Nutrients, Fertilizers

Essential Plant Nutrients

The 17 chemical elements required for a plant to complete its life cycle and produce seed

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in relatively large amounts by plants (e.g., N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S)

Micronutrients (Trace Elements)

Nutrients required in very small quantities by plants (e.g., Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Mo, Cl, Ni)

Primary Nutrients

Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K)

Secondary Nutrients

Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S)

Nitrogen (N) Function

A major component of proteins, hormones, enzymes, and chlorophyll

essential for rapid vegetative growth (stems and leaves)

Phosphorus (P) Function

Essential for energy transfer (component of ATP), root and seed formation, and hastening maturity

Potassium (K) Function

Necessary for sugar/starch formation, protein synthesis, and regulation of water balance by controlling stomata opening/closing

enhances plant vigor and disease resistance

Calcium (Ca) Function

Important structural component of cell walls

necessary for cell division and root health

Magnesium (Mg) Function

Key component of the chlorophyll molecule

vital for photosynthesis and aids in the translocation of starch

Sulfur (S) Function

Constituent of certain amino acids (proteins) and is involved in energy-producing processes.
gives characteristic flavor/odor to plants like onions and cabbage.

Manure

An organic substance obtained from the decomposition of vegetable and animal waste.
is a bulky soil additive

Fertilizer

An inorganic or synthetic substance manufactured in factories, concentrated in specific plant nutrients

Manure Nutrient Richness

Relatively less rich in specific plant nutrients, only removes general soil deficiency

Fertilizer Nutrient Richness

Very rich in specific plant nutrients like N, P, and K

Humus Addition (Manure)

Adds humus (organic matter) to the soil, improving soil texture and water-holding capacity

Humus Addition (Fertilizer)

Does not add humus to the soil

Absorption Speed (Manure)

Slowly absorbed by plants as it is not readily soluble in water

Absorption Speed (Fertilizer)

Quickly absorbed by plants as it is readily soluble in water

Environmental Impact (Manure)

Protects the environment and helps recycle farm waste

Environmental Impact (Fertilizer)

Excessive use causes water pollution and soil degradation.

Vermicompost

The process of converting organic waste into a valuable soil amendment using various species of earthworms (e.g., red wigglers)

Vermiculture

The rearing of worms specifically for the purpose of vermicomposting ("worm-farming")

Vermicast (Worm Castings)

The end-product of the decomposition process.

earthworm excreta that is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner

Vermicompost Nutrient Profile

Contains higher levels of water-soluble nutrients than traditional compost, including Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK)

Vermiwash

The liquid portion (leachate) obtained from vermicomposting.

contains enzymes and beneficial microorganisms (like nitrogen-fixing bacteria)

Benefit of Vermicompost

Enhances germination, improves soil structure (aeration, porosity, water retention), and suppresses plant diseases/pests

Common Vermicomposting Worm

Eisenia fetida (Red Wiggler or Tiger Worm).