plant-available nutrients . Beneficial fungi protect the plant roots from pathogens and harmful microbes while forming a symbiotic relationship with the roots for enhanced nutrient uptake . Mycorrhizal fungi are an example of this . If you have used a soil permeated with this beneficial fungus , you are already aware of just how much extra plant vigor , foliage , flower , and fruit you were able to obtain . In every case , the mineralization process builds soil life and health . The number of benefits from living soil is overwhelming , and this in turn is the reason so many gardeners prefer to use organic nutrients .
USING UREA
Under “ nitrogen ” on your fertilizer label , you will see what per cent of the product is nitrate , ammoniacal nitrogen , urea , or water soluble and water insoluble . Because so many fertilizers use at least some , if not a large amount , of urea , it is useful to discuss this feature . Like organic forms of nitrogen , the release mechanism for urea is mineralization . Urea typically takes up to a month to become plant-available ; however , there are several different types of urea and each has considerably different release times . Cold water-soluble urea becomes plant-available within a couple of weeks , while hot water-soluble becomes available in two to three months , depending on soil temperature . Water insoluble urea can take up to several years to be released . Because these nutrients can become available at such a varying rate , you can see why it could be difficult to know if your crop is being over-fertilized . Care needs to be taken and periodic soil testing can help to know whether additional nutrient is needed . Also , it ’ s best to read the label to become aware of the assimilation characteristics of plant nutrient .
A NEED FOR SYNTHETICS
There are circumstances , however , where adding ready-to-uptake nutrients to an organic nutrient base can have its advantages . In cases where a plant shows signs of insufficient nutrition , organic nutrient sources may be too slow to correct this deficiency in time to prevent a reduction in various desired crop characteristics . Adding the right amount of inorganic nutrient to the soil , or even perhaps a foliar application , can be the solution . With many synthetic fertilizers , the nutrients they contain can be immediately taken up by the root system , or at least they will become available very quickly . For example , the nitrate form
“ MOST OF THE nutrients found in organic fertilizers are not yet in a salt form , so the plant can ’ t take them up .”
of nitrogen often provided in synthetic fertilizers is immediately available ( making it easy to over-fertilize a plant ). While inorganic nutrient does not sterilize the soil itself , it does not feed soil microbes . These microbes will still reproduce and do their good work provided organic nutrients are present , though . It is only when the grower is relying solely on inorganic nutrients that the soil will gradually become sterile via starvation of the microbes . Knowing the right amount and the right reason for adding inorganic nutrient is the key to success . During certain phases of growth , a spurt of extra phosphorus or nitrogen can create various desired effects . Micronutrients , those that can add to flavor , may also be needed at a specific time during the growth cycle .
In the end , remember that using organic forms of nutrients is going to build your soil while you feed you plants . This should be a top priority . However , try keeping an open mind about using synthetic nutrient salts in situations where they can benefit your crop . Why not get the best of both worlds ? grow cycle 129