What is the Difference Between Fertilizer and Compost?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between fertilizer and compost is their purpose: compost nourishes the soil, while fertilizers provide nutrients for the plants. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Composition: Compost is a mixture of decomposed organic matter, such as plant waste and manure, which works to feed garden soil. Fertilizer, on the other hand, can be a blend of either organic or synthetic substances suited to feed garden plants.
- Function: Compost serves a more general and flexible role, as it can be used to enrich and enhance soil by improving its ability to retain nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizers, however, are more specific and targeted, as they are designed to meet the exact needs of plants by providing primary nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
- Application: Compost is a soil amendment that can be applied at different times throughout the year, while fertilizers are best used during spring and when plants are at the peak of their growing cycle.
Both compost and fertilizers play essential roles in keeping crops and the soil healthy. In many cases, using both compost and fertilizer can be the best solution, as they complement each other's qualities. Compost nourishes the soil and enhances its ability to hold nutrients, while fertilizers provide specific nutrients that plants may need.
Comparative Table: Fertilizer vs Compost
The main difference between fertilizer and compost lies in their composition, nutrient availability, and environmental impact. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between the two:
| Feature | Fertilizer | Compost |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A soil additive that contains key nutrients for plant growth, such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. | A soil amendment made up of decomposed organic materials, such as plant and food waste, which enriches the soil and suppresses plant diseases. |
| Composition | Synthetic or natural chemical compounds, usually in the form of ammonia, nitrate, and urea-based compounds for nitrogen; phosphate fertilizers can contain impurities such as fluoride and aluminum; potassium fertilizers are typically potassium chloride, sulfate, or nitrate. | Organic matter that contains nutrients stored in organic matter, derived from decomposed plant and food waste. |
| Nutrient Availability | Nutrients are readily available and can be absorbed by plants instantly, but can also be easily washed away by heavy rainfall or high water tables. | Nutrients are released slowly over time, providing a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option. |
| Environmental Impact | Can cause environmental issues such as algal blooms in water bodies due to nutrient runoff. | Improves soil structure, supports beneficial soil organisms, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, making it more environmentally friendly. |
In summary, fertilizers provide specific nutrients to plants in a readily available form, while compost is an organic matter that enriches the soil and releases nutrients slowly over time. If you want to live more sustainably, compost is a better choice due to its lower environmental impact compared to synthetic fertilizers.
- Manure vs Compost
- Vermicompost vs Compost
- Manure vs Fertilizer
- Biofertilizer vs Chemical Fertilizer
- Organic vs Inorganic Fertilizer
- Organic vs Bio Fertilizer
- Natural vs Chemical Fertilizers
- Biodegradable vs Compostable
- Nitrogen vs Phosphorus Fertilizer
- Earthworms vs Compost Worms
- Fertilizer vs Turf Builder
- Manure vs Organic Matter
- DAP vs NPK Fertilizer
- Decomposer vs Detritivore
- Ammonia vs Ammonium Nitrate
- Decomposition vs Combustion
- Ammonium Nitrate vs Urea
- Nitrogen vs Nitrate
- Nitrogen Cycle vs Carbon Cycle