Again and again you come across mixed organic-mineral fertilizers. We explain what this is all about, how they work and name their advantages and disadvantages.
The mineral and organic fertilizers seem to be opposites. But doesn't it always say that opposites attract each other? Mineral and organic fertilizers also go better together than you might think. The mixture combines the positive properties of both fertilizers. As the saying goes: It's all in the mix.
contents
- What is organic mineral fertilizer?
- Effect and nutritional content of organic-mineral fertilizers
- Advantages and disadvantages of organic-mineral fertilizers
- Examples of organic-mineral fertilizers
- Use of organic-mineral fertilizer
The topics of nutrient leaching and overfertilized waters are very topical. But agriculture is not the only thing that contributes to this, because gardens in particular are often fertilized too much. Unfortunately, a lot doesn't necessarily help a lot, it can quickly lead to a surplus - and that ends up in the environment. Organic-mineral fertilizers, which reduce leaching and optimally supply the plants with nutrients, are a wonderful alternative.
What is organic mineral fertilizer?
Typically, fertilizers can be divided into two categories: Mineral fertilizers are either produced industrially or are mined elsewhere. The nutrients are already dissolved and directly available to the plants. It looks different with organic fertilizer. This is of vegetable or animal origin. With this type of fertilizer, the nutrients are bound, for example in compost, Horse manure or dead plant parts. Before they can be used by the plant, they must first be processed by soil organisms.
Effect and nutritional content of organic-mineral fertilizers
The nutrient content of organic-mineral fertilizer is lower than that of purely mineral fertilizers Fertilizers, as the organic components contain far fewer nutrients than mineral ones Fertilizer. The lower concentration of nutrients helps prevent nutrients from being washed out as quickly. Nevertheless, the nutrients are more concentrated than with purely organic fertilizers.
The really interesting thing, however, is not the nutrient concentration, but the nutrient availability. The mineral component of the fertilizer is quickly and directly available to the plant, but it is also quickly used up by the plant. The organic component, on the other hand, ensures that the effect of the fertilizer lasts for a long time. However, there are also long-term mineral fertilizers. Nitrification-inhibiting substances are added to these fertilizers, which prevent bacteria from making the nitrogen available to the plants too quickly.
Advantages and disadvantages of organic-mineral fertilizers
Organic-mineral fertilizers know how to combine the positive properties of organic and mineral fertilizers.
Advantages of organic-mineral fertilizer:
- Rapid nutrient availability and long-term effects: the nutrients from mineral fertilizers are directly available to plants. However, the effect quickly wears off and it has to be fertilized regularly. The nutrients from organic fertilizer, on the other hand, are only gradually released continuously, which is why it has a long-term effect. Organic-mineral fertilizer combines both advantages.
- Soil fertility: While mineral fertilizers simply consist of highly concentrated nutrients, organic fertilizers make an important contribution to soil fertility. Soil organisms receive fresh food from the fertilizer, can improve the structure of the soil and contribute to the build-up of humus.
Of course, organic-mineral fertilizer is a compromise of both components. It has the disadvantage that the soil fertility is not improved as much as with pure organic fertilizer. In addition, the mining and production of mineral fertilizers are energy-intensive and not exactly environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, they are a good alternative, because not everyone has manure or compost available. In addition, unlike slow-acting organic fertilizers, it is also effective immediately.
Examples of organic-mineral fertilizers
Organic-mineral fertilizers are now offered quite often due to their clear advantages. Very good examples of such organic quality fertilizers are our various Plantura organic plant fertilizer. They improve the structure of your soil and represent an active soil life. The exclusively non-animal components such as cocoa shells or grape seed oil cake were only used as rock phosphate and kieserite Mineral components are added, as the nutrients phosphorus, magnesium and sulfur contained only in very small proportions in organic materials are included. The burial of these nutrients creates the optimal nutrient ratio for your plants.
An expert in organic mineral fertilizers is also CUXIN DCMwhere both hobby and professional gardeners can choose from various fertilizers.
Use of organic-mineral fertilizer
Organic-mineral fertilizer is used in spring at the beginning of the growing season. Simply work the fertilizer into the top layer of soil around your plants. As he opposed to exclusively mineral fertilizer has a long-term effect, you do not need to apply it regularly. A second dose in early summer is sufficient.
More information to pure organic fertilizer we have put it together for you here.
Many thanks to CUXIN DCM for their support!
