COMPOSITION

Essential plant nutrition: exploring the virtues of organic and mineral fertilizers

Fertilizers play a crucial role in modern agriculture, providing essential nutrients to be missing in the soil, and come into two main categories: organic and mineral (or inorganic). We are going to immerse ourselves in the unique characteristics and composition of each one to better understand how they benefit our plants and crops.

Organic fertilizer

Organic fertilizers are derived from living materials - plants, animals, or kitchen waste. These products are rich in organic matter, which not only nourishes plants but also improves soil structure, their water retention capacity and encourages the activity of beneficial microorganisms. The composition varies widely depending on the source, but they generally include a mixture of:

• Nitrogen (N): Essential for the growth of leaves and protein synthesis. In organic fertilizers, nitrogen usually comes from sources such as manure, compost, or blood flour.
• Phosphorus (P): Crucial for the development of roots, flowers, and fruits. It can be obtained from bone flour, guano, or compost of plant waste.
• Potassium (K): Important for plant resistance and carbohydrate synthesis. Common sources include wooden ash, guano, and compost of fruits and vegetables.

In addition, organic fertilizers can contain other essential microelements such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, depending on the raw material used in its production.

Mineral fertilizer

Mineral or inorganic fertilizers are synthesized from minerals or chemically produced to offer a direct and concentrated source of specific nutrients. These fertilizers are highly soluble, which allows plants to quickly absorb nutrients. Its composition focuses mainly on three key nutrients:

• Nitrogen (N): Available in forms such as nitrate, ammonia, or urea, nitrogen in mineral fertilizers promotes rapid vegetative growth.
• Phosphorus (P): Often derived from phosphoric acid or rock phosphate, helps the development of roots, flowers, and seeds.
• Potassium (K): Coming from potassium chloride or potassium sulfate, it is essential for photosynthesis, water regulation, and disease resistance.

Mineral fertilizers can also be formulated to include microelements such as iron, manganese, zinc, copper, among others, which are fundamental to the health and development of plants.

The choice between organic and mineral fertilizers depends on several factors, including the specific objectives of cultivation, preferences in sustainable agriculture, and nutritional needs of plants. While organic fertilizers offer long -term benefits for soil and environmental health, mineral fertilizers provide a quick and directed solution for nutrient supply. In many cases, a combination of both types can be the best strategy to achieve a balance between soil enrichment and effective plant nutrition.