Organic vs Synthetic Fertilizer: Key Differences and Tips on Choosing Your Type

Knowing the type of fertilizer to apply to your garden can be a little tricky. With the number of choices available, how are you to decide which is most suitable for your garden?

An easy place to start is by considering the two main categories of fertilizer: organic vs synthetic fertilizer. While most might think organic fertilizer is always the way to go, there are some instances where synthetic might be a better choice for your plants.

Read on to learn the differences between synthetic and organic fertilizer, how they benefit your plants and how to determine which is best for your garden.

But whether you choose a synthetic vs organic fertilizer, you can rest assured the pure, expertly crafted formulation you need is just a few clicks away at Greenway Biotech. Browse our specialty fertilizer and feed your plants the nutrients they need to reach their full potential!

What’s the Difference Between Organic and Synthetic Fertilizer?

So, what’s the difference between organic and synthetic fertilizer? While they share the common goal of feeding your plants essential nutrients, they do it in very different ways.

Let’s look at some differences in sourcing before we compare and contrast organic vs synthetic fertilizer side by side to help you make an informed decision.

What is Synthetic Fertilizer?

First, let’s discuss synthetic fertilizer. Fertilizers described as "synthetic" are inorganic compounds.

These compounds are man-made and tend to be manufactured from by-products of the petroleum industry.

The most popular examples of these synthetic fertilizers that you may have previously used in your garden include Urea, Monopotassium Phosphate, and Monoammonium Phosphate.

Collectively, these fertilizers are known as NPK fertilizers and they provide macronutrients that your plants need to grow.

What is Organic Fertilizer?

Now, let’s look at the other half of the synthetic vs organic fertilizer debate. These are made entirely of natural products such as animal waste, powdered minerals, or plant matter.

Manure, guano, and phosphate rock are some of the most common types of organic fertilizer available on the market today.

People often worry that organic fertilizers might not produce the same results as synthetic fertilizers, but this is simply not true.

Introducing good-quality organic fertilizers to your garden can produce the results you desire, should you use them correctly.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean these are right for you. So, let’s look at some of the pros and cons of organic vs synthetic fertilizer side by side below.

Organic vs Synthetic Fertilizer: Which is Right For Your Crop?

Beyond the source of the nutrients, there are a few dramatic differences in how organic fertilizer vs synthetic fertilizer interact with your plants, the soil, and the environment as a whole. Let’s look at the most important things to consider to guide you towards an informed decision.

Speed of Uptake

In the short term, synthetic water-soluble fertilizers can benefit plants by providing consistent amounts of nutrients through the soil. This is key if your plants need an immediate pick-me-up.

However, long-term usage, if not administered properly, can strip your soil of beneficial micro-organisms, which can damage the long-term health of your soil and cause your plants to be nutrient deficient.

As such, synthetic fertilizers should be used carefully. It could be a good idea to use them on a small selection of plants before using them on your entire garden.

Soil and Plant Health

Meanwhile, organic fertilizers improve soil health as well as plant health.

So, while synthetic fertilizers help in the short term, organic fertilizers are best for long term use.

Long term use of organic fertilizers can dramatically increase the composition and texture of your soil, making it a better environment for your plants to grow in.

This will then reduce how often you need to apply fertilizer in the future.

The only downside is the nutrients provided by organic fertilizer are not readily available for plants.

Unlike synthetic fertilizers, organic fertilizers need time to break down in the soil before your plants can intake what they need so it's important to consider whether or not your plants can wait long enough (about 2 to 6 weeks).

Cost Discrepancies

Synthetic fertilizers are generally cheaper and more concentrated. Their manufacturing process, scaled for mass production, helps keep the costs lower compared to organic options. 

In contrast, organic fertilizers may appear costlier upfront due to the more labor-intensive processes required for natural composting and processing of organic matter. 

However, the investment in organic fertilizers can lead to decreased expenses over time, as they improve soil structure and fertility, reducing the need for frequent reapplications.

While the initial expense of organic fertilizers might be higher, they contribute to the long-term health of the soil, potentially reducing the overall cost of soil management and plant healthcare in the future. 

