fertilizer could risk your garden’s health. To avoid this, you must understand both types of fertilizers and determine which one is best for your lawn.

Differences between organic and inorganic fertilizers

The most obvious contrast between inorganic and organic fertilizers is their environmental impact. Inorganic fertilizers are non-biodegradable because they are commercially prepared. On the other hand, the naturally-occurring organic fertilizers come directly from nature, so they’re eco-friendly and renewable. Cow manure is a good example of an organic fertilizer.

When it comes to providing micronutrients, organic types are more cohesive, containing elements such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn). The synthetic types don’t have this abundance of nutrients, but what they lack in diversity is compensated by specific concentrations.

For instance, according to Chip Bubl, a horticulturist at the Oregon State University Extension Service, some nutrients, like nitrate, are quickly available for uptake by plant roots. But if you need a specific nutrient like nitrogen to be absorbed by your plant quickly, you’d want to use an ammonium sulfate inorganic fertilizer instead.

Here’s a quick rundown of the differences between inorganic vs. organic fertilizers:

Attribute	Inorganic fertilizers	Organic fertilizers
Plant absorption	Plants absorb nutrients quickly	Nutrients are absorbed by plants slowly
Environmental safety	Non-biodegradable and high usage of fossil fuels and increased CO2 emissions from production to transport	Biodegradable and limited use of fossil fuels in commercial distribution
Cost	Inexpensive	More expensive
Nutrition	Limited micronutrients but more concentrated	Packed with micronutrients
Effect on surroundings	Can pollute groundwater and interfere with soil ecology	None
Production	Some are mined from rocks, and all are produced in factories	Naturally occurring and prepared in fields

What is an organic fertilizer?

Any type of fertilizer derived from natural sources with a very minimal percentage of phosphate, nitrogen, and potassium is considered an organic fertilizer. This plant food seeks to emulate the same method nature uses, which is why it’s eco-friendly, renewable, and biodegradable.

Did you know a pound of organic matter can contain up to 20 pounds of water? This is one reason most farmers choose organic fertilizers as a form of drought protection.

Some of the most common organic fertilizers used today include the following:

• Seaweed
• Bone meal
• Animal waste
• Fish blood and bone
• Manures and compost
• Residues from plant roots, stems, and leaves

One of the biggest drawbacks of using organic fertilizers is that they can be expensive. But since most of the ingredients for this type of fertilizer are readily available, you can prepare your own organic fertilizer at home.

It can be as simple as combining all your food scraps, such as fruit peels, coffee grounds, and egg shells, into a pile of leaves. Then, wait for nature to do its course and let the microbes turn them into fine particles you can easily mix into the soil.

Why use organic fertilizers?

Whether you have the budget to buy or the time to make this type of plant food, the benefits of using one remain the same.

Packed with nutrients

This fertilizer type is packed with macro and micronutrients, helping plants in your lawn grow with vigor. So, going organic is best if you want a natural-looking and lush garden.

Helps soil organisms thrive

Organic fertilizers won’t kill beneficial organisms like fungi, bacteria, and earthworms that help your lawn become healthy. These organisms improve drainage, lawn aeration, and soil structure to help release nutrients from the soil for your plants’ consumption. Plus, with their ability to boost the soil’s water retention capability, the hot season won’t be a threat anymore.

Safe for plants and pets

Some organic fertilizers have chemical buffers that help slow down the absorption of nutrients. This helps your plants avoid having their nutrients depleted quickly and experiencing root toxicity. Slow absorption also helps prevent the rapid uptake of nutrients, which can cause stress and weaken the plants.

Even if they do contain a small amount of synthetic chemicals, organic types are generally friendly for pets. However, you still need to wait for the fertilizers to be absorbed by the soil before allowing your pet to play on the lawn.

Eco-friendly solution

This is perhaps one of the most well-known benefits of organic fertilizer, but it’s still worth mentioning. While you may not be tilling acres of corn fields, your lawn’s condition can still significantly contribute to the fight against global warming.

Using organic fertilizer helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the risk of nitrogen loss in the atmosphere.

What is an inorganic fertilizer?

For any practical homeowner, the affordability of inorganic fertilizer is what inclines them to choose this type of plant food over its organic counterpart. Industrially manufactured, synthetic fertilizers have high concentrations of macronutrients, but they mostly lack micronutrients.

While the goal of organic fertilizers is slow absorption, chemical types are all about the quick delivery of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) to plants. It’s like how caffeine affects us — a cup or two of coffee can give a quick boost of energy. But if you drink it like it’s your primary source of liquid, it becomes incredibly harmful to your health.

The same is true for these manufactured fertilizers. While they are reasonably priced, they shouldn’t be your lawn’s main source of nutrients.

Examples of inorganic fertilizers are:

• Ammonium sulfate
• Magnesium sulfate
• Triple superphosphate
• Potassium chloride or potash

Chemical fertilizers are receiving a lot of scorn these days due to their harmful effects on the planet. Making them in factories uses fossil fuels, and transporting them to store shelves produces carbon emissions. And when they are applied to the soil, they also contribute to the greenhouse gasses.

But why is using synthetic fertilizers still a good option? Well, these fertilizers are the steroids of the plant kingdom, showing results quickly. The key is to know when to select and use inorganic fertilizers.

Why use inorganic fertilizers?

