Purchasing Convenience

• Depending on the type of organic fertilizer used, it can be more expensive than synthetic fertilizers.
• Available bag sizes aren’t large or economical enough for homeowners.

• Synthetic fertilizers are most commonly used, readily available, available in greater amounts, and generally, cost effective.
• Controlled-release pellets are more expensive.

Ease of Application

• Some organic fertilizers are in their “raw” form, not pellets, and may take extra effort to distribute over large areas.
• Generally, no harm will result from over application or spills.

• Use a fertilizer spreader according to manufacturer rates.
• Accidental over application, including overlapping rows when fertilizing, can cause lawns to burn.

Nutrients

• Natural-based fertilizer nutrients can fluctuate.
• Micronutrients are typically present, providing some of the trace nutrients plants require.

• Nutrient amounts are highly accurate.
• Blends can be formulated for specific needs.
• High nutrient concentrations may build-up in the soil, which may lead to leaching and run-off.
• Generally, don’t contain necessary micronutrients.
• If it contains water-soluble iron, it can stain concrete.

Rate of Nutrient Release

• Nutrients are released at a rate plants can use, greatly reducing the chance of leaching or run-off.
• Microbes in the soil break down the organic material releasing the nutrients.
• Requires fewer applications, which means less work over time.
• Controlled growth that doesn’t over-stimulate plants, promotes stronger root growth for better disease and insect resistance.
• Reliant on soil temperature: cooler soil = slower release rate, which corresponds to the rate plants can take up nutrients.
• Poor quality soils depleted of beneficial microbes may delay results.
• Long lasting.

• Synthetic fertilizers give lawns and gardens a quick, but short-lived, burst of nutrients, which can cause rapid growth at the expense of developing a strong root system.
• May see results in 1–2 weeks.
• More mowing will be required due to rapid growth.
• Water soluble in most forms.
• Because nutrients are released quickly more applications will be required.
• Many forms available: pellets, granules, liquid, tablets, spikes, and controlled-release.
• Short-term solution to a long-term need.

Impact on Soil

• Promotes a healthy soil ecosystem.
• Provides organic material that decomposes, releases nutrients plants can use and feeds vital microorganisms, all important for rich, fertile soil.
• Improves soil texture, which increases water retention, particularly important in drought conditions.

• Synthetic fertilizers contribute very little to the ecosystem or structure of the soil.
• May actually decrease soil fertility due to chemical nitrogen stimulating excessive microorganism growth, which, over time, depletes organic matter in the soil.

Plant Safety

• In most cases, won’t burn plant leaves or roots.
• Manure should be composted for greatest safety.

• Incorrect or over application may burn plants due to high concentrations of chemical nutrients, which are salts.
• Can cause excess top growth and stress roots.

Environmental Safety

• Minimal, if any, run-off or leaching.

• Since water releases nutrients, a significant amount of nutrients can be lost from run-off and leaching, sometimes up to one-third.