Introduction and Importance of Organic Fertilizer
In a world where natural resources are rapidly depleting, the use of organic fertilizer as a sustainable option has gained significant importance. Many companies and orchardists in Iran are seeking ways to both increase crop yields and preserve soil and environmental health. Today, human and environmental health are profoundly affected by our agricultural choices, making the use of natural fertilizers instead of chemical substances a vital necessity.
This has led to the inclusion of natural and organic fertilization methods in research and practical programs within the agriculture industry and startups.
In this article, we aim to take a deep, realistic, and practical look at organic fertilizers their characteristics, types, benefits, methods of homemade production, differences from chemical fertilizers, and their effects on soil structure.
Definition of Organic Fertilizer and Key Terms
Conceptually, organic fertilizer and natural fertilizer refer to decomposed materials of biological origin: plant matter, animal manure, food scraps, and green manure from specific plants. These materials are known as soil amendments meaning they not only provide nutrients but also improve the physical and chemical structure of the soil.
- Animal Manure: Decomposed excrement of domesticated animals, often rich in nitrogen and organic matter.
- Plant-Based Fertilizer: Leaves, stems, and plant waste that are returned to the soil through decomposition.
- Green Manure: Plants like clover, alfalfa, or mung bean that are plowed into the soil before seed formation to fix nitrogen.
- Soil Amendment: A substance that, in addition to supplying nutrients, increases permeability, aeration, and water-holding capacity of the soil.
Types of Organic Fertilizer
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Animal Manure
Animal manure is made from the waste of cows, sheep, chickens, or horses. Before use, it needs to undergo composting (dry or wet compost) to eliminate weeds, insect eggs, and pathogens. This fertilizer:
- Improves soil structure
- Provides nutrients with a slow-release rate to the plant
- Can cause increased salinity or unpleasant odors if used excessively without proper treatment
It is recommended that animal manure be composted for at least 3 to 6 months in semi-dry conditions before use.
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Plant-Based and Green Fertilizers
Plant-based fertilizers include leaves, small branches, and garden waste. Specific plants like clover, alfalfa, and mung beans are grown as green manure and then plowed into the soil after growth to help fix nitrogen. This method is common in natural fertilization and is suitable for improving soil in agricultural rotations.
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Homemade and Industrial Compost
At home, you can make natural compost by collecting kitchen scraps, dry leaves, and small amounts of animal manure. In industrial settings, controlled processes and specific microorganisms are used to produce high-quality organic fertilizer. Homemade compost helps reduce waste and costs, but it is insufficient in volume for farm-scale use.
Benefits of Organic Fertilizer in Agriculture and Gardening
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Soil Structure Improvement and Moisture Retention
Organic fertilizer, by adding organic matter, allows soil to better retain air and water. This leads to better root penetration and more water retention in dry soil. Such a composition increases plant resistance to drought or rapid temperature changes.
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Increasing Soil Biodiversity
Using organic fertilizer increases the population of microorganisms, earthworms, and beneficial fungi in the soil. This biodiversity naturally helps control pests and improves overall soil health.
Reducing Dependency on Chemical Fertilizers
Using organic fertilizer over the long term reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. This not only cuts down on repeated costs but also decreases the risk of groundwater contamination and soil salinization.
Difference Between Organic and Chemical Fertilizers
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Short-term vs. Long-term Effects on Soil
Chemical fertilizers provide nutrients to plants rapidly, but frequent use may unbalance the soil. In contrast, the effect of organic fertilizer is gradual and contributes to soil health and biological balance.
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Possible Drawbacks of Chemical Fertilizers
Long-term issues with chemical fertilizers include salt buildup, reduction of beneficial microorganisms, contamination of water sources, and health risks to humans and animals.
