Farming from the beginning of time focuses on one main issue - "good yield". With the advancement of technology available to the gardeners, hi-tech and high yield production fertilizers- based on chemical compounds marched their way into our farmlands. With a loud cry - "We will Feed the World", cheap but chemical based fertilizers were introduced.
During the times of our forefathers, they do have that common and well known practice of composting- that is to make the soil fertile based on organic waste that are still abundant. With advancement of research into composting, we were able to prove that the idea of organic composting can be at par with its proven and reliable chemical based fertilizers. As a gardener, we try to weight the differences between these two practices that pursue the same objective- that is to have a good yield.
Chemical Fertilizers are promoted to the consumers as safe and it really does have the proper plant nutrients which are phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen. As a gardener, we do even have a choice of the powder, stick or the liquid form. It is practical and safe as long as we follow the manufacturers recommended instructions. We do however should look at the major impact on what it is doing to our environment. From the hazardous production of the chemical fertilizers to the degrading after effects in the soil and water, we should consider the environment that our children will inherit. These chemicals literally burns the soil.
Composting needs a lot of work as one has to segregate the organic wastes, mix them with other natural elements and wait for it to be decomposed before these can be introduced to the land. We do however help ourselves as our wastes are re-used. Kitchen wastes such as left over food, newspapers, and vegetable or fruit peelings are piled with the garden cuttings, leaves and grasses.
Yes, we have to work on the compost bins or holes but that is an exercise in our part. We will be helping those earthworms that are cultivating the soil. These worms and germs die when we use the chemical fertilizers. We may have to wait for six months to a year for our organic wastes to be used and ready. If we will introduce organic composting in our garden routine, we will have an abundant harvest. Yes, we save on our fertilizer budget too.
Children can have fun working in a garden where organic composts are used as a food nutrients. It is safe for them, safe for us and for those friendly insects like the butterflies that we want to pollinate our flowered plants. When chemicals are introduced in the garden- we may have to work with rubber gloves and boots, yes sometimes with even that dreadful chemical mask. Our beautiful garden is not laboratory. And for those people who can afford, compost soils are available in the garden section of the market. As for me and my family, we will live with the land and pray that our children will continue to do so.
