Forms of Plant Fertiliser
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Organic and inorganic fertilisers come in a variety of
different forms. The best are the most natural - well rotted compost and
manure being obvious examples. They feed the plants and at the
same time improve the texture of the soil (see below).
Other forms of fertiliser are dry and liquid fertilisers
which can be organic or inorganic. |
Dry Fertilisers
There are three main types of dry fertiliser available in shops,
powder, granules and pellets. Powder fertiliser (such as Miracle Gro) is
normally added to water and then applied to the soil with a watering
can. Pellets and granules are applied to the soil directly.
All dry fertilisers, especially inorganic varieties need
to be applied exactly according to the pack instructions. Over dosing
plants will kill them. Dry fertilisers, organic or inorganic, will not
improve the structure of the soil.
Liquid Fertilisers
Liquid
fertilisers are normally inorganic and are diluted in water and applied
to the soil using a watering can. Like dry fertilisers, they need to be
applied very carefully because overdosing can kill plants.
Liquid fertilisers can be applied to plant foliage as
well as the soil but should not be applied to the foliage of a sick
plant.
Natural Fertilisers
As discussed earlier, this is generally well-rotted compost or
various manures. They have not been treated at all and as well as
feeding your plants they will improve the texture of the soil.
Soil Improvers
As well as lack of nutrients, plants can also be affected if the
structure of the soil is not correct. This prevents them from taking
nutrients that are in the soil. Good soil improvers include manure,
well-rotted compost, wood chips etc. Beware though of adding materials
which are not well-rotted though such as wood chips. They will
definitely improve the soil texture but in the initial stages of
decomposition they will rob the soil of nitrogen as part of the rotting
process. Once decomposed they will then add nitrogen back to the soil.
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