Are organic fertilizers safer?
No: As stated in the Codex Alimentarius guidelines on organic farming, “even permitted substances [of organic or inorganic source] may be subject to misuse and may alter the ecosystem of the soil or farm”. Use of excessive amounts of organic sources of plant nutrients is environmentally problematic. Nutrient losses through leaching in humid climates, or by volatilization are unavoidable and may lead to either high nitrate concentrations in soils and water or gaseous losses to the atmosphere. From a human health standpoint, contrary to inorganic fertilizers, some uncomposted or improperly composted organic sources can carry human pathogens.
