You probably get this question from customers a lot. That's because many people believe that organic or natural products are better for the environment. Some consumers think that if a product is naturally occurring it's organic, and a man-made product isn't.
But there is much more to fertilizers.
Organic FertilizerIn chemistry, an organic compound is something containing carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). According to the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials, an organic fertilizer is a compound containing C, H, O, and at least one other element that is essential for plant growth, such as phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), or sulfur (S).
Natural organic fertilizers are made from naturally produced sources such as: blood meal feather meal composted manures biosolids plant by-products (cotton seed meal, alfalfa meal)
These natural organic sources are relatively low in nutrient content, so you must apply large amounts to provide plants with sufficient nutrients.
Consider this simple example: a 30-2-10 blend of a synthetic organic fertilizer versus an organic fertilizer with six percent nitrogen.
You have to apply 5 times as much of the organic fertilizer to get the same nitrogen application rate!
Organic fertilizers certainly serve an important function in recycling nutrient-containing materials. However, you should also consider the carbon footprint left by having 5 times as many trucks hauling fertilizer around the country.
Synthetic, Slow- and Controlled-Release Fertilizers
Synthetic organic nitrogen fertilizers are based on the nitrogen-containing compound urea [CO(NH2)2]. AS you can see, urea contains C, H, O, and N, so it is an organic fertilizer. Urea is produced naturally by many biological organisms, but the urea used in most fertilizers is produced in a fertilizer plant, and so it is a synthetic organic material.
Controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers are based on an advanced polymer-coated urea. Synthetic slow-release nitrogen fertilizers include the following types, also based on urea: sulfur-coated urea (SCU) polymer coated sulfur-coated urea (PCSCU) methylene urea (MU) and ureaformaldehyde (UF)
All are considered synthetic organics, and they provide much higher concentrations of nitrogen than natural organics. This means you apply less fertilizer than with natural organics. This saves you transportation costs, and reduces the carbon footprint of fertilizer delivery.
Slow- and controlled-release fertilizers can keep your customers' lawns looking their best with fewer applications. Effective slow- and controlled-release fertilizers deliver nitrogen to the soil gradually and consistently. This feeds the plant roots steadily over a longer period of time. That gives you beautiful, healthy turf, and can save you a lot of time and money throughout the season.
Which Fertilizer Should I Choose?No matter which product you choose, nitrogen must be converted to inorganic ammonium (NH4+) or nitrate (NO3-) in order for the plant to take it up. No matter what form of N you provide, it's all the same to the plant. The fertilizer you choose can make a difference in turf quality though, and to your bottom line.
Try this simple equation: If quick-release fertilizers provide only 4 weeks of nutrition, you need 6 applications to feed a lawn or landscape for a 24-week growing season.
Then think about a longer lasting fertilizer that will feed a landscape slowly and evenly over 10, 18, or even 26 weeks. You can achieve the same season-long fertility while spending far less time fertilizing.
Think of all you could do for your customers with that extra time!
On the other hand, you might say, "Hey, wait, I get paid by the visit or per application." You can turn this issue into a win-win.
First, tell your customers about the unique advantages of a gradual, sustained nutrient delivery from slow- and controlled-release fertilizers. Explain how that gives their lawn and landscape optimal feeding for more consistent quality and appearance. Plus, there are also environmental benefits of using less fertilizer.
It's up to you whether you reduce trips to your customer's property. If you choose to keep the same number of visits, focus on other services such as scouting for pests, target applications of herbicides and insecticides, and tree/shrub programs. You'll save time by not fertilizing and having to clean up every time. Just watch your productivity increase. Everybody comes out ahead!
Less Expensive Isn't Always BetterPaying less for fertilizer is not a good long-term option to lower your costs. Using less expensive products or eliminating needed applications can backfire due to reduced turf quality and dissatisfied customers.
Applying dependable slow- and controlled-release fertilizers is an easy way for you to be more efficient, saving you money while maintaining high-quality turf.
Natural Organic Fertilizers - naturally-derived nutrients from plant or animal byproducts Less predictable release of nitrogen Low nitrogen content (usually 2-10%) Potentially unpleasant odor Limited flexibility in N-P-K analysis (difficult to match to plant /soil needs) Possible high phosphorus (P) content (possible negative impact on water quality)
Slow- and Controlled-Release Synthetic Organic Fertilizers -based on synthetically manufactured organic urea Predictable release of nitrogen High nitrogen content (up to 44%) - lower transportation costs No odor Blended for your region or specific plant/soil needs for maximum results
Did You Know?It can take up to 15 lbs. of natural organic fertilizer to deliver the same results on 1,000 square feet of turf covered by just 3 lbs. of a synthetic, organic slow- or controlled-release fertilizer
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