Title: Non organic vs.

organic; identifying the most effective fertilizer

Literature Review

Fertilizers are always essential to help boost the overall nutrients of a plant, this includes plant growth, leaf
number, vitamin C, and many others. Fertilizers are not only beneficial to the plant itself, but also to its consumers, as it
became more relevant to modern agriculture (Melek et.al., n.d). Others believe that fertilizers are a “blessing to humanity”
as it helps to feed the growing population, and helped to contain hunger from all the corners of the world (Ipl.org, 2020).
Fertilizers can be organic or synthetic – artificial and chemical fertilizers – that helps the growth of plants and vegetation
in its soil (Stewart, 2023). There are two sub categories of fertilizers, these are the organic, inorganic With 30 million
hectares of land, traditional commodities like corn and maize are the main focus of the Philippines. Farmers employ
inorganic fertilizer to increase crop yield, but they are hesitant to use it exclusively because of its high cost and limited
availability. Integrating with organic fertilizer is essential to increase soil fertility and make up for organic nutrients that
release slowly. Combination applications result in higher nutrient uptake values (Biñas, 2021). According to Atienza
(2023), alongside tourism and mining, agriculture and food production are two major sources of income in Benguet.
Known as the “salad bowl” of the Philippines, the province contributes to about 80% of Luzon's daily supply of lettuce,
broccoli, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and other semi-temperate crops.

That is why the researchers had an idea of finding out whether in which type of fertilizer will the best plant grows
for personal consumption. Since in the neighbourhood of Itogon (part of bengeut province) mostly of the families are
planting for personal consumption and not for mass production; in which it was supported by a report study of barangay
profiles itogon (2019) that states, farming is one major source of livelihood in Barangay Dalupirip. The barangay, aside
from Barangay Tinongdan, is also a major producer of rice in the municipality. The residents are either the farmers
themselves or tenants (means they are those farmers who work at the farm but they don’t own it). There is also the
livestock and poultry where they are raised to either augment the income of the residents from mining, fishing, gold
panning and farming or for personal consumption. Some sitios had organized their associations/cooperatives and were
accredited by the Sangguniang Bayan, This Municipality. Some of their livelihood projects/programs such as hog raising,
buy and sell of large cattle, but and sell of commercial rice and fertilizers, Kintoman production particularly in the far
flung sitio like sitio Oling, bricks making, buffalo production and others. Moreover, some households in the barangay are
engaged in farming; however, the production is for household consumption only due to limited planting area.

Moving on to fertilizers, as organic farming is more affordable, results are more consistent in terms of water
retention, healthy root development, and better soil structure, texture, and aeration than artificial fertilizers. Minerals,
animal dung, waste water, and plant matter are some of the sources of organic fertilizers. They support farmers' self-
sufficiency, the environment, and the quality of their food. Additionally, organic fertilizers improve soil drainage and air
circulation, reduce over fertilization, and slow down the processing of nutrients. This strategy integrates social, ethical,
environmental, and organic goals (Assefa, S. (2019). Organic gardening promotes a balanced ecosystem by avoiding
synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and using products that nurture soil and organisms. Organic fertilizers, made from
composting animal manure, human excrement, or plant matter, provide adequate nutrients for plant growth and improve
soil structure. They are widely used in the agricultural system due to their benefits on crop yield and soil structure (Zhou
et al., 2022). Sustainability in agricultural systems is crucial, and organic fertilizers have been highlighted as a potential
solution. These natural fertilizers, derived from livestock and poultry excreta, plant residues, biogas residue, and
agricultural by-products, can reduce pollution and improve crop growth. Studies show increased soil microbial activities,
which are essential for nutrient recycling and plant development. Bio-organic fertilizers also improve seedling biomass,
soil fungal to bacterial ratio, and soil enzyme activity (Lin et al., 2019).

