Any Material that supplies plants with the essential nutrients required for growth as well as yield is known Fertilizer. It can be natural (Organic) or artificially manufactured (In Organic). Organic Fertilizer Originate from Plants or Animals, whereas Inorganic fertilizers are manufactured industrially through chemical process.
See also : Intercropping Types and Advantages
Let’s understand the difference between Organic and Inorganic Manures / Fertilizers:
| Description | Organic Fertilizers / Manures | In-Organic Fertilizers / Manures |
| Physical Properties | Improves the Soil Structure | No effect on soil structure |
| Improved Water Holding Capacity | No water holding capacity | |
| Soil becomes more permeable | No effect of fertilizer on Permeability | |
| Improves Drainage in the Soil | No effect | |
| Prevents Soil Erosion | No effect | |
| Decreases water Evaporation | No effect | |
| Chemical Properties | Slow release of Nutrients | Fast release of nutrients |
| Decreases leaching of nutrients from soil | No such effects | |
| Supplies micronutrients | No Micronutrients supply | |
| Doesn’t produce acidity or alkalinity in the soil | Fertilizers like sodium products produce acidity and alkalinity in the soil | |
| Upon Decomposition produces organic acids while helps to dissolve minerals | No such effects | |
| Biological Activities | Increases the growth of microorganisms like earthworms | Slightly helps in the growth of microorganisms |
| Use | Usually applied 15-20 days before the crop is sown | Nitrogen fertilizer is applied immediately before sowing. |
| Not used in liquid form | Used as foliar spray | |
| Used in huge quantity | Used in Small Quantity | |
| Organic manures are incorporated in soil | It is also incorporated in soil but may be used as top dressing | |
| Application | By hand | By hand or special equipment |
See also :
How to make compost from Kitchen Waste?
How to make homemade organic pesticide?
How to convert the soil from chemical farming to organic farming?