Types Of Fertilizers

Fertilizers are chemical compounds that help boost the growth of plants by providing them with essential nutrition. To cultivate healthier plants and gardens, the soil must be amended with the right kind or fertilizers. Choosing the right kind of fertilizer is important as all fertilizers don’t work equally for all soil types. Plus, different plants have different requirements as well. In addition to this, the application of fertilizers also varies. While some fertilizers are applied during the sowing time, some fertilizers work best when applied during planting. Soil that is already rich in nutrients does not need fertilizers, but soil that has gone through many cycles of planting and harvesting might lack nutrients and may need addition of fertilizers to support further plant growth. A fertilizer acts as a nutrient supplement and promotes plant growth. Although fertilizers are chiefly of two types, organic and inorganic, there can be other forms too. To learn more about different types of fertilizer, browse through the following section.

Different Kinds Of Fertilizers

Synthetic Fertilizers

Synthetic fertilizers have the same ingredients as that of organic fertilizers. The only difference, however, is that they come from a different source. Synthetic fertilizers are synthetically made using a combination of different chemicals. Synthetic fertilizers are your best bet when plants are almost dying and need fertilizers straight away to resuscitate them. If you are into gardening, then keeping synthetic or inorganic fertilizers at home can come handy at times.

Phosphorous-Based Fertilizers

Steamed bone meal is probably the most recommended phosphorus – based organic fertilizer. This fertilizer works best when applied while planting. Expert gardeners suggest that bone meal in pulverized or a powdered form works best. If you are looking for inorganic phosphorus-based fertilizers, then superphosphates are a good choice for you. You may use single, double, or triple superphosphates according to the need of increasing the phosphoric acid levels in the soil.

Organic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizers stimulate soil microbes to work on the soil. The microbes, in turn, break down the fertilizer and slowly release nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium into the soil. The most common organic fertilizers include vermin-compost, seaweed, fish and bone meal, and mushroom compost. Nevertheless, before applying organic fertilizers, you should examine the soil and the type of plant you are growing as the activities of different fertilizers vary differently in different soil types.

Potassium Based Fertilizers

Potassium based fertilizers are best for crops that grow in sandy soil. This type of fertilizer boosts the growth of plants like chilies, fruit trees, and potatoes. However, before applying this fertilizer, you should check the potassium content of the soil and apply it only if it is not present in adequate amounts. The two most popular varieties of potassium-based fertilizers include ‘muriate of potash’ and ‘sulfate of potash’. Both these fertilizers are very water soluble and dissolve in the soil quickly.

Nitrogen Based Fertilizers 

Nitrogen based fertilizers are beneficial for all types of plants. This kind of fertilizer works slowly by releasing nitrogen in the soil. This fertilizer is applied only after plantation. The most common sources of nitrogen-based fertilizers are plant and animal byproducts. Fish meal and manure are most popular organic nitrogen – based fertilizers, while sodium nitrate is popular among the inorganic fertilizers. While applying this fertilizer, remember to follow the manufacturer’s instruction guidebook.

Time Release Fertilizers

Time release fertilizers are used widely these days. These fertilizers are released slowly over time, ideally over 2-6 months. The fertilizers are released in a controlled manner so that the plants don’t see a surge of nutrients. The release of nutrients is accelerated in the presence of moisture in the soil.

Fertilizer With Pesticide

If you are looking for something that can provide nutrition to your plants as well as keep insects at bay, then opt for fertilizers that come along with pesticides. While such fertilizer will boost up the health of the plant by providing essential nutrients, the pesticides will keep away the insects. Plus, it is much more economical than buying pesticides and fertilizers individually.

The above mentioned fertilizers are but a few that exist in the family of different types of fertilizers. These, however, happen to be the most noteworthy of fertilizers.