Using Organic Fertilizers

A disconcerting change is underfoot. More people are asking for organic fertilizers. It is not that the fertilizers are organic that is worrisome. It is how they are being portrayed and ultimately used.

Sure, there are organically approved blended fertilizers—many of them. Each one is presented as being better than the next. They tempt us with promises of a plethora of essential nutrients, disease suppression, improved soil, and money savings; all the while making us more environmentally friendly and better horticulturists.

The materials used in natural and organic fertilizers typically come from animal byproducts, agricultural waste, humate, rock minerals, fish wastes, and other marine products. The idea that we become better stewards of the land by using these products, is a tough one to overcome. If all we have to do is switch from one product to another, which provides the same or better results, at the same or lower costs, saves the planet, and feeds our family, there is no issue. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Organic gardening, lawn, and land care make effective use of the natural fertility of the site through best cultural practices. Nevertheless, conditions sometimes exist that require us to make use of soil amendments—including fertilizers—to correct past wrongs or deficiencies in the soil system. Using an organic fertilizer is reasonable as long as we know what is needed; the resources to make the changes are locally available; and we do not intend to support the soil system vicariously, indefinitely. Although there are organically approved fertilizers, the choices of materials, application times and rates need to be carefully thought out and based on whole-system management.