Natural and Processed Organic Fertilizer

Abstract

There are many natural and processed organic fertilizers that are used in agriculture and this chapter aims to review their impact in a multi-disciplinary scheme. Organic fertilizers are mineral sources that are readily available in nature and contain enough essential plant nutrients. Slurry and manure are examples of natural fertilizers are organic in nature, while blood meal, bone meal, fish emulsion and compost are examples of processed organic fertilizers. When it comes to organic fertilizers, they are considered delayed release fertilizers since they release nutrients in smaller amounts over a longer period. A balanced amount of raw nitrogen is included in most organic fertilizers, making them suitable as a slow-release fertilizer. The use of organic fertilizers reduces groundwater contamination, eutrophication, and over-fertilization risks by virtue of their composition.