In small quantities or on as-per-needed uses, inorganic fertilizers present big-time benefits not found in organic types. In fact, this type of fertilizer is still considered one of the most vital advancements in modern agriculture and gardening. Here are some of its advantages:

Cost-effective

A bag of inorganic fertilizer is relatively more affordable than an organic one. While creating your own organic fertilizer costs less, not everyone has the time and patience for this DIY project. Like with energy drinks, wouldn’t it be easier to buy a bottle from the store than create your own from scratch?

Convenient to use

These fertilizers can be easily bought from any local gardening store or even ordered online. Since they are packed and filled in convenient sizes, preparing and using them in your garden is easy. Plus, you can choose the product with the right amount of nutrients required by your lawn or plants.

Easy to store

When it comes to storage, you won’t have to worry about rapid deterioration with synthetic fertilizers. They can be in either granular or liquid form and come in specialized packaging. But if you want this type of fertilizer to last for several years, remember to store it in a dark, dry, and cool place.

Gives fast results

Inorganic fertilizers give you control over what and how much nutrients to provide your plants. As such, they act as a quick SOS treatment (think IV drips) that can rescue malnourished or even dying plants.

For example, if your plant requires nitrogen, you can use a high-nitrogen synthetic fertilizer to satisfy its needs.

When to use organic vs. inorganic fertilizers

As we established earlier, the best type of fertilizer for your lawn will depend on what your plants need. Usually, this means using one or the other at the right time and amount.

Think of it this way. Organic fertilizers can be compared to the health supplements we take every day to boost our immune system and improve our overall well-being. On the other hand, inorganic fertilizers are like the medicines we take when we’re not feeling well or need to treat a specific illness.

So, the choice between inorganic and organic fertilizer will depend on the issue you’re addressing.

Application uses of inorganic fertilizers

Here are some examples of when it’s better to use an inorganic fertilizer:

• First-aid solution: To revive a stressed lawn caused by nutrient deficiency, you need to use synthetic fertilizer. These fast-acting fertilizers allow rapid absorption, providing an immediate boost of nutrients to address the deficiency.
• Balancing the N-P-K nutrient ratio: To provide your lawn with N, P, or K, you’ll need to use the right type of inorganic fertilizer. For instance, if there’s stunted growth in a particular spot of your lawn, this could mean nitrogen deficiency. In this case, you’ll need to apply an inorganic fertilizer with a high nitrogen content.
• Deteriorating soil health: If you notice brown spots, yellow blades, or patchy grass on your lawn, there’s a great chance it needs the help of an inorganic fertilizer. Remember to test the soil in these problem spots to determine which nutrients are lacking.

Application uses of organic fertilizers

For the following concerns, it would be better to apply an organic fertilizer:

• Long-term use: Organic fertilizers like compost or manure are best for long-term use since they break down gradually to provide a sustained supply of nutrients over time. This slow-release nature can help maintain soil health and prevent nutrient runoff.
• Other nutrient deficiencies: To address nutrient deficiencies other than N-P-K, you’ll need to use organic fertilizers since they contain a broader range of micronutrients and trace elements.
• Avoiding over-fertilization: While using just the right amount of chemical fertilizer can help prevent over-fertilization and nutrient imbalances, there’s less chance of overdoing it when you use an organic type.

If you find fertilizer application too overwhelming, that’s because it really can be. Even if the nutrients in your lawn have already stabilized, environmental and other external conditions can still affect the balance.

Best time to fertilize your lawn

The best time to fertilize your lawn is when the grass is actively growing. If you have bahiagrass, bermudagrass, or another type of warm-season grass, it’s best to apply fertilizer during late spring to early summer.

For cool-season grasses like bluegrass and fescues, fertilize your lawn in late fall before the cold sets in. This way, you can wait until late spring before applying fertilizer again. Then, you can fertilize your lawn again during late summer or early fall.

Regardless of your grass type, avoid applying fertilizer before or immediately after heavy rains. Otherwise, it will just get washed away and go to waste. Also, fertilizing the lawn during extreme heat can be detrimental.

FAQ about organic vs. inorganic fertilizers

Do I have to be responsible when using fertilizer?

Being responsible when using fertilizer has a direct effect not only on your lawn but also on your immediate environment. The wrong application could result in disruptions in the soil, which could stunt or even kill your plants. It could even contribute to the greenhouse effect or climate change.

Additionally, some cities limit the use of chemical fertilizers on lawns to protect the health of homeowners and the environment. So, check with your city or state first before using one in your garden.

Is it better to hire a pro for lawn fertilization?

Yes, it would be better to hire a pro, especially if you’re unsure which type of fertilizer your lawn needs. Doing so can yield better results since they can expertly assess your lawn and apply the proper amount of the correct fertilizer at the right time. And, since professional lawn fertilization costs as low as $42, it’s better than applying the fertilizer yourself.

Will my plants grow faster if I use organic or inorganic fertilizer?

Fertilizers, in general, can make your plants grow faster with proper application. So, your choice between organic and inorganic fertilizers will depend on your plant’s specific needs.

If the nutrients in your lawn soil are already stable, using organic fertilizer might be enough. However, synthetic fertilizers would be the best solution if you need to boost specific nutrients quickly.

Use the right type of fertilizer for your lawn

George Silva, a senior educator at the Michigan State University Extension, said that “plants do not differentiate between nutrients derived from organic and inorganic fertilizer sources.” So, it’s up to you to know which type of fertilizer to use.

That’s why it’s still important to have lawn care experts handle the job. Even if you have experience handling fertilizers, a second opinion from these experts can help ensure you’re in the right direction.

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