Organic-based fertilisers come from things that were once living. Examples include animal manures (composted poo/faeces), blood and bone meal, fish meal, seaweed, and green manure crops. Organic-based fertilisers are highly recommended because they add nutrients and improve the soil at the same time.
Animal Manures
These are excellent for improving soil structure when used in relatively large quantities, but their nutrient value is relatively low and vary variable, depending on the type of manure and the animal’s diet.
Pelletised Poultry & Sheep Manures
Manure has been compressed into pellets and dried so that, as the pellets break down, the nutrients release gently over a long period. Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser is a good example.
Fish Meal & Blood & Bone Meal
These are made from the waste products of fisheries and abattoirs and provide a very gentle, long-term feeding.
Seaweed
Although seaweed does contains some nutrients, most seaweed benefits are to the soil and plant health.
Green Manure Crops
A leguminous plant, such as peas, is grown (because it can trap atmospheric nitrogen) and dug into the soil after flowering. The use of green manure crops is limited by the space available.