Importance of Organic Fertilizers
Organic agricultural products have certainly gained momentum in the foliar industry over the last decade. However, ever since the U.S. Department of Agriculture began to regulate “organic” fertilizers and pesticides, companies across the world have had to comply with strict standards in order to promote the “organic” nature of their products. The USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) was established in order to regulate specific standards for U.S. farms, wild crop harvesting, or the sale of agricultural products being marketed and produced organically.
According to NOP, organic refers to the labeling term which indicates food or other agricultural products that are produced with compliance to NOP’s approved methods. From biological to cultural to mechanical practices, those labeling their products as organic must ensure that they promote ecological balance, foster cycling of resources, and conserve biodiversity. There is a myriad of incredible benefits and advantages to using all organic products in harvesting crops.
The following are some of the greatest advantages to using organic fertilizers:
- Nutrients are released slower and consistently, deterring the likelihood of a boom-and-bust pattern
- Soil nutrients that are already on the grounds are mobilized, which wastes much less while lowering the density of nutrients
- Soil structure is vastly improved
- Soil moisture is optimal, reducing moisture stress and benefiting crop growth
- Topsoil erosion is better prevented
- No need to continually reapply fertilizers, compared with artificial fertilizers which require constant applications and heavy use
- Local organic fertilizers are less costly than their artificial counterparts
Agriculture in the United States today has come a long way. Producing foods organically starts with organic fertilizers. Allowing the plants, fruits, and vegetables to consume good microorganisms will lead to healthier, stronger, and thriving crops. Together, the environment will sustain the pressures of human nature as organic products continue to become a mainstay for growers and gardeners.