How to make organic fertilizer at home – 6 Amazing Types

Fertilizers, which are environmentally friendly, feed the microorganisms in the soil and are very beneficial for the plants, while at the same time improving the structure of the soil. Fertilizers that are obtained from organic sources and that can transfer the nutrients that the plant needs to take in the soil without disturbing the soil structure are called organic fertilizers. Did you know that you can make organic fertilizer at home?

Under normal conditions, the nutrients that plants need are available in the soil. While the plant can directly reach some of these nutrients, it cannot reach the other part in unbroken form. Living organisms in organic fertilizers in solid or liquid form break down these elements that are needed by the plant and remain in the soil in a non-decomposed form, allowing them to be released and meet the plant.

What Functions do Organic Fertilizers have?

Organic fertilizers are an important resource for phytonutrients and as soil conditioner in agriculture. These fertilizers, which are environmentally friendly, support the root development of the plant and feed the microorganisms in the soil and at the same time provide the soil structure to heal.¹ Organic fertilizer at home increase the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients, improve the soil and reduce soil loss caused by rain and winds.

Also your Organic fertilizer at home will continue to improve the soil even after the plants get the nutrients they need. With the increase in the usage time of organic fertilizer and in addition to improving the composition and texture of the soil, plants growing in this soil become stronger and healthier.² Organic fertilizer at home are nature-friendly as they are produced from natural materials such as plant and animal waste.

By making organic fertilizer at home, you will…

• increase the number of microorganisms in the soil
• increase the water retention of the soil
• accelerate plant growth by increasing the nutritional value of the soil
• regulate the ph value of the soil
• increase the quality and shelf life of the product
• can be used in every period of the plant
• support the root development of the plant
• accelerate the seed germination rate
• reduce the need for watering

What Type of Organic Fertilizers are Common?

Organic Fertilizer at Home from Coffee

After making a cup or pot of coffee, save the coffee you consume. Did you know that you can use it to fertilize your plants? In fact, it is an ideal natural fertilizer for plants that require acidic soil, such as used coffee beans and blueberries. First, put about 6 cups of used coffee in a bucket of at least 20 liters of water. Then, let it sit for two or three days. Finally, place the mixture you prepared at the roots of the plants. You can also put a small amount of coffee residue on the roots of your plants. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too acidic soils can be harmful to your plants.

Organic Fertilizer at Home from Banana

A whole banana, including the skin, is rich in potassium. This mineral is great for enhancing flowering in plants. In addition, this mineral is easily absorbed by plants after it is added to the soil. Additionally, bananas are also high in phosphorus, so banana peels strengthen your plants and make the photosynthesis process more efficient. As you can see, it is completely environmentally friendly.

How to make organic fertilizer at home with bananas: First, peel the banana peel and put it in a pan. Next, add water – enough to cover. Then put it on the stove and boil for about 15 minutes. Allow to cool and then strain. Dilute with two equal parts water. Finally, apply it to your plants.

Nettle Slurry

A slurry is a fermented biostimulant extract that enhances plant growth and potency and strengthens its natural defenses. Nettle slurry in particular provides large amounts of nutrients to crops. It contains all the nitrogen needed by plants to grow properly. It is also great as a fungicide and insecticide. First, put about two pounds of nettle in a bowl. Don’t include the roots. Then, cut it into small pieces and soak in about 10 liters of non-chlorinated water for a few hours. Finally, strain the water and give it to your plants.

Making Organic Fertilizer at Home From Eggshell

Egg shells are Ideal for naturally fertilizing crops such as peppers and tomatoes. Also, they protect them from rotting. Egg shells with high calcium content are perfect for just about any fruit.

How to make organic fertilizer at home with eggshells: First, let the shells dry completely, then grind them into powder. Finally, apply the powder to the soil around the plants.

Wood Ash

Using wood ash as a completely natural fertilizer increases maturity in plants, especially fruit trees. It is also a great pesticide. However, it is not recommended for increasing the pH value of the soil. Also, remember that you have to choose an ash from untreated quality wood. Make sure it does not contain heavy materials, chemicals or varnish. In this case, simply place the ash in your irrigation system and apply it. In addition, you can place a small layer of ash around the stems (without touching them) and bury them in the ground.

Peat

This material, also known as peat soil, is an organic substance that is formed by decaying for years, with the air contact cut by the plants growing in lakes, swamps and similar underwater lands that collapse to the bottom of the water. The soil conditioner peat is organic and can be used for growing all plants. In addition to keeping the soil moist, the peat provides regular passage of water and fertilizer to the plant. Peat material that does not contain plant nutrients is generally used in growing potted ornamental plants and saplings.

Organic Liquid fertilizer

Fertilizers that contain the nutrients needed by plants in organic and liquid form are called organic liquid fertilizers. Since it is applied directly to the root or leaf part of the plants, the plant reaches the organic substances in the fertilizer quickly and easily.

The Benefits of Liquid Organic Fertilizer at Home

• It increases the nutritional value of the soil and allows the elements that plants take from the soil to return to the soil.
• Provides the salt balance of the soil.
• Provides the resistance of the plant against diseases such as fungi and bacteria, making the plant stronger.
• The root of the plant absorbs the necessary minerals faster thanks to liquid fertilizer.
• It becomes easier for the plant to take oxygen.
• Thanks to the organic fertilizer, the plant can both give full color and become more efficient while giving fruit.
• It does not harm the soil or fruit since it does not contain chemical substances.
• Organic fertilizer prevents soil from becoming barren

What to Put into when Making a Liquid Organic Fertilizer at Home?

When it comes to how to make liquid organic fertilizer at home, first of all, there should be a nitrogen-carbon balance between the materials you use when making some fertilizer.

Liquid Fertilizer Materials Containing nitrogen:

• Mowed grass waste
• Fruit – vegetable peels
• Tea waste
• Leaves

Liquid Fertilizer Materials Containing Carbon:

• Pieces of twigs and tree barks
• Sawdust
• Dry leaves
• Newspaper, cardboard
• Straw

What you Should not Put in when Making a Liquid Organic Fertilizer at Home?

• Meat and meat products
• Milk and milk products
• Animal feces
• Fat and fatty substances
• Coated papers, nylon cloths, unnatural materials
• Remnants of diseased plants

How Long does it Take the Liquid Organic Fertilizer to be Prepared?

After producing, if you prepare the mixture correctly and do not neglect aeration, it will be ready in 4-5 months.

References

1. Siavoshi, M., Nasiri, A., & Laware, S. L. (2011). Effect of organic fertilizer on growth and yield components in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Journal of Agricultural science, 3(3), 217.
2. Chang, E. H., Chung, R. S., & Tsai, Y. H. (2007). Effect of different application rates of organic fertilizer on soil enzyme activity and microbial population. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 53(2), 132-140.