Newton's Guide to Organic Fertilisers and Soil Enhancers

Tired of crops that seem hellbent on wilting regardless of how much effort you put in? You’re not alone. Many Kiwis are on the hunt for better, more sustainable ways to boost their plants' health and productivity. Along the way, most people learn that the secret lies in what you feed your soil. But how exactly do you choose the right fertiliser?

Organic fertilisers and soil enhancers might sound like trendy buzzwords, but they’re great for anyone looking to cultivate their garden. They provide essential nutrients, improve soil structure, and boost water retention – all crucial for the unpredictable New Zealand climate. In this article, Newton Seeds is breaking down what makes organic fertilisers and soil enhancers so special, how they differ, and when to use each for the best results.

What are Organic Fertilisers?

You’ve likely heard of organic fertilisers, but do you know what they do? Derived from plants, animals, or minerals, these natural materials boost soil fertility and plant health without the harsh chemicals found in synthetic fertilisers. Instead of a quick, short-lived nutrient dump, organic fertilisers offer a slow, steady release of essential nutrients which aligns perfectly with the natural growth cycles of your plants. Their benefits are backed by plenty of scientific studies, making them a reliable choice for anyone committed to sustainable gardening and eco-friendly farming.

Benefits of Organic Fertilisers 

• Nutrient-Rich: Organic fertilisers contain essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with trace elements that are crucial for plant growth.

• Improved Soil Structure: Organic fertilisers enhance soil structure by increasing its ability to hold water and nutrients, leading to healthier plant roots.

• Microbial Activity: They stimulate beneficial microbial activity in the soil, which helps break down organic matter and release nutrients in a form that plants can readily absorb.

• Sustainability: Being derived from natural sources, organic fertilisers are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, reducing the risk of soil and water pollution.

Common Types of Organic Fertilisers

• Compost: Made from decomposed organic matter like kitchen scraps and garden waste, organic compost is rich in nutrients and improves soil structure and fertility.

• Manure: Animal manure, such as cow, horse, and chicken manure, is an excellent source of nutrients and organic matter that enhances soil fertility and microbial activity.

• Bone Meal: A fine powder made from animal bones, bone meal is high in phosphorus and calcium, promoting strong root development and flowering.

• Blood Meal: Dried and powdered animal blood, blood meal is a rich source of nitrogen, which is essential for leafy growth and overall plant vigour.

• Seaweed: Seaweed fertilisers are derived from marine algae and are rich in trace elements, vitamins, and hormones that boost plant growth and improve soil health.

How Organic Fertilisers Improve Plant Health and Yield

• Organic fertilisers play a vital role in improving plant health and yield through several mechanisms:

• Nutrient Availability: Organic fertilisers provide a balanced mix of essential nutrients in a slow-release form, ensuring that plants receive a steady supply of nutrients over time. This promotes consistent growth and development.

• Soil Health: By enhancing soil structure and increasing its water-holding capacity, organic fertilisers create an optimal environment for root growth. Healthy roots are better able to absorb nutrients and water, leading to stronger, more resilient plants.

• Microbial Activity: Organic fertilisers encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. These microbes help decompose organic matter, releasing nutrients in a form that plants can absorb. They also improve soil aeration and structure, further benefiting plant health.

• Disease Resistance: Plants nourished with organic fertilisers tend to be more robust and resistant to diseases and pests. This is because healthy, well-nourished plants have stronger immune systems and are better equipped to fend off pathogens.

What are Soil Enhancers?

Soil enhancers, while less popular than fertilisers, still have an important place in the gardening community. They give your soil the boost it needs to support healthier, more productive plants. These natural substances work to improve the soil’s structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, creating an optimal environment for plant growth.

Benefits of Soil Enhancers

• Improved Soil Structure: Soil enhancers help break up compacted soil, allowing roots to penetrate more easily and access vital nutrients.
• Enhanced Water Retention: They increase the soil's ability to retain moisture, which is especially important during dry spells or in sandy soils that drain quickly.
• Nutrient Availability: Soil enhancers improve the availability of nutrients in the soil, ensuring that plants get the right balance of essential elements they need to thrive.

Common Types of Soil Enhancers

• Biochar: A form of charcoal produced from plant matter, biochar enhances soil structure, retains water and nutrients, and supports beneficial microbial life.

• Vermiculite: A natural mineral that expands when heated, vermiculite improves soil aeration and water retention, making it ideal for seed starting and root cuttings.

• Compost Tea: This liquid fertiliser is made by steeping compost in water, creating a nutrient-rich tea that can be applied directly to the soil or used as a foliar spray. Check out this easy guide to make it yourself. 

• Mycorrhizal Fungi: These beneficial fungi form a unique relationship with plant roots, extending their reach and helping plants absorb more water and nutrients from the soil.

How Soil Enhancers Improve Soil and Plant Health

• Boosting Soil Structure: By improving soil texture and reducing compaction, soil enhancers make it easier for plant roots to grow deeply and spread out, accessing more nutrients and water.

• Maximising Water Retention: Enhancers like biochar and vermiculite help the soil hold onto moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering and ensuring that plants have a consistent water supply.

• Increasing Nutrient Availability: Mycorrhizal fungi and compost tea increase the availability of nutrients in the soil, making it easier for plants to absorb what they need for robust growth

Differences Between Organic Fertilisers and Soil Enhancers

Now that we’ve delved into both, you might notice that they sound pretty similar. And in some ways that’s true, they do have many mutual benefits. However, it’s important to distinguish between them in order to make the most of their qualities. Organic fertilisers primarily provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to plants, directly promoting their growth and boosting yields. They are best used when plants need a nutrient boost, such as during the growing season or when soil tests show nutrient deficiencies. 

On the other hand, soil enhancers focus on improving the physical properties of the soil, such as structure, water retention, and microbial activity. They are ideal for preparing the soil before planting or for maintaining soil health over time which indirectly affects plant growth. While these products are great on their own, combining organic fertilisers and soil enhancers creates a sustainable gardening system where plants receive both the nutrients they need and a healthy, supportive soil environment. The overall effect? More resilient and productive gardens and farms.

Application and Usage 

We always recommend following the directions on the specific product you purchase, as the best application method can vary. However, you often can’t go wrong with these general guidelines:

Organic Fertilisers: Apply these during the growth season (often spring and summer) when plants are actively taking up nutrients. Distribute the fertiliser evenly around the root zone, then till or water it into the soil for best results.

Soil Enhancers: Mix these into the soil before planting to improve soil structure and water retention. Here’s a pro tip: different plants and soil conditions can benefit from specific approaches. For example, leafy greens thrive on nitrogen-rich blood meal, while flowering plants benefit from phosphorus-rich bone meal.

Conclusion

If you’re tired of watching your plants struggle despite your best efforts, it’s time to give organic fertilisers and soil enhancers a try. Organic fertilisers provide essential nutrients in a way that's gentle on the earth, while soil enhancers create the perfect foundation for plant growth by improving soil structure and water retention.

Ready to take your gardening or farming to the next level? Visit Newton Seeds’ website today to explore the best range of high-quality organic fertilisers and soil enhancers in New Zealand. Join the community of Kiwis who are making a positive impact on their gardens, farms, and the environment.