One of the fertilizers that were mentioned above is the plant matter or rotten vegetables and fruits. The most
common way to use fruit and vegetable scraps is to use them in a compost bin or compost pile and use them to amend
garden soil. Compost improves soil moisture, soil structure, soil biodiversity, nitrogen and other minerals. These organic
compounds stay in the soil longer than chemical fertilizers and they improve the soil over time even without reapplication.
This liquid fertilizer will boost nitrogen levels and add other minerals to your soil (Thetilth, 2022). Rotten fruits and
vegetables can indeed serve as a valuable source of nutrients for your plants. As organic matter decomposes, it breaks
down into essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital for healthy plant growth. These
nutrients are released gradually into the soil, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to commercial fertilizers.
Here are some of its benefits when we use this kind of fertilizer; (1) Nutrient-Rich Soil: Rotten fruits and vegetables offer
a diverse range of nutrients that promote robust plant development. Nitrogen, for example, is crucial for leafy green
growth, while phosphorus aids in root development and flower formation. (2) Improved Soil Structure: Organic matter
helps enhance soil structure, making it more porous and better able to retain moisture. This can be particularly
advantageous in arid climates or during dry spells. (3) Enhanced Microbial Activity: Decomposed produce fosters a
thriving ecosystem of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. These microbes aid in nutrient cycling and promote overall
soil health. (4) Reduces Food Waste: Utilizing rotten fruits and vegetables as fertilizer is an eco-conscious way to
repurpose food waste that might otherwise end up in landfills (F. Team, 2023). Another research entitled The Role of
Local Microorganisms Generated from Rotten Fruits and Vegetables in Producing Liquid Organic Fertilizer states that
biofertilizers consist mainly of beneficial microorganisms that may release nutrients from raw materials and plant residues
in the soil and make them available commercially where specific strains are used as bio-fertilizers (Mosa et al., 2014). In
addition, rotten fruits could be used as an available resource due to the high organic content and low pollution
introduction. In this study, four kinds of rotten fruits including banana, apple, pear and grape, were utilized as additional
carbon source to improve the nitrogen removal from mature landfill leachate (Zhu et al., 2021). Globally, the use of
vegetables trimmings as fertilizer has been proven by the research conducted by The Insight Partners provides an
overview about and forecast of the global vegetable’s fertilizers market based on various segments. It also provide market
sized and forecast estimate from 2020 to 2028 with respect of five major regions namely, North America, Europe, Asian
Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa(MEA), and South America. While, locally, the use of rotten vegetables as
fertilizer are observed in Baguio City. Farmers are urged to haul back vegetable trimmings to their farm which can be
used as organic fertilizers (Convert Veggie Trimmings to Organic Fertilizers, Farmers Told, n.d.). Workers segregate
rotten vegetables from plastic items at the city’s composting plant at Barangay Irisan in Baguio City on Saturday. Heaps
of biodegradable waste will be converted into useful high-grade fertilizer.
 Lastly, inorganic fertilizers are a fast dose of nutrients, feeding your plants how you want and when you want.
They are fully artificial and manufactured in exact doses. Their nutrient ratios are clearly printed on the bag, and there is
an inorganic fertilizer to meet your plant’s specific needs. Even though they are an almost perfect food source for your
plants, they provide nothing for the soil, limiting their effectiveness in the long-term (Team, 2020). It was stated in the
research written by Kozai and Niu (2016) that the use of nutrients from inorganic sources has the advantage of quick
nutrient release and uptake by plants, for a consistent yield response. In addition, inorganic fertilizers are often used as a
"rescue treatment" for plants that are malnourished, unhealthy, or dying. They contain all necessary nutrients in
appropriate proportions and amounts, providing a balanced balance for plants. Inorganic fertilizers are affordable, making
them a convenient and cost-effective alternative to organic fertilizers. They are also easier to use and prepare, as they don't
require extensive time and effort to create their own. They are available at almost every gardening store and are a
convenient solution for maintaining healthy plants (Basics of Gardening, 2013).