Conversely, the repeated use of synthetic fertilizers can lead to soil degradation and a possible increase in costs related to soil amendment and restoration efforts.

Environmental Considerations

Synthetic fertilizers, while effective for quick nutrient release, often contribute to environmental issues such as waterway pollution through runoff and can disrupt local ecosystems. 

The heavy use of these chemicals has been linked to eutrophication of lakes and rivers, leading to harmful algal blooms that damage aquatic life. 

Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, are derived from natural sources and break down gradually, reducing the risk of runoff and promoting a healthier ecosystem by maintaining natural soil microbiology and structure.

Regulatory and Health Considerations

The use of synthetic fertilizers is regulated due to their potential environmental impact, with specific guidelines on their application rates and timings to minimize pollution risks. 

Organic fertilizers are typically less regulated and favored in sustainable farming practices that align with increasing global standards for environmental stewardship and health.

Organic fertilizers are perceived as safer for both soil health and human consumption. The residues from organic farming practices are minimal or non-toxic, unlike some synthetic fertilizers that can leave harmful residues in food, potentially affecting human health. 

Prolonged use of organic inputs supports not only the physical health of the crops but also contributes to the nutritional quality of the food produced, aligning with consumer demands for safer and healthier food products.

Still Not Sure Whether You Need Synthetic vs Organic Fertilizer?

If your plants are in need of a quick nutrient boost, a synthetic fertilizer would be best, as the results of their application can usually be noticed within days.

In cases of severe nutrient deficiencies, for example, you’ll want to choose synthetic.

But if you're planning for the long-term, and your plants are already in great condition, you may be fine with the delayed effect of an organic fertilizer. 

Ultimately, to get an idea of what type of fertilizer is best for your garden, simply observe the health of your plants and the overall health of your soil. 

Or, reach out to our experts here at Greenway Biotech for a personalized recommendation. Because no matter your preferences, our selection of synthetic vs organic fertilizer has something for everyone!

Whether You Need Organic vs Synthetic Fertilizer, You Can Count on Greenway Biotech! 

Here at Greenway Biotech, we stock a range of high-quality synthetic and organic fertilizers - most of which can be applied both as a dry powder and a liquid fertilizer by dissolving in water.

Our fertilizers are specially formulated with the highest quality ingredients to ensure optimal plant health and soil vitality. 

Whether you choose our fast-acting synthetic options for immediate nutrient delivery or our organic products that enhance soil structure and long-term fertility, you can trust in the effectiveness and safety of our range.

We ensure that every batch is free of harmful chemicals and heavy metals, making our fertilizers safe for your plants, soil, and the environment. You can narrow your search by reading through some of our guides below:

• Best strawberry fertilizer
• Best tomato fertilizer
• Best fertilizer for peppers
• Best nitrogen fertilizer
• Best organic fertilizer for vegetables
• Best fertilizer for fruit trees
• Best fertilizer for onions
• Best fertilizer for apple trees
• Best water soluble fertilizer

Have a look around our online store, you're sure to find something to revitalize your plants. Remember, you can also reach out for a personalized recommendation!

Bringing Our Comparison of Synthetic vs Organic Fertilizer to a Close

There you have it, everything you need to know about the difference between organic vs synthetic fertilizer. 

While you may have assumed organic is always superior, there are actually many cases where you may be better off with a synthetic fertilizer - like correcting nutrient deficiency.

Still, organic is favored for its use of natural inputs and ability to improve soil and plant health. These natural plant nutrients are also better for the environment and the people consuming the crops.

Hopefully you now have a clear understanding of which is right between organic fertilizer vs synthetic fertilizer. But don’t forget that you can get in touch with our customer service team for guidance making the right choice. After all, we have both types in our catalog.

From hydroponic nutrients to water soluble fertilizer, Greenway Biotech has all your plant nutrition needs covered. We take great pride in serving backyard hobby growers and massive commercial cultivars alike, delivering expertly-crafted formulations to supercharge plant growth and health.

So, what are you waiting for? Whether you end up going with a synthetic fertilizer or an organic fertilizer, give your plants the inputs they need to reach their full potential.