Plant-based organic fertilizers are nutrient-rich products made from natural, biodegradable plant materials, offering an eco-friendly and sustainable solution for soil fertility.
These types of organic fertilizers are generally used in various agricultural and gardening practices, including homesteading, small-scale farming, urban gardening, organic agriculture, and permaculture.
Please note that the chemical composition of each plant-based organic fertilizer may vary depending on its specific source and the conditions under which it was produced.
Types of Plant-Based Organic Fertilizers
Contents
Compost
Compost plant organic fertilizer is a natural, nutrient-rich soil amendment made by decomposing organic plant materials, such as kitchen scraps, yard waste, leaves, grass clippings, and other biodegradable plant matter.
Good for: Compost plant organic fertilizer is best suited for vegetables, fruits, herbs, ornamental plants, flowers, and field crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans.
Not recommended: Compost plant organic fertilizer is not recommended for crops like blueberries, cranberries, and rhododendrons, as well as for certain orchids and carnivorous plants. It is also unsuitable for crops like asparagus and lavender.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~1.0–2.5% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.5–1.5% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~1.0–3.0% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~1.0–3.5% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.2–0.8% |
| Sulfur (S) | ~0.1–0.5% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Zinc (Zn) | ~50–200 ppm |
| Copper (Cu) | ~10–50 ppm |
| Manganese (Mn) | ~50–300 ppm |
| Iron (Fe) | ~0.5–1.5% |
| Boron (B) | ~10–50 ppm |
| Organic Matter | ~30–60% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~50–70% |
Alfalfa Meal
Alfalfa Meal is an organic, plant-based fertilizer derived from alfalfa, a nutrient-rich leguminous plant, finely ground into a meal.
Good for: Alfalfa meal organic fertilizer is particularly well-suited for crops such as tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, strawberries, roses, grapes, citrus fruits, cucumbers, and legumes like peas and beans. It is also beneficial for fruit trees, melons, and a variety of ornamental plants.
Not recommended: Alfalfa meal organic fertilizer is not recommended for crops like blueberries, cranberries, and other acid-loving plants, as well as those sensitive to nitrogen, such as some herbs like lavender and rosemary. It may also not be ideal for cactus or succulent species, as well as crops like onions and garlic, which prefer minimal nitrogen input.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~2.5–3.0% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.5–1.0% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~2.0–2.5% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~1.5–2.0% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.3–0.5% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Zinc (Zn) | ~0.003–0.01% |
| Copper (Cu) | ~0.001–0.003% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ~0.02–0.05% |
| Iron (Fe) | ~0.05–0.1% |
| Organic Matter | ~15–25% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~8–12% |
Seaweed Fertilizer
Seaweed organic fertilizer is a natural plant fertilizer made from seaweed, typically kelp. It is created by harvesting seaweed, washing it to remove salt, drying it, and then processing it into liquid, powder, or granules.
Good for: Seaweed organic fertilizer is best suited for crops like tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce, spinach, potatoes, peppers, cucumbers, carrots, onions, and various herbs. It is also highly effective for fruit trees such as apples, oranges, and cherries, as well as ornamental plants and flowers, including roses and tulips.
Not recommended: Seaweed organic fertilizer is not recommended for crops such as onions, garlic, and other alliums, as well as crops like lentils and chickpeas, which are particularly sensitive to high sodium levels. It may also be unsuitable for blueberries, cranberries, and other acid-loving plants that require specific soil conditions not supported by seaweed-based fertilizers. It is less effective for certain ornamental plants like azaleas and rhododendrons that thrive in highly specialized nutrient environments.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~0.8–1.5% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.1–0.3% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~2.0–3.5% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~0.2–0.6% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.1–0.3% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Iron (Fe) | ~0.02–0.05% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ~0.01–0.03% |
| Zinc (Zn) | ~0.002–0.01% |
| Copper (Cu) | ~0.0005–0.005% |
| Boron (B) | ~0.001–0.01% |
| Organic Matter | ~15–25% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~10–20% |
| Other Compounds | |
| Alginates, Mannitol | Variable amounts |
| Natural Growth Hormones (Auxins, Cytokinins) | Trace amounts |
Cottonseed Meal
Cottonseed meal is an organic fertilizer made from the byproduct of extracting oil from cotton seeds. The seeds are crushed, and the oil is removed, leaving a nutrient-rich meal that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Good for: Cottonseed meal organic fertilizer is well-suited for crops like vegetables, fruits, flowering plants, berries, citrus trees, grapes, nut trees, leafy greens, and root crops such as carrots and potatoes. It is also effective for ornamentals, shrubs, and lawns.
