Organic Fertilizer

The best way to improve your plants’ health and yield is by using organic fertilizer. It is safe for the environment and your plants, giving them the nutrients they need to thrive.

Organic or natural fertilizer is a type of fertilizer made from organic materials. These materials include compost, manure, and other plant or animal products. Organic fertilizer is a great way to add nutrients to your soil without using chemicals. It can also help improve the health of your plants and soil.

This post will discuss the various types of organic fertilizers you can use for your garden, the benefits of using organic fertilizers over chemical ones, plus the ways to ensure you have maximumly utilized these fertilizers. Keep reading for this and more exciting information about organic fertilizers.

Table of Contents

• Types of Organic Fertilizers in Kenya
  • i. Compost manure
  • ii. Animal manure
  • iii. Green manure
  • iv. Bone meal manure
  • v. Blood meal manure
  • vi. Worm manure
  • vii. Guano
  • viii. Fish meal
  • ix. Seaweed fertilizer
  • x. Sludge
• Making Home Organic Fertilizer
  • • Bamoyeast BFB
    • Bio-Clean BFB
• Ready-Made Organic Fertilizers
  • • BlackGold BFB
    • Bhoomi Shakthi
    • Hi-Grow BFB
• Advantages of Organic Fertilizers
• Disadvantages of Organic Fertilizers
• FAQs About Organic Fertilizers
• Final Words

Types of Organic Fertilizers in Kenya

Compost, manure, bone meal, blood meal, and green manure are the commonly known natural fertilizers. Apart from these, other lesser-known natural fertilizers can be used on your farm or garden.

The following are different types of organic fertilizers available:

i. Compost manure

Compost manure is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. It is typically made from plant materials and other organic matter, such as leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen waste, which decompose naturally for several weeks or months. The resulting compost is a rich, dark brown or black material high in nutrients and beneficial microbes.

Composting is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and improve the health of your soil. When organic matter is added to soil, it breaks down and releases nutrients that plants can use to grow. This process, known as composting, provides a natural source of nutrients and helps improve the soil’s structure, aeration, and water-holding capacity.

Composting is an easy and environmentally friendly way to manage organic waste and improve the health of your soil. It is also a great way to save money on store-bought fertilizers and reduce the amount of waste that goes into the environment.

For the best composting materials, equipment, or technical expertise in Kenya, contact Biozone, the country’s leading company in waste management.

ii. Animal manure

Animal manure comprises feces, urine, and bedding materials such as straw or sawdust. Manure contains various nutrients that plants need to grow, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It also contains microorganisms that can help improve soil structure and fertility.

There are many different types of manure, depending on the source animal. For example, cow manure is typically made up of the feces and urine of cows, while chicken manure is made up of the feces and urine of chickens. You can also obtain manure from other animals, such as horses, pigs, and goats.

You can apply manure to the soil in several different ways. It can be spread directly on the soil surface, mixed, or composted to break down the organic matter and release nutrients. It is essential to use manure properly to avoid any potential health risks or environmental issues. For example, manure can contain harmful bacteria that contaminate crops, so you must handle it carefully.

iii. Green manure

Green manure is obtained from crops grown specifically to be plowed under and incorporated into the soil. The purpose of growing green manure crops is to improve the fertility and health of the soil. Green manure crops are typically legumes, such as clover or beans, which can fix nitrogen from the air and add it to the soil. It increases the levels of essential nutrients in the soil, making it more productive and supporting a broader range of crops.

In addition to increasing soil fertility, green manure crops can also help to control weeds, prevent soil erosion, and improve the structure of the soil. When green manure crops are plowed under, their roots help to loosen and aerate the soil, improving drainage and water retention. That makes the soil more conducive to healthy plant growth and reduces the need for artificial fertilizers.

Green manure crops are grown in the off-season, between regular crop cycles. That allows farmers to use their land and resources more efficiently while also improving the health of the soil. When the green manure is plowed under, it decomposes and releases its nutrients into the soil, providing a natural and sustainable source of fertility.

