A natural organic fertilizer has to be derived from either plant or animal materials containing one or more elements (other than carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) that are essential for plant growth to be classified as "organic."

Organic fertilizers are more complex chemical substances that take time to break down into forms plants can use. These are know as slow-release fertilizers. Gardener's should apply organic fertilizers to media before plant reaches the rapid-growth phase. Organic fertilizers usually have a low salt index, so larger amounts can be applied at one time without causing injury to plant roots.

Although the fertilizer you use is organic and has a low salt index, salt build up can still occur. Gardener's sometimes are unaware that organic derived fertilizers are slow-release and will over compensate which leads to excessive salt in media and can lead to root rot, blockage of pumps and air stones used in hydroponics application.

With organic nitrogen sources (except urea), one application can be made without losing most of the nitrogen to leaching. The cost of organic fertilizers on a per pound of nutrient basis is usually higher than quick-release, inorganic fertilizers.

Organically grown produce is more desirable by consumers because it's believed to make crops taste better and healthier for consumption. Organic fertilizers can be derived from various sources such as bat guano, worm casting and compost. Manure, compost, and many other materials used as organic fertilizers add considerable amounts of organic matter to the soil application.

Organic matter can increase soil drainage, aeration, water holding capacity, and the ability retain nutrients. By using organic fertilizer soil will become healthier more fertile.

Recommended search:
Organic fertilizers :: Inorganic fertilizers :: Worm casting :: Bat guano

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