The 411 on Chemical Fertilizer
Chemical fertilizers add nutrients to your lawn.
While organic fertilizers protect the environment, chemical fertilizers may not be as bad as they may seem.
These days, organic seems to be the buzzword. Organic produce, organic meat, organic skin care, organic cleaning products-it makes you wonder if companies are placing the word ‘organic’ before their product names as a marketing ploy rather than a health concern. The same is true for lawn fertilizer. There’s nothing wrong with using organic fertilizer, but don’t be fooled into thinking chemical fertilizer is an absolute lawn care no-no.
What Are Chemical Fertilizers?
The purpose of a chemical fertilizer is to mimic nutrients found in plants by synthetically manufacturing them from inorganic substances. Chemical fertilizers can positively affect the wellbeing, efficiency and appearance of plants by supplying vital nourishment to promote growth.
The Upsides of Chemical Fertilizers
Unlike organic fertilizer, chemical fertilizer includes balanced levels of the three key nutrients: potassium, nitrogen and phosphorous. The main reason fertilizer-organic or chemical-is necessary is to treat nutrient-deficient soil; therefore, chemical fertilizers provide all that’s missing in just one easy application.
When a plant or lawn requires immediate nourishment, chemical fertilizer is fast-acting; organic fertilizer, on the other hand, gradually releases nutrients into the soil. Here’s the ‘kicker’ that many homeowners fail to acknowledge: If you conduct a little research, as well as consult a professional about which chemical fertilizer is best suited for your soil type, then the chemical fertilizer you select will be effective.
Last, but certainly not least, you must use the appropriate amount of chemical fertilizer on your lawn. Otherwise, you will run the risk of chemical saturation or a lack of nourishment, both of which are detrimental to your lawn.
The Downsides of Chemical Fertilizers
Organic has become a buzzword for a reason-it protects the environment and, more importantly, your loved ones (and yourself). Now that chemical fertilizers have been on the market for awhile, people from all walks of life are beginning to acknowledge their negative effects.
Aside from damaging the ecosystem, chemical fertilizers can cause leaching, or groundwater pollution. Oftentimes, they are highly acidic, thus resulting in high acidic levels in the soil that stunt plant growth and kill microorganisms that help supply nitrogen to plants. Chemical fertilizers are typically more expensive than their organic counterparts, and they can eventually lead to a chemical imbalance in plants, particularly an excess of nitrogen.
While we’re not promoting chemical fertilizer over organic, it’s important to understand the differences among the two before making your final decision. If used in moderation and appropriately, chemical fertilizer can be an efficient and quick way to obtain a beautiful (and healthy) lawn.
