Advantages & Disadvantages of Natural & Chemical Fertilizers

Natural Fertilizer Advantages

• Organic or natural fertilizers offer a number of advantages, both economic and environmental. Derived from animal or plant sources, organic fertilizers take longer to break down in the soil than inorganic fertilizers, thereby providing slow-release nutrients. These are also slow to dissipate, which is why they do not require frequent replenishment. These fertilizers make the soil conducive for beneficial organisms, such as earthworms, that help aerate the soil. Natural fertilizers are safe for use on all plants -- without causing burning -- and are also less likely to stimulate growth or lead to overgrowth problems.

Chemical Fertilizer Advantages

• Chemical fertilizers are easily available and cost much less than their natural counterparts. Chemical fertilizers provide plants essential elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in amounts that are readily absorbed, thereby creating a fast-release situation. The label packages feature precise nutrient dosages plus instructions on application rates to achieve results.

Natural Fertilizer Disadvantages

• Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of natural fertilizers is that they are not ready-to-use, but depend on soil organisms to break down and help release nutrients. Also, natural fertilizers have varying levels of nutrients, which is why their application rates are not clearly defined. For instance, a novice gardener will not know how much organic fertilizer, such as compost or manure, to add to achieve desired results. Natural fertilizers are also more expensive than inorganic counterparts and sometimes harder to find. Because these fertilizers release nutrients slowly, timely applications are necessary to promote plant growth.

Chemical Fertilizer Disadvantages

• Some chemical fertilizers packed with nitrogen cause plant root burn and prevent them from absorbing nutrients, which is why the label directions feature warnings against over fertilizing. Long-term application of inorganic fertilizers may cause permanent changes in the soil’s chemical composition. Although synthetic fertilizers offer more nutrients, they are also quick to dissipate, thereby requiring constant application during the growing season. Furthermore, irrigation or excess rainwater can leech excess nitrogen away from the application point and into nearby waterways.