Inorganic Fertilizer: Advantages and Disadvantages

What is an inorganic fertilizer?

Inorganic fertilizer, also known as mineral or commercial fertilizer, is fertilizer mined from mineral deposits or manufactured from synthetic compounds. Both organic fertilizer (composed of natural ingredients of plant or animal origin) and inorganic fertilizer provide nutrients to assist with plant growth and improve plant yield (http://foodglossary.pbworks.com)

Read also: Types of Inorganic Fertilizers

What are the types of inorganic fertilizer?

The types include; Nitrogen Fertilizers, Potassium Fertilizers, Phosphorus Fertilizers, Complete, Balanced, Slow-Release and Specially Formulated. (http://homeguides.sfgate.com)

**We shall be writing extensively on the Types of inorganic fertilizer in our subsequent posts.**

What are the advantages?

1. You can use Inorganic fertilizer to rescue dying plants immediately, basically because it releases nutrients easily into the soil and absorbed by the plants.
2. It is easily available in almost all agro-input outlets. This makes it very convenient.

Read also: Why is Organic Fertilizer better?

What are the disadvantages?

1. The cost is relatively much higher than organic fertilizers.
2. Besides the essential nutrients available for plants’ use in inorganic fertlizers, they also contain other compounds and salts. Plants are unable to absorb these compounds and salts, and so are left in the soil. Over time, these compounds build up in the soil and change the soil chemistry. This creates soil problems, making it less ideal to work with.
3. Applying too much, at an instance, tends to burn the plant and can even destroy it. You need to strictly follow recommended rates.
4. Moreover, leaching occurs easily when you over water or when there is too much rainfall.
5. In cases of heavy rains or overwatering, the nutrients and other compounds wash into nearby water bodies. They pollute and render them unhealthy for consumption by human or livestock.
6. Continual application of the fertilizer disturbs the natural biotic environment and affects the soil structure. Most soil organisms do not survive in areas of consistent application of inorganic fertilizers.

Any more advantage or disadvantage pertaining to your area? Let us know your experience by commenting.