Organic
Fertilizer
versus
Inorganic
Fertilizer
GROUP 1
INTRODUCTION
The comparison between inorganic and organic
fertilizers. Organic fertilizers mostly originates or
comes from raw materials that are composted into
fertilizers. Materials such as vegetable scraps,
animal manure, etc., while inorganic fertilizers come
from a process of some chemical substances. The
effect of fertilizers on plants bring faster growth and
more healthy benefits for the plant itself, but
because of the chemicals in inorganic fertilizers
many farmers prefer to use the organic option as
they think it is the safest way.
Imagine growing tomatoes is like feeding them – you've got two choices:
organic food (like compost or manure) or factory-made fast food (inorganic
fertilizers).
Now, the theory says it's a bit like finding a balance between slow and
steady, like organic, and quick but intense, like inorganic. O! rganic is like
giving your plants a healthy homemade meal – it takes time but helps the
soil and the environment. Inorganic is like a fast-food meal – quick and
packed with nutrients, but it might have some drawbacks for the
environment.
The theory suggests that tomato farmers need to think about what they
want. Do they want a steady, natural growth that's good for the
environment, or do they need a quick boost for faster results? It's all about
finding the right mix – like having a mix of healthy home-cooked meals and
the occasional fast-food treat.
TASK The mass (grams) of each tomato plant:
USING ORGANIC FERTILIZER: 129g
USING INORGANIC FERTILIZER: 117g
The length (cm) of each tomato plant
USING ORGANIC FERTILIZER: 7cm
USING INORGANIC FERTILIZER: 8.2cm
Size of the leaves (inch)
USING ORGANIC FERTILIZER: 4.7 inches
USING INORGANIC FERTILIZER: 5.1 inches
Exteniveness of the root
USING ORGANIC FERTILIZER: 11.3 inches
USING INORGANIC FERTILIZER: 10.9 inches
PREDICTION
Predicting the future of tomato farming, we might see more farmers leaning
towards organic methods because people care about healthy and eco-
friendly food. Organic farming could become even more popular as folks
realize its benefits for the environment and the quality of tomatoes.
However, some farmers might still use inorganic fertilizers when they need
a quick boost for faster results. Innovations in farming techniques could
also make both organic and inorganic methods even better, helping farmers
get the best of both worlds. We might witness a trend where farmers mix
both methods, finding a sweet spot for their crops. As sustainability
becomes a bigger deal, more research and development could lead to new,
eco-friendly fertilizers. This might mean tomato farming becomes not just
about getting good yields but doing it in a way that's kind to the Earth.
Overall, the future of tomato farming could be a blend of traditional
methods, modern techniques, and a growing focus on sustainability.
LEAD Why do they both have different effects on the
plant’s growth?
Q Organic and inorganic fertilizers affect tomato
U plants differently due to their nutrient composition
and release mechanisms. Organic fertilizers, derived
E from natural sources, release nutrients slowly as they
S decompose, promoting long-term soil health.
Inorganic fertilizers, being synthetic, provide
T nutrients in a readily available form, promoting
I rapid plant uptake. The diverse nutrient profiles and
release rates influence factors like soil structure,
O microbial activity, and nutrient availability, affecting
N plant growth, yield, and overall health.
MATERIALS Two types of pot
Tomato seeds
Garden soil
Organic Fertilizer
Fertilizer
Support structure
Gardening Operation
tools
System Solution
GlovesSolution
Business
Strategy
Water
PROCEDURE
lanting Tomatoes with Organic Fertilizer
1. Prepare the Soil
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Mix organic compost into the soil to enhance fertility.
2. Select Organic Fertilizer
- Choose a well-balanced organic fertilizer with a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Follow the recommended application rate on the fertilizer package.
3. Planting Seeds or Seedlings
- Sow tomato seeds or transplant seedlings into the prepared soil.
- Space plants according to the variety's recommendations.
4. Incorporate Organic Fertilizer
- Dig a small trench around each tomato plant.
- Sprinkle the organic fertilizer into the trench, avoiding direct contact with the plant
5. Watering
- Water the plants thoroughly after applying fertilizer.
- Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
6. Mulching
- Apply organic mulch around the tomato plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
7. Support Structures
- Set up support structures like cages or stakes to help the plants grow upright.
