The Pros and Cons of Using Pesticides: Organic vs. Inorganic

What is Inorganic Fertilizer? A synthetic fertilizer derived from a mixture of chemical compositions. Inorganic fertilizers consist of mineral based nutrients that are manufactured for immediate application to crops.

Inorganic Fertilizer

Risks/Drawbacks of Inorganic Fertilizer Leaching Happens very often when watering plants Nutrients can be washed away Elements such as Nitrogen Not always affordable Higher cost than most if specially formulated Accumulation of toxic wastes Inorganic fertilizers- not entirely composed of necessary nutrients for plants Contains salt and other compounds, which can alter the chemistry of the soil that makes it less ideal for planting Toxic wastes contaminating the water we drink is bad for health Toxic compounds can be washed away when we water plants and seep into groundwater. Too much- Not good! Can be harmful May burn the delicate plant structures such as the roots Could affect the overall development of the plant They work too quickly! More likely to burn or harm plants if applied incorrectly Over fertilization can build up toxic concentrations of salt in the soil Long term chemical imbalance Direct threat to drinking sources Chemical runoff

Why might farmers use Inorganic despite the negative impacts? Inorganic fertilizers are less expensive than organic fertilizers due to the chemical composition. Crops grow faster and seemingly stronger due to the advancing effect of chemicals in inorganic fertilizers.

How does Inorganic Fertilizer negatively impact crops: Excessive use of inorganic fertilizer can lead to increase in the accumulation of salt. Plants have to reach their roots further in the ground to obtain water for growth resulting in wilted plants. Contact of inorganic fertilizer with plant leaves can lead to the scorching of leaves. The use of too much inorganic fertilization can also lead to decrease in plant growth and sometime plant death. Places such as France and Germany switch to organic to decrease amount of groundwater pollution associated with inorganic.

Inorganic Fertilizer: Effect on Water, Plants, and Land

Ecological impact of Inorganic fertilizer on land and water nearby: The presence of inorganic fertilizers in runoff and ultimately water sources leads to the excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. During extreme cases, this overgrowth can lead to the death of animals and other plant life present in the water sources. Inorganic fertilizer applied incorrectly can lead to buildup of potassium and phosphorus on the soil’s surface. Inorganic fertilizer can damage the pH balance of the soil if applied on the soil instead of on the plants.

What is Organic Fertilizer? Organic fertilizer refers to a soil amendment derived from natural sources that guarantees the minimum percentage of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. These natural sources include plants and animal by-products. When using organic gardening you use the power of nature along with manpower to create healthy, vibrant plants, fruits, and vegetables.

Organic Fertilizer:

Risks/Drawbacks of Organic Fertilizer: Organic fertilizers present a slow rapid approach in growing crops and plants. Using this over inorganic fertilizer brings about more laborious work. Often are more expensive to purchase than inorganic fertilizers.

Why do farmers prefer the use of Organic over Inorganic? Farmers use organic fertilizers to improve the structure of their soil. Organic fertilizer ensure that food produced are free of toxic chemicals Organic fertilizer is not as pollutant as inorganic fertilizer. Organic fertilizers ensure fertile soil for generations to come.

All of the following factors contributed to a doubling of US food productivity since 1940 Use of fossil fuels Use of pesticides Use of inorganic fertilizers and nitrogen

How does Organic fertilizer impact crops positively: Organic fertilizer helps restore the balance of micronutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, and zinc. Ex. adding gypsum increases sulfur levels and plant resistance to cold as well as increases plant strength. Borax helps in stimulating the growth of healthy fruit while calcium builds the cell walls of plants increasing the overall stability of the plant.

How does Organic positively impact the land and water nearby? Most organic fertilizers are water-soluble, therefore they can easily wash away with runoff as oppose to inorganic fertilizers. Produce food while establishing ecological balance reducing soil fertility and pest problems. Being used in places such as France and Germany to decrease the amount of groundwater pollution associated with inorganic fertilizers. Organic fertilizer decreases the effect of Greenhouse Gases through its ability to absorb carbon into the soil in processes such as cover crops and rotations. Help increase the stability of soil through less presence of chemicals as associated with inorganic fertilizer Allows for better habitat for wildlife and increases the agro-biodiversity leading to a better gene pool within the soil.

Work Cited "Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Inorganic Fertilizers." Basics of Gardening. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2015. "Choosing Between Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer | Enlighten Me." Enlighten Me. N.p., 29 Sept. 2013. Web. 09 Apr. 2015. "The Disadvantages of Inorganic Fertilizer." Home Guides. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2015. "The Effects of Organic Fertilizer on Plants." Home Guides. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2015. "FAQ." Organic Agriculture: What Are the Environmental Benefits of Organic Agriculture? N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2015. Fenrisulfir. Fertilizer-Burn on a cannabis sativa leaf. Digital image. WikiMedia Commons. N.p., 21 July 2009. Web. 09 Apr. 2015. "Ground Pollution Project." Prezi.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2015. "Moon CO's Blog." Moon COs Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2015.

Ecological Benefits: Inorganic Fertilizer v.s. Organic Fertilizer