Not recommended: Cottonseed meal organic fertilizer is not recommended for blueberries, cranberries, lettuce, spinach, strawberries, and raspberries.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~6–7% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~2.5–3% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~1.5–2% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~0.5–1% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.3–0.5% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Zinc (Zn) | ~30–50 ppm |
| Copper (Cu) | ~8–15 ppm |
| Manganese (Mn) | ~100–150 ppm |
| Iron (Fe) | ~500–600 ppm |
| Organic Matter | ~85–90% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~10–12% |
Soybean Meal
Soybean meal organic fertilizer is a natural plant-based product made from crushed soybeans after extracting the oil. The meal is created by grinding defatted soybean flakes into a fine powder.
Good for: Soybean meal organic fertilizer is best suited for crops like corn, wheat, rice, barley, sugarcane, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, leafy greens, strawberries, blueberries, apples, grapes, and various legumes. It is also ideal for ornamental plants and turfgrass.
Not recommended: Soybean meal organic fertilizer is not recommended for blueberries, cranberries, succulents, cacti, and some Mediterranean herbs like lavender and rosemary.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~6.5–7.0% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.3–0.6% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~2.0–2.5% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~0.3–0.5% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.2–0.4% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Zinc (Zn) | ~40–50 ppm |
| Copper (Cu) | ~5–10 ppm |
| Manganese (Mn) | ~20–30 ppm |
| Iron (Fe) | ~100–150 ppm |
| Organic Matter | ~90–95% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~10–12% |
Green Manure
Green manure is an organic fertilizer made by growing specific plants and then plowing them back into the soil to decompose. Common plants used for green manure include legumes, clover, and rye, which fix nitrogen and add organic matter.
Good for: Green manure organic fertilizer is best suited for crops like corn, wheat, rice, barley, soybeans, alfalfa, clover, millet, oats, sunflowers, rye, sorghum, and various vegetable crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. It is also ideal for orchards and vineyards, as well as for forage crops like grass and legumes.
Not recommended: Green manure organic fertilizer is not recommended for crops like carrots, radishes, and other root vegetables where excessive nitrogen can lead to poor root development. It is also unsuitable for crops such as onions, garlic, and shallots, which prefer lower nitrogen levels. Certain fruiting plants like melons and watermelons may not thrive with excessive green manure application, as it can disrupt their nutrient balance. It is not ideal for slow-growing herbs like lavender or rosemary, which typically require leaner soils for optimal growth.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~1.5–2.5% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.4–0.8% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~1.0–2.0% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~0.5–1.5% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.2–0.5% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Zinc (Zn) | ~30–50 ppm |
| Copper (Cu) | ~5–15 ppm |
| Manganese (Mn) | ~50–150 ppm |
| Iron (Fe) | ~100–300 ppm |
| Organic Matter | ~20–40% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~50–70% |
Wood Ash
Wood ash organic fertilizer is a natural soil amendment made from the ash left after burning untreated wood. To make it, simply collect the cooled ash from a wood-burning stove or fire pit, ensuring no chemical-treated wood or trash was burned.
Good for: Wood ash organic fertilizer is ideal for crops that prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soils. This includes vegetables such as asparagus, brassicas like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, as well as root crops like beets. It is also beneficial for herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme, along with ornamental plants like lilacs. However, it should not be used around acid-loving plants such as blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons, as it can increase soil pH beyond levels suitable for their growth.
Not recommended: Wood ash organic fertilizer is not recommended for acid-loving crops such as blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries, as well as for potatoes, as it can increase the risk of scab. It is also unsuitable for plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias, which thrive in lower pH conditions. Certain tropical fruits like mangos and citrus may also be negatively affected due to their specific nutrient balance requirements.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~5–10% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~1–3% |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~0% (minimal or negligible) |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~15–35% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~1–5% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Boron (B), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) | Trace amounts |
| Other Components | |
| Sodium (Na) | ~0.5–2% |
| Silica (SiO₂) | ~10–20% |
| Sulfur (S) | ~0.2–0.5% |
| pH (Alkalinity) | ~10–12 |
| Moisture Content | ~5–15% |
Peat
Peat organic fertilizer is a natural product made from decomposed plant material found in peat bogs. It is created by harvesting peat, which forms over thousands of years in waterlogged, low-oxygen environments, and then drying and processing it for use.
Good for: Peat organic fertilizer is particularly well-suited for crops like blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, and raspberries, as well as other acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas. It is also effective for cultivating root vegetables like carrots, radishes, and turnips, along with leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach.