Green manure is an essential tool for sustainable agriculture and soil health. By incorporating green manure crops into their farming practices, farmers can improve their land’s productivity and sustainability while reducing their reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

iv. Bone meal manure

Bone meal manure is an organic fertilizer made from the ground-up bones of animals. It is a rich phosphorus source, essential for plant growth and development. It is commonly used to supplement other fertilizers, particularly for plants that require high phosphorus levels, such as flowers and fruit trees.

When applied to the soil, bone meal can help improve its structure, increase its water retention capacity, and provide essential nutrients to plants. It is also a slow-release fertilizer, which releases its nutrients gradually over time, providing a stable source of nutrition for plants. While bone meal is generally considered safe to use in gardening and farming, it is essential to follow the instructions on the package to avoid overapplication, which can damage plants.

v. Blood meal manure

Blood meal manure is a type of organic fertilizer made from animal blood. It is a rich source of nitrogen, which is essential for the growth of plants. Blood meal manure is created when blood meal is mixed with other organic materials, such as compost, to create a nutrient-rich fertilizer for plants.

When applied to soil, blood meal manure breaks down and releases its nitrogen content, which plants can absorb and use for growth. In addition to nitrogen, blood meal manure also contains other essential nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, which can help promote healthy plant growth.

vi. Worm manure

Warm manure is an organic fertilizer made from the excretion of waste by worms. Worms produce this manure as they digest organic matter, making nutrient-rich feces that enrich the soil and promote plant growth. Vermicompost is considered an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers, as it is made from natural materials and has a lower environmental impact.

In addition to its use as a fertilizer, worm manure can also be used as a soil conditioner, helping to improve soil structure and aeration. It is often used in organic farming and gardening, as it helps to support the growth of healthy plants and can improve the soil’s overall health.

vii. Guano

Guano is an organic fertilizer made from the droppings of seabirds and bats. It is a rich source of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. Guano is also high in trace minerals and micronutrients, making it a highly effective fertilizer. It is typically collected from caves, cliffs, and other areas where seabirds and bats roost. Because it is a natural product, it is considered environmentally friendly and sustainable.

viii. Fish meal

Fish meal is a type of organic fertilizer made from fish remains. The remains are ground up and mixed with water to create a liquid fertilizer. This liquid is high in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for healthy plant growth. Fish emulsion can be applied directly to the soil or added to water and used as a foliar spray. It is often used in organic gardening because it is a natural source of nutrients and is safe for the environment.

ix. Seaweed fertilizer

Seaweed fertilizer is an organic fertilizer that is made from seaweed or kelp. Seaweed is marine algae rich in nutrients, including nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and trace elements, such as iron and zinc. These nutrients are essential for healthy plant growth and development. Seaweed fertilizer is typically applied to soil in liquid or granular form and can be used to fertilize a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and trees. It is also used as a soil conditioner to help improve soil structure and aeration.

x. Sludge

Sludge or slurry is the solid part that remains after waste has been treated. Human waste, wastewater, industrial waste, and other types of waste must be treated to make them safe once disposed to the environment. The treatment process will leave sludge which is rich in nutrients and can be used as an organic fertilizer.

The Biozone Biogas plant produces the best sludge in Kenya today. The plant is expertly designed to generate high-quality gas for your home energy needs like cooking, heating, and lighting. The sludge produced using this plant is also of high quality and will greatly benefit your crops and plants while saving you the money that would be used in chemical fertilizers.

Making Home Organic Fertilizer

Homemade natural fertilizer is the best for your crops and plants. That is because you will save money that would have been used in procuring other fertilizers. You can also produce more than you need and sell the extra for additional income. Another benefit associated with homemade natural fertilizers is that you get to decide what goes into the materials. That means you will be certain about the quality of the fertilizer.

