Fertilizer: Organic and synthetic

In order for a plant to grow and thrive, it needs a number of different chemical
elements in fertilizers. The most important are carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
which is available from air and water and therefore in plentiful supply. Nitrogen,
phosphorus, potassium (a.k.a. potash) - the three macronutrients and the three
elements you find in most packaged fertilizers. Sulphur, calcium, and magnesium
- secondary nutrients. Boron, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and
zinc micronutrients. The most important of these (the ones that are needed in
the largest quantity by a plant) are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are important because they are necessary
for these basic building blocks. For example: every amino acid contains nitrogen.
Every molecule making up every cell's membrane contains phosphorous (the
membrane molecules are called phospholipids), and so does every molecule of
ATP (the main energy source of all cells). Potassium makes up 1 percent to 2
percent of the weight of any plant and, as an ion in cells, is essential to
metabolism.
Without nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, the plant simply cannot grow
because it cannot make the pieces it needs. It's like a car factory running out
of steel or a road crew running out of asphalt.
If any of the macronutrients are missing or hard to obtain from the soil, this will
limit the growth rate for the plant. In nature, the nitrogen, phosphorous and
potassium often come from the decay of plants that have died. In the case of
nitrogen, the recycling of nitrogen from dead to living plants is often
the only source of nitrogen in the soil.
To make plants grow faster, what you need to do is supply the elements that the
plants need in readily available forms. That is the goal of fertilizer. Most fertilizers
supply just nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium because the other chemicals are
needed in much lower quantities and are generally available in most soils.
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium availability is the big limit to growth.

Organic Fertilizers
Organic fertilizers are fertilizers derived from animal matter, human
excreta or vegetable matter. (compost, manure). In contrast, the majority of
fertilizers are extracted from minerals (phosphate rock) or produced industrially
(ammonia). Naturally occurring organic fertilizers include animal wastes from
meat processing, peat, manure, slurry, and guano.
Animal manure is a common ingredient in both commercial and home prepared
blends. Rotten produce, bone meal, and the decomposing plants removed at the
end of the season can also be chopped or ground in to small particles for
inclusion in the fertilizer. Essentially, any matter that is of natural origin and
subject to decomposition is a good candidate for inclusion in the product.

Synthetic Fertilizers
Synthetic fertilizers are manufactured from minerals, gasses from air and waste
minerals. Synthetic fertilizers are best known for being fast-acting and for
coming in a variety of forms (liquid, pellets, granules, spikes, etc.) Synthetic
fertilizers are water-soluble and can be taken up by the plant almost
immediately. While this provides quick greening, the colour will not last and
consumers must reapply regularly to keep the results from fading.
The quick results of synthetic can come with other disadvantages as well.
Applying too much synthetic fertilizers can burn foliage and damage your
plants. Synthetic fertilizers give plants a quick boost but do little to improve soil
texture, stimulate soil life, or improve your soils long term fertility. Because
synthetic fertilizers are highly water soluble, they can also leach out into our
waterways.