ORGANIC FERTILIZER
Slow-release, 100% organic N-P-K fertilizers are designed to build the organic matter (humus) of a soil and reestablish the conditions for a healthy balance of beneficial soil microorganisms. In contrast to mineral or synthetic fertilizers which only supply plants with nutrients for growth, an organic composted fertilizer has the ability to reduce thatch buildup, prevent soil compaction and restore the biological processes which are essential for long-term soil development and optimum plant growth. Additionally, the nitrogen release of traditional mineral fertilizers is very rapid and puts new seedlings and existing vegetation at risk of nitrogen-burn. Quick spikes in nitrogen availability also attract flushes of weeds, rather than supporting the slower-establishing perennial vegetation. Traditional mineral fertilizers are also unsuited for use in watersheds and other sites with potential to contaminate water sources. In contrast, slow-release 100% organic fertilizers release nutrients evenly and continuously throughout the growing season and are safe for use in watersheds and near waterways.
Healthy soil starts with fertilizers.
Fertilizers are the most essential thing for your grass and plants — next to sunshine and water of course. This is because it helps your lawn maintain a healthy green color and sustains growth for your plants, garden, fruits, or vegetables.
The right fertilizer will make a world of difference between growth and nothing at all — so you might be wondering how they work and how to pick the right one for your landscape.
Roughly 95 percent of our food is directly or indirectly produced out of the ground, so it’s vital to have healthy soil.
And the type of fertilizer we choose directly affects the health of our soils.
Most lawns need fertilizer as much as they need sun and water. Fertilizers work with important nutrients in the soil, while also introducing necessary nutrients to avoid overdrying or dying.
The good news is that fertilizers are simple to use and most always yield desirable results, like fast plant growth and healthy ripening of fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, investing in fertilizers is time- and cost-effective. Healthy lawns require less maintenance, cost less money, and have lower time demands for upkeep.’
However, the type of fertilizer you decide to use will affect the growth of your landscape. Here’s what you need to know about different fertilizer types:
There are two main types of fertilizer that most lawn care professional will recommend these days: chemical and organic. But to understand which of these is best for your situation, you have to look at something called the NPK ratio first. This will help you tell the difference between chemical and organic fertilizers before you buy.
When looking at fertilizers, you might notice a row of three numbers that are divided by dashes.
The numbers are called the NPK ratio — which are the abbreviations for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on the Periodic Table. Nitrogen helps with growth, phosphorus helps build roots, and potassium assists with overall health and growth of the plant.
The numbers you want to see in the NPK ratio depends on the type of fertilizer you are looking at, such as organic or chemical.
Since the health of our soil directly impacts the quality of our food, it’s not surprising that 45 percent of U.S. adults believe organic fruits and vegetables are generally better for health than conventionally grown foods.
This means that nearly half of Americans don’t prefer chemical fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers are inorganic, synthetic material that is added to soil to sustain plant growth.
On the other hand, organic fertilizers are substances derived from the remains or byproducts of natural organisms that contain essential nutrients for plant growth. They have a combination of natural chemicals and organic matter, so you can feel good about using it on your lawn or introducing it into an ecosystem no matter what your project is.
Chemical fertilizers also tend to have an NPK ratio of 20 to 60 percent, have high acid content, they ability to burn the skin, and can negatively affect soil fertility long-term.
Organic fertilizers usually have an NPK ratio around14 percent, contain natural nutrients, and will improve soil structure and health long-term. They can also reduce wind and water erosion, which can preserve your lawn even more.
Biosol and Biosol Forte are similar products with an NPK ratio of 7-2-1, but they differ in their biomass and water percentages. Biosol has a 95% fungal biomass and 5% water, while Biosol Forte has 96% fungal biomass and 4% water. Biosol Forte can also only be applied topically, while regular Biosol can mix within the soil.
Their benefits include:
– Enriches the soil with quality nutrients
– Stimulates micro-organism activity in the soil
– Improves plant health (chlorosis, stem disease, blossom drop)
– Increases crop yields
– Increases the sugar content
– Promotes quality ripening of fruits and vegetables
Compost is one of the most popular natural fertilizers in the world. In fact, composting can reduce household waste by 30 percent. It is nutrient-rich, boasting a combination of plant nutrients and organic substances from a compost, all in a concentrated dry form and easy to apply.
Compost benefits include:
– Replenishes the soil with a plentiful supply of organic matter and essential nutrients
– Is completely natural and organic, so you can feel confident about using it in your garden
– Increases nutrient and water-holding capacity, as well as general soil structure
– Improves buffering against changes in soil pH
– Improves stability for root development
– Helps ward off plant diseases from pests
At Granite Seed, we have a wide variety of fertilizers by Sustane. Sustane is a line of organic fertilizers that combines the benefits of high-quality compost with the performance of a slow-release fertilizer.
Sustane’s Plus Iron formula is the longest-lasting slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Its long-lasting effects provide steady, slow growth with excellent color for up to four months. It is ideal for fairways, roughs, lawns, and sports fields.
Landscaper’s Choice is a great starter and maintenance fertilizer. Derived from compost and natural potash and feather meal, it replenishes the soil with a rich supply and essential nutrients for long-term fertility plans.
This formula promotes the growth of vegetables. Its ability to cover the ground quickly minimizes soil erosion and the need to re-seed. This formula allows for optimal growth while increasing nutrient and water-holding capacity, enhancing plant stress tolerant for various environments, and provides excellent root development.
The 6-1-3 formula has similar benefits as the 8-2-4, but the difference is that this formula is derived from composted turkey litter, hydrolyzed feather meal, and sulfate of potash.
No matter how big or small your fertilization project might be, our experts at Granite Seed are here to help you with your fertilization needs.
For over 30 years, we have been experts in providing expert knowledge and high-quality products when it comes to your lawn and plant care.
Contact us today so we can get started on a beautiful lawn and garden!
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