Fertiliser for plants: Types, benefits, usage, tips to choose

Fertilisers are substances that provide essential nutrients to plants, helping them grow faster, healthier and more productive. Fertilisers can be natural or artificial, organic or inorganic and liquid or granular. There are many types of fertilisers available in the market, each with different benefits and drawbacks. How do you know which fertiliser is best for your plants? And how do you use it correctly? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, giving you some tips and tricks for the correct selection and usage of fertilisers for plants.

Table of Contents

Fertilisers for plants: Benefits

Fertilisers can improve plant growth by supplying them with nutrients that they may not get enough from the soil or the environment. Some of the benefits of using fertilisers are:

They can increase the yield and quality of edible crops, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs and grains.
They can enhance the beauty and fragrance of ornamental plants, such as flowers, shrubs and trees.
They can boost the resistance and immunity of plants against pests, diseases and environmental stress.
They can correct nutrient deficiencies and imbalances in the soil, improving its structure, texture, and fertility.

Types of fertilisers for plants

There are many ways to classify fertilisers, but one of the most common is based on their origin: organic or inorganic. Organic fertilisers are derived from natural sources, such as animal manure, compost, bone meal, blood meal, seaweed, etc. Inorganic fertilisers are synthesized from chemical compounds, such as urea, ammonium nitrate, potassium chloride, etc.

Organic fertilisers

Organic fertilisers have some advantages over inorganic fertilisers, such as:

They release nutrients slowly and steadily over a long period of time, reducing the risk of over-fertilizing or burning the plants.
They improve the soil quality by adding organic matter, increasing its water-holding capacity, aeration, and microbial activity.
They are environmentally friendly and biodegradable, reducing pollution and waste.

However, organic fertilisers also have some disadvantages, such as:

They require larger quantities and more frequent applications to meet the plant’s nutrient needs.
They may contain pathogens, weeds, or pests that can harm the plants or humans.
They may have an unpleasant odor or attract unwanted animals.

Inorganic fertilisers

Inorganic fertilisers have some advantages over organic fertilisers, such as:

They contain high concentrations of nutrients that are readily available for plant uptake.
They are easy to apply and store, with precise labels and instructions.
They are cheaper and more widely available than organic fertilisers.

However, inorganic fertilisers also have some disadvantages, such as:

They can leach out of the soil or runoff into water bodies, causing nutrient pollution and eutrophication.
They can damage the soil structure by making it more acidic or alkaline, reducing its organic matter and microbial activity.
They can harm the plant’s health by causing nutrient toxicity or deficiency if used incorrectly.

How to choose the right fertiliser for your plants?

Choosing the right fertiliser for your plants can make a big difference in their health and growth. Fertilisers provide essential nutrients that plants need to thrive, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur. However, not all fertilisers are created equal, and some may be more suitable for certain types of plants than others. Here are some tips on how to choose the right fertiliser for your plants:

Know your soil type and pH level: Different soils have different nutrient levels and acidity, which affect how plants absorb fertilisers. You can test your soil with a kit or a meter, or send a sample to a lab for analysis. Generally, most plants prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6 to 7, but some may need more or less acidity. For example, blueberries like acidic soil with a pH of 4 to 5, while lavender likes alkaline soil with a pH of 7 to 8.
Know your plant’s needs and preferences: Different plants have different nutritional requirements and preferences, depending on their stage of growth, type of foliage, flower production, fruit yield, etc. For example, leafy greens need more nitrogen to produce lush leaves, while flowering plants need more phosphorus to produce blooms. You can find out what your plant needs by reading the label on the pot, consulting a gardening book or website, or asking an expert at a nursery or garden center.
Choose a fertiliser that matches your soil and plant’s needs: Fertilisers come in various forms, such as granular, liquid, slow-release, organic, synthetic, etc. They also have different ratios of nutrients, expressed as N-P-K numbers on the label. For example, a 10-10-10 fertiliser has 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. You can choose a fertiliser that has the right balance of nutrients for your soil and plant’s needs. For example, if your soil is low in nitrogen and you are growing leafy greens, you can choose a fertiliser with a high nitrogen content, such as 20-5-5. If your soil is high in phosphorus and you are growing flowering plants, you can choose a fertiliser with a low phosphorus content, such as 5-10-15.

How to use fertilisers for plants?

Different fertilisers have different methods and frequencies of application. You should follow the instructions on the label or package carefully to avoid over-fertilizing or under-fertilizing your plants. Over-fertilizing can cause nutrient burn, leaf drop, root damage, or even plant death. Under-fertilizing can cause nutrient deficiency, stunted growth, poor flowering or fruiting, or increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. You should also water your plants well before and after applying fertiliser to help dissolve and distribute the nutrients.

FAQs

What are fertilisers for plants?

Fertilisers are compounds containing essential nutrients that enhance plant growth.

Why do plants need fertilisers?

Plants require nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy growth and development.

How do fertilisers work?

Fertilisers provide essential nutrients that may be lacking in soil, supporting robust plant growth.

Are all fertilisers the same?

No, fertilisers vary in nutrient composition and purpose, catering to specific plant needs.

How often should I fertilize my plants?

Frequency depends on the plant type and fertiliser instructions, usually every few weeks during the growing season.

Can over-fertilizing harm plants?

Yes, excessive fertilization can burn plant roots and negatively impact growth.

Are organic fertilisers better than synthetic ones?

Both have advantages; organic fertilisers improve soil quality, while synthetic ones offer precise nutrient control.

Can I make my own plant fertiliser?

Yes, homemade fertilisers using compost or natural ingredients can effectively nourish plants.

Do different plants need different fertilisers?

Yes, plants have unique nutrient requirements, so choosing the right fertiliser is crucial.

Are there alternatives to traditional fertilisers?

Yes, options like foliar feeding or using slow-release fertilisers offer alternative nutrient delivery methods.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com

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