How to Make Organic Fertilizer at Home
You can create homemade organic fertilizer using simple tools like plastic buckets and food waste. The steps are as follows:
- Collecting Materials: Fruit peels, dry leaves, leftover tea, unprinted paper, animal manure
- Layering: Alternating layers of green (nitrogen-rich protein) and brown (carbon-rich) broken materials
- Controlled Moisture: Moisture level should resemble that of a damp sponge
- Regular Turning: Every two weeks for aeration
- Timing: Takes about 3 to 6 months to become usable compost
- Final Test: Dark color, mild earthy smell, and crumbly texture indicate the compost is ready
Application of Plant and Animal-Based Fertilizers on Soil Structure
A proper mix of plant and animal-based fertilizers results in:
- Improved soil aeration and sedimentation
- Better nutrient absorption
- Moisture retention deeper in the soil
For example, research shows that adding 20–30% compost along with animal manure supplies the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium the plant needs, while preserving the soil’s crumbly texture.
How to Use Organic Plant-Based Fertilizer
- Best Timing: Before transplanting or early in the growth phase
- Amount: 2 to 4 kilograms per square meter for light soil, less for heavy soil
- Application Method: Mix into the topsoil or apply with irrigation water
- After Application: Soil should be lightly watered to help the fertilizer distribute into the upper soil layer
What Is the Role of Green Fertilizer?
Green manure plants are known for nitrogen fixation (in partnership with rhizobium bacteria), preventing soil erosion, and weed control. This method also improves soil structure and is beneficial for crop rotation changes.
Is Animal Manure Beneficial for Trees?
Yes, properly treated animal manure is especially beneficial for fruit trees. Applying it in spring, before blooming, increases vegetative growth and fruit quality. Combining it with compost yields the best results for soil health and tree growth.
The Role of Grownida, the Grownida Innovation and Creativity Center, in Promoting Organic Fertilizer
The Grownida Innovation and Creativity Center is not just a name; it stands as a leading institution in education, innovation, and creativity, promoting organic farming methods and supporting related businesses. It has contributed to raising awareness and increasing the production of natural fertilizers. This approach reflects a blend of traditional experience with a forward-thinking perspective in the agricultural ecosystem.
Practical Tips for Farmers and Emerging Entrepreneurs
- Conduct soil testing before applying fertilizer
- Local production and standardized packaging for distribution
- Content marketing, especially in the digital space, to highlight the benefits of organic fertilizer
- Collaboration with research centers like Grownida to design educational packages and pilot samples for customer attraction
- Economic justification: reducing the costs of importing chemical fertilizers and supporting sustainable business growth in the long term
Challenges and Solutions in Using Organic Fertilizer
Issues such as sourcing quality materials, the long cycle of composting, transportation costs, and timing of application exist. Recommended solutions include:
- Designing a local supply chain
- Utilizing active microorganisms to accelerate conversion
- Establishing intermediate processing centers in densely farmed areas
- Implementing quality control systems and organic certification to increase consumer trust
Conclusion
What is organic fertilizer? It has a profound and simultaneously practical answer: a combination of biological materials that nourish the plant, improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and sustain the system. Using various types of natural fertilizers especially in horticulture, farming, and emerging businesses is a smart path toward healthy production, cost reduction, and environmental preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is organic fertilizer?
Organic fertilizer is a decomposed substance of biological origin, such as animal manure, compost, or green manure, which naturally improves soil and nourishes plants.
Why should we use natural fertilizer?
Because this type of fertilizer increases soil porosity, water retention, biodiversity, and reduces environmental pollution. It is a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.
Is organic fertilizer better than chemical fertilizer?
Organic fertilizer has long-term effects, strengthens soil, and protects the environment; chemical fertilizers have stronger short-term effects but may weaken the soil or pollute the environment.
From what materials is organic fertilizer produced?
It is made from plant waste, household scraps, animal manure, specific green plants, and compost produced either industrially or at home.
How is organic plant fertilizer used?
Mix the materials with surface soil at the appropriate time (before or during planting), water gently, and perform soil turning at regular intervals.
