Compost vs. Fertilizer vs. Mother Nature. The Ultimate Showdown By: Coco Catalano

Mother Nature A common personification of nature that focuses on the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature The word nature comes from the Latin word, natura, meaning birth or character Used when nothing except the bare necessities are being used

Fertilizer Is any organic or inorganic material of natural or synthetic origin that is added to a soil to supply one or more plant nutrients essential to the growth of plants. Dates to the 19th century 40 to 60% of crop yields are attributable to commercial fertilizer use.

Pros Vs. Cons Improves the structure of the soil Holds the soil moisture for a long time. It also mobilizes the existing nutrients in the soil Releases nitrogen consistently Lessens leaching Release of the nitrates is very fast and this reaches the roots also in the same pace. Traces of phosphorus can give you more flowers and large fruits with larger yield. The rots grow healthier and the tubers grow better than before Some organic fertilizers which contain fetus as the basic element will get contaminated with pathogens and causes bad smell Improper dosage of these chemicals can literally kill or at least burn the natural elements of the plants. Distort the soil nature and sometimes lead to cadmium poisoning.The main ingredients present in these non-organic fertilizers are potassium and phosphorus; due to over usage of these fertilizers, natural fertility goes in scarcity.

Compost An organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer. Dates to at least the early Roman Empire The word “compost” comes from Latin where it meant “to put together.”

Items You Can Compost Brown / dry materials Dry leaves, dried grass clippings Wood shavings or sawdust Nuts and shells Coffee grounds and filters Pinecones, pine needles Shredded egg cartons (the paper kind) Shredded newspaper and tissue paper Twigs Hay Peanut shells Cold wood ashes Dryer lint Shredded cereal boxes and other paperboard items Green / wet materials Fruit and veggie scraps Egg shells Tea bags, tea leaves Fresh green grass clippings and plant trimmings grown without pesticides or weed killers Plate scrapings (excluding meat and bones)

Why Compost? Ideal for growing organic herbs, fruits and vegetables. Saves money on fertilizer and other store-bought gardening products. A good alternative to chemical fertilizers for parents, pet-owners and others concerned with safety and health. Conserves dwindling landfill space. Easy, convenient way to dispose of garden refuse (often prohibited from landfills). Helps wards off pests and weeds without chemical pesticides or herbicides. Improves plant growth and quality. Reduces erosion and nutrient run-off. Restores nutrients back into the soil. Helps loosen soil and can be used as mulch. Breaks down clay based soils.

Comparison