Making homemade natural fertilizers is not easy. Most people lack the know-how and expertise to make quality natural fertilizers. But with proper consultation from experts and the using the right additional materials, you too can make the best organic fertilizer for your crops. Biozone is the leading consultant in waste management, biogas production, and homemade natural fertilizer products.

In addition to the expert instructions provided by Biozone, the following products are also encouraged in the production of natural fertilizers:

Bamoyeast BFB

The Biozone Bamoyeast BFB is an enzyme that should be added to your homemade natural fertilizer during production. It can also be used in other home activities, like biodigesters and pit latrines management. The product has the following benefits:

• Remove bad odor.
• Sludge volume will be reduced more, as more solids are digested.
• The system’s capacity will be effectively increased because more waste can be processed more effectively in less time.
• Easier to balance the treatment system.
• Bacterial oxidation of the liquid phase will be faster and more complete.
• Digesters will operate evenly and uniformly, with easier planning and routine waste.
• High-quality fertile manure will be produced in less span of time.

Bio-Clean BFB

The Biozone Bio-Clean BFB is another highly recommended enzyme in making natural fertilizers. It has multi enzymes, which help in the faster cleavage of organic molecules and further degradation with the help of endospore-forming bacilli, fungal algae, and actinomycetes strain providing proper nutrients supplements & moisture. Just like Bamoyeast BFB, this product also has additional uses around your home, making waste management easier.

The notable benefits of Bio-Clean BFB are:

• Sludge volume will be reduced more as more solids are digested.
• Remove bad odor.
• The system’s capacity will be effectively increased because more waste can be processed more effectively in less time.
• Easier to balance the treatment system.
• Bacterial oxidation of the liquid phase will be faster and more complete.
• Digesters will operate evenly and uniformly, with easier planning and routine waste.
• High-quality fertile manure will be produced in less span of time.

Ready-Made Organic Fertilizers

Lack of enough space, time, expertise, and materials can sometimes push you to go for ready-made natural fertilizers. As we have seen earlier, producing quality natural fertilizer can be challenging. Therefore, the availability of ready-made natural fertilizers in your local agro vet shop will help you save the time needed in producing your own.

The biggest challenge in ready-made natural fertilizers is trust. Unscrupulous business people may come with substandard natural fertilizers that will achieve little or no results once applied to your crops or plants. Therefore, you must get your natural fertilizer from a trusted dealer/manufacturer.

Biozone offers a wide range of products that have been expertly formulated to meet your requirements. With this supplier/manufacturer, you will not have to worry about quality since it is guaranteed. With thousands of Kenyans using these products, the testimonials are available to inspire enough confidence.

The following are some of the available natural fertilizers at Biozone:

BlackGold BFB

The BlackGold BFB is the first recommended product from Biozone Kenya. It combines organically extracted Hypnus Peat, Moss, and Silica. It is environmentally safe and not harmful to plants or animals. It’s a soil conditioner, root enhancer, and growth promoter.

The main attributes of this product are:

• An effective soil enhancer.
• A plant growth stimulant.
• A chelating agent and disease suppressant.
• High in Humic acid, Fulvic Acid, Auxin, Vitamins, etc.
• Promotes nutrient uptake.
• Accelerates seed germination.
• Increases crop yield.
• 100% residue-free product.

Bhoomi Shakthi

The Bhoomi Shakthi is another organic fertilizer from Biozone. It consists of organic potash, nitrogen, and phosphate. Bhoomi Shakthi is intended to provide the most comprehensive crop nutrition, improving the Physico-chemical and biological properties of the soil ecosystem and plant growth while enhancing crop productivity. The recommended crops and plants for this product are areca nut, sugarcane, banana, cardamom, groundnut, potato, maize, and turf grass.

The characteristics of this product are:

• An effective Soil enhancer.
• A plant growth biostimulant.
• A chelating agent and disease suppressant.
• High in Potash, Humic acid, Fulvic acid, seaweed, etc.
• Promote nutrient uptake.
• Accelerate seed germination.
• Increase crop yields.
• 100% residue-free product.

