Fertilizers: Organic vs Chemical

April 11, 2014Reading and Writing CLBRodrigo Martins

Fertilizers are basically chemical substances that provide and enrich the soil with

nutrients, which are intrinsic, and are of integral importance to the growth and

development of the plants. Fertilizers actually increase all these factors with the help of

supplying nutrients to the crops which include nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

However, there exist many types of fertilizers, which can make good things for the soil,

and bad things also. Two common types used are organic and chemical, which are

completely different in the way of producing, effects on soil, and food production.

In their production organic fertilizers are for the most part composed of naturally

occurring organic materials, which include manure, worm castings, compost, food

scraps and others types of waste. In addition, the use of animal dung and waste is an

economical way of obtaining organic fertilizer and at the same time it also ensures

effective yield as urine contains large amounts of phosphorous.

In contrast, the most part of chemical fertilizers are made with products

derivated from petroleum, rocks reserves, and many other chemical processes. These

kinds of fertilizers spend a lot of energy being produced, such as natural gas, mineral

coal that are fossil fuels, and contribute to global warming. Although these fertilizers

have increased the production of foods and their use has grown each new year.

Conversely, the continued use has created some problems for soil.

The use of organic fertilizers improves soil quality and has offered many

benefits, such as improved soil structure, organic matter, capacity to retain water,

corrects the deficiency of nutrients, and provides nutrients for the plant growth. On one

hand, some fertilizers have too much sodium in the composition, which may hinder the

development of the plants. The use should be done in a controlled way.

Similarly, chemical fertilizers provide benefits more specific to the plants, such

as correcting the nutritional deficiency, improving the plant growth, and increasing the

process of food production. At the same time, if it used in excess, it can cause

environmental disasters, which will be drastically changed the chemical composition of

the soil. Consequently, the soil becomes poorer reducing the presence of live organisms

and oxygen.

For the purpose of food production both are different in many situations. The

organic fertilizers are produced as an alternative to give a sustainable destination for

animal waste, improve soil quality, and also, as an economic option for small farmers.

The production of organic food is more common in small farms, and has a production

that is considered small, if compared with foods from chemical products.

In contrast, chemical fertilizers are used for all of farmers, especially those that

have big food production. These fertilizers provide nutrients for the specific deficiency

of the plant. This way plants have faster growth, and becomes healthier with a better

food quality. On the other hand, this amount of nutrients in plants can attract pests or

diseases that will require the use of pesticides, which are specific products to solve these

problems.

In conclusion, both options are commonly used in agriculture, and each one has

advantages as well as disadvantages. Notwithstanding, in a sustainable way of food

production the organic fertilizer can provide more benefits to soil, plant, and population

in general, which is the main consumers.