Blue grain is on the one hand a popular NPK fertilizer because it is very easy to use, but on the other hand it is also a very controversial NPK fertilizer. In this guide we will explain to you why this is and which alternatives are possible.
What are good alternatives to Blaukorn?
When it comes to the basic care of your plants,organic long-term fertilizers such as compost, horn shavings, horse manure or organic liquid fertilizers from the market are the best alternatives to blue grain. You should only use chemical-mineral complex fertilizer to save severely weakened plants with a nutrient deficiency.
What are the disadvantages of blue grain fertilizer?
Blue grain fertilizer has several disadvantages:
- The high nutrient content easily leads toOverfertilization, which stimulates vegetative plant growth, but at the expense of the leaves, flowers and fruits.
- The excess of nutrients in the soil results ingroundwater contamination. Nitrate is particularly harmful to the environment.
- As a synthetic fertilizer, blue grain contains no organic material, which endangers the long-term fertility of the soil.
- The production of artificial fertilizers such as blue grain involves high resource/consumption. The associatedemissions pollute the environment.
- Blue grain fertilizer is toxic to humans and animals.
Why is blue seed rather harmful to the soil?
Just like other chemical fertilizers, blue grain has a targeted effect, but only in the short term. However, in order for your plants to remain he althy and thrive in the long term, they also need good soil in the long term. However, blue grain fertilizer does not contribute to this.
Since it containsno organic components, the mineral fertilizer does not provide food for the microorganisms that are essential for fertile soil, so their survival is at risk. These tiny soil creatures produce humus, which contains nutrients for the plants and loosens the soil structure.
When do organic alternatives to blue grain make little sense?
When it comes to resolving anacute, serious nutrient deficiency in a particular plant, organic alternatives to blue grain fertilizer make little sense. Blue grain has the advantage of quickly supplying the crop with the nutrients it needs, while natural fertilizers take longer to develop their effect.
But: If in doubt, for the basic care of your plants, you should not use blue grain, but rather an organic alternative.
Tip
Organic fertilizers support biological balance
Organic fertilizers usually consist of plant waste products such as compost, guano or horse manure. The natural microorganisms in the soil break down the fertilizer. In doing so, they provide for themselves and at the same time make nutrients available to the plants. Unlike chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers have a long-term effect. They also contribute to he althy, fertile soil.