Hi-Grow BFB

The Hi-Grow BFB is an organic foliar fertilizer, a biological combination of plant growth-promoting herbal extracts, seaweed, and foliar feed fertilizer. The active ingredients in this product are seaweed, ashwagandha, tulsi, and aloe vera. It is a proven flowering, fruiting, and growth promoter.

The main characteristics of this organic fertilizer are:

• A plant growth biostimulant
• Increases crop yields
• 10% residue-free product
• Provides adequate nutrients and trace elements to the plants
• Improves the nutritional value of crops
• Enrich soil micro-flora and maintain ecological balance
• Increases crop yield by up to 30%-40%
• Enlarged leaf structure
• Improved plant immunity

Advantages of Organic Fertilizers

The following are the benefits of using organic fertilizers for your farming or gardening activities:

1. Improved soil health: Organic fertilizers help improve the soil’s structure and fertility. Because they are made from natural materials, they contain a wide range of micronutrients and beneficial bacteria that can help to improve soil health and support the growth of healthy plants.
2. Reduced risk of over-fertilization: Unlike synthetic fertilizers, organic fertilizers release their nutrients slowly over time. This reduces the risk of over-fertilizing, damaging plants and the environment.
3. Enhanced plant growth and yields: Organic fertilizers can improve the growth and yields of plants by providing them with the nutrients they need to thrive. Because organic fertilizers contain a wide range of micronutrients, they can help to promote healthy root growth, strong stems, and abundant flowers and fruit.
4. Improved taste and nutritional value of food: Plants grown with organic fertilizers often have a better taste and higher nutritional value than those grown with synthetic fertilizers. This is because organic fertilizers help promote the growth of healthy plants that are more resistant to pests and diseases, improving the quality of the food they produce.
5. Reduced environmental impact: Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials and are biodegradable, which means they have a lower environmental impact than synthetic fertilizers. They do not produce toxic runoff or contribute to air pollution and can help to improve the health of the soil and surrounding ecosystem.
6. Targeted availability: Different plants, crops, or soil structures have differing nutritional needs that are hard to come by in chemical fertilizers. Organic fertilizers have wide nutrient capacities that can be targeted to your needs.
7. More nutrients: Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the main nutrients contained in chemical fertilizers. These nutrients, although useful, are not all that plants and crops need. Besides these essential nutrients, natural fertilizers also contain other necessary nutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, sulfur, and copper.
8. Cheaper and readily available: Most natural fertilizers are made using locally available natural materials through processes that are not complicated. No large manufacturing plants are needed to make these fertilizers, making them readily available and pocket-friendly to users.
9. Easier application: With chemical fertilizers, you will need protective gear to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the chemicals used. Natural fertilizers can be applied without this protective clothing, making them easy to apply and use.

Disadvantages of Organic Fertilizers

The following are some of the shortcomings of organic fertilizers:

• Affects proper planning. Some types of natural fertilizers, like compost and green manure, take a long time to be ready which may affect your planning. They may cause disruptions when it comes to planting.
• Slow release to plants. Natural fertilizers take time to be absorbed by the plants, which means they cannot be used to fix short-term nutrient requirements for the plants.
• Required in huge quantities. For natural fertilizers to be effective, you will need large quantities to be applied. That means smaller quantities may not bring the desired results.
• Unequal nutrient distribution. Most natural fertilizers contain a single nutrient or a combination of nutrients that is not at the required levels for plants. Since you may not know the nutrient distribution in the fertilizer, you may end up harming your crops or plants.

FAQs About Organic Fertilizers

Final Words

Organic fertilizer is a great way to improve your garden’s soil quality and health. It is also more environmentally friendly than synthetic fertilizers. However, choosing the right organic fertilizer for your garden is important. That will ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need and that there is no soil damage.