Question

what are the advantages of using compost or the green manure as against the use of fertilizers for the enrichment of soil ​

Answer 1

Answer: The Advantages of using organic fertilizers are:

1. Soil Structure -Because of the organic matter present in organic fertilizer, soil structure is improved and as a result the soil’s ability to hold onto water and nutrients increases.

2. Microbes Thrive -Synthetic fertilizer consists of chemical molecules without carbon. These molecules can sometimes be disruptive and are not accessible to microbes. On the other hand, organic fertilizer is rich in organic matter, which helps microbes thrive. Organic fertilizer contains carbon as part of its chemical makeup; and it is the carbon, along with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that feeds microbes and enables them to make nutrients available for plants in a naturally occurring biological process.

3. Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly -Synthetic fertilizers runoff into our waterways harming marine life and water quality. Organic fertilizers do not run off as easily (if at all) and are associated with soil structure. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic fertilizer also increases species biodiversity by 30% compared with synthetic fertilizer.

Disadvantages of using organic fertilizers:

1. Not All Products Are Created Equally

Not all products are created equally and many organic products produce inconsistent results. Make sure you are selecting a product that is industry vetted by reviewing any university studies or case studies.

2. Nutrient Levels Are Low

The level of nutrients present in organic fertilizer is often low. In addition, the nutrients are usually complexed in organic chemical structure; this means using organic fertilizer may not produce the pop of color seen with a chemical fertilizer. Using an organic fertilizer is a process, not an event.

3. DIY Compost is a Complicated Procedure

While you can produce your own compost, it’s a messy and complicated process that often leads to an inconsistent product and end-result.

Explanation: