This is a MUST read...
gardenfaerie;2063018 said:Organic nutrients are not readily available and require soil organisms to symbiotically contribute to the uptake of root hairs. But this is not fully accurate, either. I say this because, if you buy "certified organic" fertilizer, you can be guaranteed what is in that bag and the elements are measured accurately. However, say a cert org fert says 8-2-4. That means the amount of nitrogen immediately available is 8%. That doesn't mean the bag wont contain MORE nitrogen, but at any given time because of the way microbes have to break it down, you will only have access to the number percentage on the bag.
Many other factors play into organic fertlizer which include, but are not limited to temperature, moisture, pH and level of organic matter in the soil. Organic matter is the buffer for soils with harsh pH situations and carry enough macro and micro organisms to bring the plants through a pH they may not perform at.
Synthetic fertilizers have no way to adjust to any conditions are are immediately available in the form of salts. They are manufactured using petrochemicals. They provide zero nutrients to soil organisms. Zero. Actually, it is a detriment to the soil and forces plants to become dependent on it. Products like MiracleGro, for example, provide nothing to the soil as I said, AND it is toxic to organisms. No organisms, no beneficial fungi or biota in the soil. The plants starve unless they get another "fix" of their new drug of choice, synthetic N.
Even if you introduce organic fertilizers and methods to a barren soil (made that way by synthetic materials) it will take several years to develop a nice flora and fauna. Tons of organic matter must be added back because that same synthetic fertilizer not only depletes the soil of all life, it pollutes the soil. When I brought the greenhouse operation I managed over to certified organic status, it took three years of excruciating record keeping and hard work to become certified.
So there are huge differences between the way we grow. Organic methods are superior in every way for all food production. Higher BRIX levels, higher levels of nutrients and better cell structure to organically grown foods.
This website has an extensive amount of information about organic methods.
Fertilizers, SyntheticDirt Doctor Howard Garrett Organic Gardening, Home, Health, Pet Care, Pest Control, Compost, Nutrition, Environment
Also, I advice people listen to the best organic radio show on the Internet. John Dromgoole. Here is that link:
NewsRadio KLBJ, 590AM and 99.7FM, Austin Texas 590 KLBJ Hosts and Shows
Somewhere on the website for the show is an archive of John's shows. I listen Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Youtube has tons and tons of amazing videos on organic methods. It's the only way to grow. IMO
