The importance of organic fertilizer in agriculture

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Organic Fertilizer

• The use of organic fertilizer in sustainable gardens and farms is quickly gaining in popularity - the number of acres of organic agriculture increased from 59 million in 2004 to nearly 81 million in 2009 - especially as their mitigating effects on the environment are demonstrated through more and more studies. While the use of synthetics amendments is both dangerous and expensive, not all organic amendments can be considered sustainable.

Chemical Fertilizer vs Organic Fertilizer

• Nitrogen fertilizers break down into nitrates upon application. Nitrates are necessary for the plants growth but an excess will leach into groundwater supplies and can contaminate sources miles away. Because nitrogen leaches through the soil more quickly, over-application is abundant. These chemical fertilizers have a hugely negative effect on plant and aquatic life, as well as human health.

• And when comparing chemical fertilizers vs organic fertilizers it's important to mention one study from the University of California, Berkeley that states sustainable farming can indeed "feed the world", despite what proponents and manufacturers of chemical fertilizers would have us believe. It produces as high harvest rates, using less inputs and virtually eliminates the pollution or contamination that leads to health and environmental issues.

Most Sustainable Organic Fertilizer CompostYou really can't get enough of

this. Made from your own yard and kitchen scraps, compost creates a fully closed-cycled system within your home. Little is wasted and its benefits are unsurpassed as both a soil amendment and mulch.

Compost in greater amounts can also be acquired from local farmers or for free from communities with a composting program.

Manures  High in nitrogen,

animal waste from cows, horses, chickens or pigs are a great amendment to the soil and give sustainable use to an otherwise smelly by-product.

Mulches   The use of organic mulch

is as important as the use of compost.

A thin or thick layer (depending on the plant) of wood bark, dried leaves, grass clippings, or any other organic material will primarily help retain moisture, but will also break down over time, acting as a slow release fertilizer and adding to soil fertility

Sourceshttp://

www.sustainablebabysteps.com/organic-fertilizer.html

http://www.metro-forestry.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/