Concentrated organic fertilizer refers to organic materials with a higher nutrient content compared to bulky organic manures. These fertilizers are essentially organic nitrogen fertilizers.
Here's a breakdown:
-
Higher Nutrient Content: Unlike bulky organic manures, concentrated organic fertilizers deliver a more substantial dose of essential nutrients per unit weight.
-
Organic Nitrogen Fertilizers: They primarily supply nitrogen, a crucial element for plant growth, in an organic form. This means the nitrogen is bound within organic molecules.
-
Examples: Common examples include:
- Oilcakes: Residue left after extracting oil from oilseeds (e.g., groundnut cake, neem cake). Rich in nitrogen and also provide phosphorus and potassium.
- Blood Meal: Dried, powdered blood collected from slaughterhouses. An excellent source of nitrogen, but can be more expensive.
- Fish Manure: Decomposed fish waste or fish meal. Provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and other micronutrients.
-
Benefits:
- Nutrient Rich: Offer a concentrated dose of essential plant nutrients.
- Soil Improvement: Contribute to improved soil structure and water retention over time.
- Sustainable: Promote environmentally friendly farming practices by utilizing organic waste materials.
-
Considerations:
- Cost: Can sometimes be more expensive than inorganic fertilizers.
- Nutrient Release: Nutrients are released more slowly than from inorganic fertilizers.
- Handling: Some (like blood meal) may have a strong odor and require careful handling.
In summary, concentrated organic fertilizers provide a potent and sustainable way to nourish plants by delivering a higher concentration of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, in an organic form.