The Truth about Organic Fertilizers-Soil ‘Conditioner’ Scam
Kelvin Wairimu 
In the world of agriculture, a heated debate rages on: organic fertilizers vs. synthetic fertilizers. One is hailed as the “natural” savior of soil health, while the other is often vilified as harmful and artificial.
Many farmers, especially in developing countries like Kenya, are bombarded with messages from trainers and so-called experts urging them to abandon synthetic fertilizers in favor of organic alternatives. But how accurate are these claims? Is organic fertilizer truly better, or are we being sold a lie?
This article will explore the truth behind organic fertilizers, bust common myths, and reveal why soil conditioning not be as beneficial as you think.
Understanding the Fertilizer Debate
There are two main types of fertilizers in farming: organic fertilizers, which come from natural sources like manure and compost, and synthetic (inorganic) fertilizers, which are either mined or chemically produced.
In recent years, organic farming has become a buzzword, and many agricultural trainers are quick to demonize synthetic fertilizers as harmful to the soil and environment.
But is this black-and-white view accurate? Or is it based on half-truths and lack of scientific understanding?
What Is Organic Fertilizer?
Organic fertilizers originate from plant or animal matter. Common examples include:
- Cow, goat, or chicken manure
- Compost from plant waste
- Bone meal and blood meal
- Green manure (cover crops turned into the soil)
These fertilizers contain nutrients in organic molecular form, which are large and complex molecules.
What Is Synthetic Fertilizer?
Synthetic fertilizers are man-made or mined, and examples include:
- DAP (Diammonium phosphate)
- CAN (Calcium ammonium nitrate)
- NPK blends (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium)
These fertilizers contain ready-to-use nutrients in small molecule forms like nitrate (NO3⁻) or ammonium (NH4⁺).
Read also:The Best Fertilizer for Onions in Kenya:A 2025 Complete Guide
The Purpose of Fertilizers: Feeding the Plant
The goal of any fertilizer is to provide plants with nutrients they need to grow: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium, etc. It’s not about “feeding the soil”—it’s about feeding the crop. Investing in fertilizers that don’t meet this goal leads to poor yields and economic losses.
Imagine having children in your home. Instead of giving them food, you buy them toys. Will they grow? The same applies to plants. Soil conditioners may improve texture or microbial life, but without nutrient availability, your crops will starve.
The Soil Conditioner Scam Explained
Many organic fertilizer sellers market their products as soil conditioners, claiming they improve soil health. However, most organic fertilizers cannot be directly absorbed by plants. The nutrients are locked in complex organic molecules that take time to break down.
In poorly managed soils, this delay in nutrient availability can lead to crop failure. Worse still, repeated application without understanding soil needs leads to soil degradation.
How Do Plants Absorb Nutrients?
Plants absorb nutrients through their roots via small pores on the root surface. Only small molecules can enter:
- Water (H2O)
- Nitrate (NO3⁻)
- Phosphate (PO4³⁻)
- Potassium ions (K⁺)
Large molecules, like proteins, carbohydrates, and DNA, are too big. Most organic matter falls into this category, meaning plants cannot use them directly.
Can Plants Distinguish Between Organic and Synthetic Nutrients?
This is the most important truth: plants CANNOT distinguish between nutrients from organic or synthetic sources.
Let’s compare nitrate (NO3⁻) from compost and DAP fertilizer. Chemically, they are identical. Plants only care about the molecular form, not the source.
“There is absolutely no difference between a nitrate molecule from a synthetic source and one from an organic source.”
Breaking Down Organic Matter: The Waiting Game
Organic fertilizers must undergo decomposition to release nutrients. This takes time:
- Weeks to months depending on temperature, moisture, and soil microbes.
- Delayed nutrient release can lead to stunted growth.
In contrast, synthetic fertilizers provide nutrients immediately, ensuring plants can grow without delays.
Why Synthetic Fertilizers Work Faster
Synthetic fertilizers are formulated to:
- Dissolve quickly
- Release nutrients in plant-ready forms
- Deliver precise nutrient ratios
Synthetic options are more reliable for farmers who need timely growth and yield.
The Myth of Nutrient-Rich Manure
While manure is commonly used, it often lacks adequate nutrient concentration. Its nutrient content is unpredictable, and overuse leads to salt build-up in soils.
Moreover, applying only manure without supplementation results in nutrient deficiencies and poor yields.
Why Organic Fertilizer Fails in Poor Soils
In soils that are already nutrient-deficient, organic fertilizer breaks down slowly and cannot provide sufficient nutrients in time. The result?
- Low production
- Poor soil fertility
- Unhealthy crops
Ironically, excessive use of organic fertilizers can lead to soil acidity, making the soil unproductive.
Scientific Evidence: Molecules Are Molecules
Whether nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, a molecule is a molecule. The source does not matter.
Don’t fall for the myth that organic nutrients are superior. From a plant’s perspective, they are the same.
Do you believe in organic or normal synthetic fertilizers?
About Post Author
