Organic versus mineral fertilizers?
Organic fertilizers typically involves plant residues or livestock manure. The amount of nutrients that they deliver per kilo to the soil can never be accurately measured. Conversely, mineral fertilizers are chemically processed to meet crop requirements and can supply plant nutrients in exact, scientifically formulated quantities. One of the greatest benefits of complete and balanced crop fertilization, aside from increasing crop yields and improving farmer profit potential, is its effect on soil organic matter. Both organic and inorganic (mineral) fertilizer sources contribute to the buildup of organic matter in soils. There is widespread public misperception that organic agriculture is more environmentally friendly and better maintains soil organic matter levels. However, there is no generally accepted scientific evidence to support the superiority of either organic or inorganic plant nutrient sources. In fact, long-term experiments from around the world indicate that sustained yiel
