The Pros & Cons of Using Fertilizers: Aqsa Faridi Lily Eghtessad Micah Hydrick The Pros & Cons of Using Fertilizers: Organic vs. Inorganic fertilizers

1. Terms Fertilizer Organic Fertilizer Inorganic Fertilizer

Fertilizer a chemical or natural substance that is added to soil or land to increase its fertility. There are 2 kinds of fertilizer: organic and inorganic.

Organic Fertilizer Soil amendment derived from natural sources. For example, plant and animal by-products, seaweed, and rock powders.

Inorganic Fertilizer Comprised of synthetic artificial ingredients that are manufactured and ready to use on plants; it releases nitrogen quickly into the soil.

2. Techniques Banding: Placing the fertilizer 2 inches to the side and 2 inches deeper than the seed furrow. Liquid Application: Water-soluble fertilizer that is applied with spray cans or applied with sprinklers or furrow irrigation Broadcasting: Using a walk-behind drop spreader or hand-held spreader with a crank to scatter granular or bulk fertilizer on the ground.

3. How Techniques Impact Crops Banding is used to fertilize a row of vegetables or to get plants started on growing. This technique benefits the vegetables/plants because its placed deeper in the ground where most vegetables grow. Liquid Application is used on young vegetable plants. Some plants require micronutrients such as zinc and iron that they cannot get through the soil, but their leaves can absorb them. Water-soluble fertilizer is usually sprayed on leaves when they first show signs of nutrient deficiency. Broadcasting is beneficial to flowerbeds, lawns, trees, and vegetable gardens. Because you are dealing with larger areas of land, broadcasting makes it easier to spread the fertilizer to a greater distance, as well as spreading it evenly.

3. How Techniques Impact Crops

4. Positive Impacts Organic fertilizers have much more positive effects on the surrounding environment compared to inorganic fertilizers. Improves soil strength Increases Soil moisture Adds Nutrients Non-Harmful effect on the surrounding land.

5. Risks/Drawbacks Organic Inorganic Damage to Plants Toxicity Pollution Time Expense Inorganic Environmental dangers Public risks Leaching

6. Works Cited "Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Inorganic Fertilizers." Basics of Gardening. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2015. "Advantages of An Organic Fertilizer vs. Chemical Fertilizer.” Organic Fertilizer For Lawns Organic Weed Control Best Organic Fertilizer. N.p., 2 Dec. 2010. Web. 24 Mar. 2015. Batler, Michael. "Researchers Discover First Use of Fertilizer." Researchers Discover First Use of Fertilizer. AAAS, 15 July 2013. Web. 08 Apr. 2015. Day, Julie. "Pros and Cons of Organic vs. Chemical Fertilizers." Today's Homeowner. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2015. Delp, Rachel. "Natural Hazards in Fertilizers." Home Guides. Demand Media, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2015. "Environmental Benefits of Using Fertilizers." Environmental Benefits of Using Fertilizers. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2015. Hoyt, Richard. "Four Methods For Applying Fertilizers." Home Guides. Demand Media, n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2015.

6. Works Cited Continued James, Cynthia. "Organic Fertilizer Risks." GardenGuides.Demand Media, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2015. "Meyer 100 Lb. Capacity Walk Behind Stainless Steel Drop Spreader." The Home Depot. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2015. "Modern Diy Art Design Collection." Brick Raised Vegetable Beds. Modern Diy Art Design Collection, n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2015. "Organic vs Non Organic Fertilizer: A Comparison." Organic vs Non Organic Fertilizer: A Comparison. The Garden Counselor, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2015. Seed Flats. N.d. Seedflats.jpg. Web. 8 Apr. 2015. Thompson, Daniel. "The Disadvantages of Inorganic Fertilizer." Home Guides. Demand Media, n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2015. "Understanding Different Types of Fertilizer for Gardening." Gardening Tips Ideas. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2015. "Vegetable Plug Plants - How to Grow Healthy Seedlings." Quickcropcouk. N.p., 05 Jan. 2015. Web. 08 Apr. 2015.