Inorganic Fertilizer

Inorganic Fertilizer
Did you know that inorganic fertilizers are actually manufactured in labs? Read on to know more about these fertilizers, their advantages as well as disadvantages.

Nutrients naturally found in soil are very essential for the growth of the plants. However, sometimes these nutrients in soil might not be enough to stimulate the plant growth. This is where fertilizers, the protein supplements for plants, come handy. Fertilizers add nutrients to the soil which are lacking in it otherwise. There are two types of fertilizers which are chiefly used by plant growers, i.e. organic and inorganic. Let us understand both these fertilizers, the difference between the two as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using inorganic fertilizers.

Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are those that are made by making use of the substances that occur naturally. They also include the wasteful remains of the animals as well as dead plants. Organic fertilizers are known for being chemically rich as they contain nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in large quantities.

An inorganic fertilizer, also known as a chemical fertilizer or a synthetic fertilizer is artificially made in the labs and contains all the vital nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphors and potassium, which are present in the organic fertilizers. Unlike organic fertilizers, inorganic fertilizers do not have to be broken down before being absorbed by plants as the nutrients present in them are easily absorbed.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage that inorganic fertilizers have over organic fertilizers is that they can be used immediately to rescue dying plants. This is because the nutrients present in them are easily absorbed by the plants and unlike the nutrients present in organic fertilizers, do not need to be broken into primary nutrients for absorption by plants. Organic fertilizers effects can get delayed and by that time a plant can die completely.

Another advantage that inorganic fertilizers have over organic fertilizers is that they are easily available at most gardening stores and hence, are quite convenient to use. On the other hand, making them can take a lot of time as well as effort. Decomposition process in making organic fertilizers is time-consuming, which delays the making of organic fertilizers.

The main disadvantage of inorganic fertilizers is that it costs much higher than the organic fertilizers. So if someone is using fertilizers in bulk, organic fertilizers are much more cost-effective. The second disadvantage is the problem of leeching, i.e. the fertilizer and the nutrients getting washed away, is much more prevalent when inorganic fertilizers are used. This is because in inorganic fertilizers, the nutrients are already in their most basic components, and hence, can be washed away easily, if the plant roots are over watered or watered with force.

Another disadvantage is that besides the essential nutrients required by plants, they contain certain compounds and salts which a plant is unable to absorb and hence, are left behind in the soil. With time, these compounds build up in the soil and can even change its chemistry. This can render the soil less than ideal for future plantations. Lastly, over usage of inorganic fertilizers can prove to be detrimental for the plants. Too much of it can burn or destroy the plant structures, including the roots, which can hamper the plant's overall development.

Inorganic fertilizers have both advantages as well as disadvantages. By taking measures to minimize its disadvantages such as carefully watering the plants to avoid leeching and avoiding its over usage to check build up of compounds, a plant grower can take maximum advantage of its benefits.