The best inorganic fertilizer to be used in plants is ammonium sulfate. According to the study named “Plant
Nutrient Management in Hawaii’s Soils, Approaches for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture” by Silva & Uchida (2000)
is that ammonium sulfate [(NH4 )2 SO4 ] has been used in Hawaii for many years in both the sugarcane and pineapple
industries as well as on small farms. It contains 21% N and 11% S. It will lower soil pH if used continuously over long
periods of time. As stated by Bareja (2022), here are some advantages of using this kind of inorganic fertilizer; (1)
This fertilizer contains nitrogen and sulfur. It is therefore a valuable fertilizer in soils that are deficient in both elements.
In such conditions, it may have a real advantage over other nitrogen fertilizers in terms of the cumulative cost of nitrogen
and sulfur. (2) Among the major nitrogenous fertilizers, it has the least tendency to absorb atmospheric water. (3)
Compared to urea, it is more resistant to ammonia volatilization. In neutral to acid soils, it can be broadcasted or otherwise
applied without soil incorporation. (4) It can improve the efficacy of post-emergence herbicidal sprays. When water has a
high content of calcium, magnesium, or sodium, the addition of dissolved AS in the herbicide solution will prevent the
plugging of spray nozzles (IPNI 2012). In addition, Ammonium sulfate is generally preferred over urea when it comes to
efficacy as a nitrogen source. However, urea is usually a cheaper fertilizer. Both are good alternatives to ammonium
nitrate (Marino, 2023). Farmers and gardeners use ammonium sulfate as a fertilizer to improve the nutrient content of the
soil and promote healthy plant growth. It’s especially useful for crops that have high nitrogen and sulfur requirements,
such as certain types of vegetables, grains, and fruits (Agrisolutionland, 2023). Over the years ammonium sulphate is
primarily used as a fertiliser for alkaline soils as it helps lower the pH balance of the soil, while contributing essential
nitrogen for plant growth. As a food additive it is used as an acidity regulator in flours and breads (Brenntag, 2024).
Globally ammonium sulphate is a relatively minor contributor to N fertilizer use, global production being estimated as
5.67 Mt N in 2017 compared to 77.87 Mt N as urea and 16.11 Mt N as ammonium nitrate (IFA, 2017; internal data used
with permission). However, in recent years ammonium sulphate has become a major source of sulphur (S) for fertilizer
use because it is readily available, being a by-product of various industrial processes, and has been relatively cheap
compared to most other forms (Powlson & Dawson, 2021).

The application rate for ammonium sulfate foliar spray depends on the crop being treated and the desired
outcome. Generally, a rate of 0.5 to 1 pound of ammonium sulfate per 100 gallons of water is recommended for most
crops. This rate may need to be adjusted depending on soil fertility levels and other factors, such as the stage of growth of
the crop or environmental conditions. When applying ammonium sulfate as a foliar spray, it’s important to make sure that
all foliage is thoroughly covered with the solution. The solution should be applied in an even manner so that there are no
areas with too much or too little coverage. Additionally, it’s important to avoid spraying during periods of high
temperature or strong winds as this can reduce effectiveness and increase chances of burn or damage to plants. Finally, it’s
important to follow all label instructions when using ammonium sulfate as a foliar spray. Different formulations may have
different rates of application, so it’s essential that users read and understand all label information before applying any
product. With proper use, ammonium sulfate can be an effective tool for providing additional nutrients to crops in both
commercial and home gardens (Patricia & Patricia, 2023).

Fertilizers are really helpful in building up nutrients in our plants. The type of fertilizer used is determined by soil
health, crop requirements, environmental concerns, and management objectives. Integrating organic, manure, and
inorganic fertilizers into sustainable soil management practices can improve nutrient availability, crop productivity, and
long-term agricultural sustainability while minimizing negative impacts on the soil and environment.
Definition of terms

Urea – the diamide of carbonic acid. Its formula is H2NCONH2. Urea has important uses as a fertilizer and feed
supplement, as well as a starting material for the manufacture of plastics and drugs. It is a colourless, crystalline substance
that melts at 132.7° C (271° F) and decomposes before boiling.

Ammonia Volatilization – The process of ammonia volatilization commonly takes place when nitrogen is in an organic
form known as urea. Urea may originate from animal manure, urea fertilizers and, to a lesser degree, the decay of plant
materials.

Soil Incorporation – means the disking or plowing of the soil at a domestic septage disposal site, within six (6) hours of
land application of domestic septage, so that no domestic septage is present on the surface of the soil. In other words, it is
a mixing of the herbicides with the soil

Herbicides – an agent, usually chemical, for killing or inhibiting the growth of unwanted plants, such as weeds, invasive
species, or agricultural pests.

Semi-temperate crops - generally refer to crops that are well-suited to regions with a climate that falls between tropical
and temperate zones. These regions typically experience moderate temperatures, with distinct seasons but not extreme
cold or hot conditions. In semi-temperate climates, farmers can grow a variety of crops that thrive in conditions with a
moderate temperature range. These crops may include fruits, vegetables, grains, and other plants that are adapted to the
specific characteristics of semi-temperate climates.