Biology Versus Chemicals in Farming
by Robert Rushford CEO BioIQ 1300 090 261 | 0447 886 547
BioIQ aims to reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers whilst improving soil health, migrating farmers to something more cost-effective and sustainable in farm management. Through proprietary technology, we utilise beneficial bacteria in a variety of environmental, agricultural and land management applications.
What are Chemical Fertilisers?
Chemical fertilisers are synthetic fertilisers with concentrated nutrients. They are man-made and designed to provide plants with specific nutrients to promote their growth and development. Chemical fertilisers are created by combining nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and can include other nutrients such as calcium and magnesium. They are used to enrich the soil with essential nutrients to produce good yields and fast growth.
Advantages of Chemical Fertilisers
The advantages of using chemical fertilisers are apparent. They can increase crop yields and growth rates, which can increase food production, helping to meet the food demand of a growing population. Chemical fertilisers are easy to use, apply, and store. They also provide immediate and consistent results.
Disadvantages of Chemical Fertilisers
The use of chemical fertilisers can have detrimental effects on the environment and the soil. Since they are synthetic, they cannot replace the nutrients for soil vitality. They contribute to the soil becoming compacted and reducing the amount of organic matter in the soil. This can limit the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms, reducing the soil's fertility over time and potentially contaminating nearby water sources with excess nitrogen or phosphorus. Additionally, chemical fertilisers can alter the pH level of the soil and cause damage to the soil structure and beneficial microorganisms.
What are Biological Fertilisers?
Biological fertilisers are organic fertilisers created by adding natural additives to the soil to boost the soil's naturally occurring microorganisms. They are made from plant tissue, animal waste, and microbes. Biological fertilisers consist of different types of fungi, bacteria, humic acid, and other organic materials that stimulate plant growth. The organic matter is broken down over time, releasing nutrients and promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms to increase soil fertility.
Advantages of Biological Fertilisers
Biological fertilisers have numerous benefits that make them an invaluable addition to soil treatments. Unlike chemical fertilisers, biological fertilisers improve the entire soil ecosystem, providing essential nutrients to the soil, making it fertile and promoting natural growth processes. They restore the soil's natural microbiota, encouraging soil biodiversity and improving soil structure. Biological fertilisers also improve the plant's ability to retain nutrients and tolerate environmental stressors like drought or extreme temperatures.
Disadvantages of Biological Fertilisers
The main disadvantage of biological fertilisers is that they require more time to break down compared to chemical fertilisers and produce results more slowly. The question, therefore, is whether biological fertilisers can cater to the world's growing food demand as they take more time to take effect.
Chemical Fertilizers vs Biological Fertilisers
In conclusion, chemical fertilisers provide quick and consistent results, but they are not sustainable. Their use has a negative impact on the environment and soil quality. On the other hand, biological fertilisers offer a more sustainable solution that enhances the soil quality, promotes long-term soil fertility, and protects the environment. They are best suited for organic farming practices that prioritise long-term soil health over short-term gains in crop yields. However, the demand for food production is ever-growing and meeting this demand for an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to farming practices will take deeper research and exploration of alternative options. It will most likely require a combination of both approaches that leverage the advancement of technology without compromising soil quality.
BioIQ reduces the use of synthetic fertilisers in farming.
Because soil is the farmer’s greatest asset, and it needs protecting.
BioIQ aims to reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers whilst improving soil health, migrating farmers to something more cost-effective and sustainable in farm management. Through proprietary technology, we utilise beneficial bacteria in a variety of environmental, agricultural and land management applications.
by Robert Rushford CEO BioIQ 1300 090 261 | 0447 886 547
