Plant growth relies on compost and fertilizer. What’s different?
Compost is formed of organic material like kitchen scraps, leaves, and grass clippings, while fertilizer is a chemical substance added to the soil to provide plants nourishment.
Both are good for the garden, but knowing the distinctions can help you choose. This article compares compost with fertilizer and discusses their garden uses.
We’ll help you choose the ideal one for your plants. Compost or fertilizer can nourish your plants if used properly.
What is compost?
Organic wastes like leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps are combined to form compost. It can be applied as a soil amendment to improve factors like soil structure and drainage or as a fertilizer to supply nutrients to plants.
Organic material is broken down by bacterial or fungal activity through the process of composting. Either a compost bin or a compost pile can be used. Your garden may benefit from composting in certain ways, including increased plant growth, healthier soil, and fewer garden pests. The soil may be harmed by your compost pile if it becomes overheated since it will kill helpful microorganisms and release salts that could harm new plants.
When compost has reached its completed state, it can also be utilized as fertilizer. When compost is crumbly and dark brown, it has “completed” decomposing and is ready to be applied.
What is fertilizer?
Fertilizer adds nutrients to the soil. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
In commercial production, fertilizer boosts crop yields. Following your plants’ demands, fertilize your garden.
Phosphorus and potassium should be applied later in the growing season, but nitrogen should be applied early. The appropriate fertilizer at the right time ensures your plants get enough nutrients.
Differences between compost and fertilizer
Compost and fertilizer each have their own benefits, but they also have distinct differences that make each one beneficial in different ways. Compost provides essential nutrients to the soil and can help with soil structure and drainage.
Fertilizer provides plants with specific nutrients that they need, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Compost can also be used as a fertilizer when it is in a finished state. Fertilizer is a chemical-based product that is applied to the soil to provide essential nutrients to plants.
Benefits of compost
Compost improves soil structure and drainage while also supplying the soil with vital nutrients. Beneficial bacteria and fungus from compost can be given to plants to help with pest management and plant growth. Additionally, compost has the capacity to increase soil water retention and decrease water loss, both of which are beneficial during dry spells.
Benefits of fertilizer
Plants receive the precise nutrients they require from fertilizer, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When applied properly, fertilizer can help enhance crop yield and ensure that plants receive the vital nutrients they require to thrive. Additionally, fertilizers can increase the health of the soil and make it easier to deal with.
When to use compost
Nearly any setting can benefit from compost, but gardens that don’t get a lot of fertilizer benefit the most from it. If you don’t fertilize your garden frequently, adding compost will assist in giving your plants the nutrients they need to thrive.
Compost can assist to keep water in the soil and keep it from being too dry, which makes it beneficial for gardens with bad drainage. Compost can help to lighten the soil and make it simpler to dig, which is helpful for gardens with heavy, difficult-to-work-with soil. Almost any garden can benefit from using compost as a fertilizer since it gives the plants beneficial bacteria that promote plant development and insect control.
When to use fertilizer
Fertilizer is beneficial in gardens that already receive compost or gardens that receive regular fertilizer applications. Fertilizer is great for gardens that are receiving a lot of compost and need something to “kick start” the soil. Fertilizer is also beneficial for gardens that have a good amount of drainage and soil structure but need a boost of nutrients.
Tips for successful composting and fertilizing
Composting – Composting is all about balance. You need the right amount of carbon materials and nitrogen materials to create the perfect environment for good bacteria and fungi to thrive. Too much of either one can cause the pile to heat up and damage the soil.
Fertilizing – Fertilizing is all about timing. You want to make sure you are applying the right amount at the right time so your plants get what they need to thrive.
Best compost and fertilizer products
There are numerous varieties of compost and fertilizer available. While some are organic, others are chemical-based. It’s critical to consider the ingredients when selecting a product to ensure that it will meet your gardening demands.
When selecting a compost product, you should consider the manufacturing method. Compost comes in a variety of forms, including compost created from yard waste, food scraps, and municipal garbage.
Make sure the fertilizer you select is the appropriate kind for your plants. While some plants require a general fertilizer, others require a more particular nutrient.
Summary
Compost and fertilizer benefit gardens in different ways.
Compost is formed of organic material like kitchen scraps, leaves, and grass clippings, while fertilizer is a chemical substance added to the soil to provide plants nourishment. Compost may enrich soil and improve drainage.
Fertilizer gives plants nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Compost fertilizes most gardens because it contains helpful bacteria that reduce pests and promote plant growth.
For beneficial bacteria and fungi to thrive, compost must have the correct amount of carbon and nitrogen. To give your plants what they need, fertilize at the proper time and amount.