Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 7/18/2008

Question
hello..i want to know what are the difference between the chemical fertilizer and organic fertilizer. since i'm doing my final year project titled The Effect of Organic Fertilizer and EM (Effective Microorganism) towards rice yield, i am confused whether NPK fertilizer can be considered as organic fertilizer or chemical fertilizer?

Answer
Dear Husna,

NPK fertilizer is considered inorganic, chemical fertilizer.

Organic fertilizer consists of large, organic molecules, and is usually applied as compost/detritus.  It provides a suitable habitat for many microorganisms and soil fauna and flora, and so will eventually reduce the need for pesticides.

Organic fertilizer decays slowly, gradually releasing nutrients into the soil.  Because it was once alive, it contains many micronutrients that are not present in the typical NPK fertilizer.  Compost/organic fertilizer also tends to hold water, unlike NPK fertilizer, which is readily washed away with watering and rain.

Hope that helps get you started.

Dana