Not recommended: Peat organic fertilizer is not recommended for crops such as rice, cranberries, and other waterlogged or aquatic plants, as well as salt-tolerant crops like barley and beets. It is also unsuitable for crops with specific high-calcium requirements like broccoli and cauliflower or those that thrive in more alkaline soils, such as spinach and artichokes.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~1.0–2.5% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.2–0.6% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~0.1–0.3% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~0.2–0.5% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.1–0.3% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe) | Trace amounts |
| Organic Matter | ~50–60% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~30–50% |
Compost Tea
Compost tea is a liquid organic fertilizer made by steeping compost in water to extract nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. It’s prepared by placing compost in a porous bag or container, submerging it in water, and allowing it to brew for 1–3 days, sometimes with aeration to enhance the process.
Good for: Compost tea organic fertilizer is particularly beneficial for crops like leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach, fruiting vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, and root crops such as carrots, radishes, and potatoes.
Not recommended:Crops like potatoes and garlic may not benefit from its use in certain conditions, as they require carefully balanced nutrient management
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~0.1–0.5% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.01–0.05% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~0.2–0.8% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~0.1–0.4% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.01–0.1% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Zinc (Zn) | ~0.001–0.005% |
| Copper (Cu) | ~0.0001–0.0005% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ~0.001–0.002% |
| Iron (Fe) | ~0.005–0.02% |
| Organic Matter | ~5–15% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~85–95% |
Neem Cake
Neem cake organic fertilizer is a natural byproduct of cold-pressing neem tree seeds to extract neem oil. The leftover residue, rich in organic matter, is dried and processed into a fertilizer.
Good for: Neem cake organic fertilizer is particularly well-suited for a wide range of crops, including vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens; fruits such as bananas, citrus, and apples; and plantation crops like tea, coffee, and coconut. It is also beneficial for spices like turmeric, ginger, and pepper, as well as for legumes, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and ornamental plants.
Not recommended: Neem cake organic fertilizer is not recommended for crops like onions, garlic, and other alliums, as these plants may exhibit sensitivity to certain compounds in neem. It is also unsuitable for delicate herbs like basil and mint, as well as for some flowering ornamentals such as roses and petunias, which may not thrive when exposed to the properties of neem cake.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~2.0–5.0% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.5–1.5% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~1.0–2.0% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~0.5–1.0% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.2–0.5% |
| Sulfur (S) | ~0.2–0.5% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Zinc (Zn) | ~15–30 ppm |
| Copper (Cu) | ~5–10 ppm |
| Manganese (Mn) | ~20–50 ppm |
| Iron (Fe) | ~500–1200 ppm |
| Organic Matter | ~50–60% by weight |
| Moisture Content | ~8–10% |
Rice Hulls
Rice hulls organic fertilizer is a natural fertilizer made from the outer shells of rice grains, which are a byproduct of rice milling. These hulls are processed by composting or burning them into ash to create a nutrient-rich, biodegradable material suitable for agricultural use.
Good for: Rice hulls organic fertilizer is particularly well-suited for crops such as rice, wheat, barley, and other cereals due to its natural compatibility with these grain-producing plants. It is also effective for sugarcane, corn, sorghum, and root crops like potatoes and cassava.
Not recommended: Rice hulls organic fertilizer is not good for acid-loving plants like blueberries and cranberries. It’s also not ideal for lettuce, spinach, strawberries, orchids, or plants grown in hydroponic systems.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Primary Macronutrients | |
| Nitrogen (N) | ~0.2–0.4% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.1–0.3% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~0.4–0.6% |
| Secondary Macronutrients | |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~0.1–0.5% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.05–0.2% |
| Micronutrients | |
| Zinc (Zn) | Trace amounts |
| Copper (Cu) | Trace amounts |
| Manganese (Mn) | Trace amounts |
| Iron (Fe) | Trace amounts |
| Organic Matter | ~80–90% by weight |
| Silica (SiO₂) | ~15–20% |
| Moisture Content | ~10–15% |
Info corner:
For homesteaders, kitchen waste can provide several valuable materials that can be used as plant-based organic fertilizers. Vegetable scraps, such as peels and leftover greens, are excellent sources of nutrients when composted, releasing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as they decompose.
Banana peels are particularly rich in potassium and phosphorus, making them ideal for promoting flowering and fruiting in plants.
Used coffee grounds are another kitchen waste item beneficial for plants, offering a slow-release source of nitrogen. Leftover rice water or pasta water can also serve as a liquid fertilizer, providing trace minerals and carbohydrates that encourage microbial activity.
Additionally, stale bread or moldy fruits can be composted to add nutrients.
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Daniel is an experienced farmer and agricultural technician specializing in soil management, irrigation systems, crops management, and the safe and effective use of herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals. 