Organic fertilizer is a type of fertilizer made from completely natural sources such as animal manure, plant residues, compost, and seaweed. It improves the physical and chemical structure of the soil, making it easier for plants to absorb nutrients. Compared to chemical fertilizers, it releases nutrients slowly and provides long-term benefits to the soil.
The answer to the question “What is natural and organic fertilizer?” actually describes the purest form of organic fertilizer: fertilizers that are formed naturally in the environment without any industrial processing and can be directly applied to plants. Examples include animal manure, wood ash, green manure (plant residues), and seaweed.
The Importance of Organic Fertilizer
Scientific studies have shown that the increased use of nitrogen-based chemical fertilizers in agricultural fields has led to higher nitrate and nitrite accumulation in vegetables and fruits. These substances pose serious health risks and can increase the risk of cancer in the long term. For this reason, many European countries have restricted or banned the use of chemical fertilizers.
Chemical fertilizers not only damage the soil but also harm the ecosystem. They disrupt the life cycles of beneficial microorganisms and negatively affect birds, bees, and other helpful insects. In contrast, organic fertilizers maintain the soil’s biological balance with their natural components, strengthen plants’ resistance, and increase yields over time.
Applications of Organic Fertilizer
Organic garden fertilizer varieties are extensive, each offering different advantages:
Agricultural Production
- Organic fertilizer for vegetables: Provides natural nutrient support for crops such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, strawberries, grapes, and apples.
- Best organic fertilizer for vegetables: Boosts flavor, size, and overall plant health while maintaining soil fertility.
- Grain production: Strengthens the root development of wheat, barley, and corn.
- Legumes: Ideal for nitrogen-demanding crops such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas.
Ornamental Plants and Landscaping
- Organic fertilizer for grass: Used on lawns, ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers to achieve a healthier and more vibrant appearance.
- Organic lawn care fertilizer: Supports consistent grass growth while improving soil structure.
- Landscaping projects: Enriches newly planted areas with organic matter.
Greenhouse Cultivation
- Increases productivity and maintains the salinity balance in the soil for vegetables and fruits grown in controlled environments.
Seedling and Sapling Cultivation
- Organic plant fertilizer: Speeds up rooting in saplings like olive, walnut, almond, and citrus trees.
- Encourages healthy growth in young plants grown from seeds.
Certified Organic Farming
- Certified best organic fertilizer products meet legal requirements and ensure sustainable production.
Soil Improvement and Erosion Control
- Balances water retention in sandy or clay soils.
- Strengthens plant roots to prevent soil loss.
Homemade Organic Fertilizer
Making your own organic vegetable fertilizer at home is both cost-effective and eco-friendly. Examples include:
- Crushed eggshells as a calcium source.
- Dried and powdered banana peels for potassium.
- Used coffee grounds to improve soil pH.
These small touches reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and help maintain an organic garden.
Organic Fertilizer Machines and Composting
Traditional composting methods are effective but time-consuming. For large-scale needs, organic garden fertilizer can be produced faster using compost machines. These machines transform organic waste into high-quality fertilizer in a short time:
- Reduce production time from weeks to hours.
- Prevent odor and pest problems.
- Provide a hygienic and controlled production process.
- Convert kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil enhancers.
For tomato growers, using organic tomato fertilizer or specialized tomato plants organic fertilizer can improve fruit yield and flavor.
How to Use Organic Fertilizer
The way you apply fertilizing organic garden areas depends on the plant type:
- In vegetable gardens, mix it into the soil before planting.
- For fruit trees, apply once or twice a year.
- For potted plants, use smaller amounts regularly.
Choosing the Best Organic Fertilizer
There is no single answer to “Which is the best organic fertilizer?” Soil composition, plant needs, and climate all determine the choice. However, certified, nutrient-balanced fertilizers from reliable producers are always safer.
The substance that contains the minerals necessary for the nutrition of the plants and regulates the physical and chemical structure of the soil and enables the plants to be fed more easily from the soil is called fertilizer. Manure that is made from animal waste, fossils and similar natural ways is called organic fertilizer.
As a result of scientific researches, it has been determined that the excessive increase in the use of nitrogen fertilizers in agricultural areas causes an increase in nitrate and nitrite in the foods produced, and the risk of developing cancer increases in the people who eat these foods. For this reason alone, the use of chemical fertilizers is prohibited in many European countries.
Chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides thrown into the soil not only harm harmful insects, but also harm and kill birds, other harmless insects and beneficial microorganisms in the environment. With the components in organic fertilizers, it gives resistance to the soil and the plant. It increases the yield of products.
In our country, depending on the regional conditions and the crop planted in the past years, the fertilizer needs of the soils differ. For this reason, before the fertilization process, "Soil analysis" was not done by taking samples from the soil, and then "Fertilizer analysis" should be done for the organic fertilizer to be used. If there is any missing fertilizer depending on the needs of the plant planned to be produced, only the missing part should be completed with package fertilizer.
However, according to the researches carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, according to the analysis of approximately 140,000 soils, except for the Black Sea Coasts and Northern Thrace regions, which receive heavy rainfall in Turkey, the soils of our country are High Lime, High Ph and very poor in terms of Organic Matter, and they also partially contain Phosphorus and Potassium. It was determined that it was too much but could not be taken. In addition, deficiencies of Iron and Zinc were determined in terms of trace elements.
The Key to Sustainable Agriculture
Whether you are a professional farmer or a home gardener, using organic fertilizer for plants ensures healthier crops and protects the environment. It’s an investment in the future and a way to respect nature. By using organic fertilizers—either store-bought or homemade—you contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable food system.
Take the first step today: choose organic fertilizer, protect the environment, and nourish the future.