8. Regular Monitoring
- Monitor plant health and adjust watering and fertilizing based on the plant's needs.
- Look for signs of pests and use organic pest control methods if necessary.
Planting Tomatoes with Inorganic Fertilizer
1. Prepare the Soil
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Ensure the soil pH is suitable for tomatoes.
2. Select Inorganic Fertilizer
- Choose a balanced, water-soluble inorganic fertilizer with the appropriate NPK ratio.
- Follow the recommended dilution and application rate.
3. Planting Seeds or Seedlings
- Sow tomato seeds or transplant seedlings into the prepared soil.
- Space plants according to the variety's recommendations.
4. Applying Inorganic Fertilizer
- Dissolve the inorganic fertilizer in water according to the package instructions.
- Apply the diluted fertilizer to the soil around each tomato plant.
5. Watering
- Water the plants thoroughly after applying the inorganic
fertilizer.
- Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing
season.
6. Mulching
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil
temperature.
7. Support Structures
- Install support structures such as cages or stakes to help the
plants grow upright.
OBSERVATION
After six weeks of planting tomatoes with organic fertilizer, the plants exhibit robust growth with lush green
foliage. The organic approach seems to have fostered steady development, and the overall health of the plants
appears vibrant. There are minimal signs of nutrient deficiencies or stress, indicating that the slow-release
nature of organic fertilizer is supporting sustained plant nutrition.
In contrast, the tomatoes planted with inorganic fertilizer show a noticeable difference in growth. The plants
appear slightly more compact, with rapid but perhaps less consistent development. The immediate availability
of nutrients in the inorganic fertilizer seems to have contributed to a faster initial growth spurt. However, there
is a need for careful monitoring, as some plants display subtle signs of nutrient imbalance, suggesting the
importance of precise application.
Both sets of tomatoes exhibit strong support from the structures in place, showing successful implementation
of support systems. The organic mulch around the plants helps in retaining soil moisture, and there is a
noticeable reduction in weed growth. Additionally, there are no significant pest-related issues observed in
either group, indicating effective pest control measures.
In conclusion, the tomatoes grown with organic fertilizer demonstrate steady and sustained growth, while
those with inorganic fertilizer display faster initial growth with a need for attentive nutrient management. The
choice between organic and inorganic fertilizers may depend on specific preferences and goals, such as long-
term soil health or rapid early growth-oriented.
METHOD QUESTION
How many plants grew in each set up?
3-5
What is the average mass of each plant?
Around 123 grams.
What is the average length of each plant?
Around 10-12.3 inches.
What is the average width span of each plant?
The average width span of tomato plants after six weeks can vary based on factors such as the tomato
variety, growing conditions, and care practices. Generally, at this stage, tomato plants can have a width
span ranging from 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) or more, depending on their growth rate and the
support structures in place. For determinate varieties, which tend to be more compact, the width might be
towards the lower end of this range, while indeterminate varieties, known for greater spreading, might have
a wider span. Regular monitoring and adjusting support structures as needed can help manage the plants'
width and promote healthy growth.
ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS
In the six-weeks analysis of growing tomatoes with organic and inorganic fertilizers, the
plants nourished with organic fertilizer exhibited consistent and robust growth, reflecting
the benefits of slow-release nutrients. The minimal signs of nutrient deficiencies and
flourishing foliage underscore the efficacy of the organic approach. Moreover, the organic
fertilizer positively influenced soil health, promoting microbial activity and long-term
fertility. Weed control was effectively managed with organic mulch. In contrast, tomatoes
cultivated with inorganic fertilizer showcased rapid initial growth, yet subtle signs of
nutrient imbalance raised concerns, emphasizing the need for precise application and
monitoring. While inorganic fertilizers provide immediate benefits, the potential long-term
impact on soil health warrants attention. Both sets of plants benefited from strong support
structures, and pest control measures proved effective in maintaining plant health. In
conclusion, the choice between organic and inorganic fertilizers depends on individual
preferences and goals, with a balanced approach potentially offering the best of both
methods for sustainable and healthy tomato cultivation. Regular monitoring and adaptive
practices remain crucial for successful long-term plant development.
