Brightleaf Research Introduction to the Research

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MAKING USE OF FERTILIZERS CONTAINING ORGANIC MATTER & THEIR BUDGETING

The introduction of chemical fertilizers and their ability to deliver plant nutrition cost effectively all but eliminated organic matter as a recognized value throughout much of the 20th century- at least as far as organic fertilizers is concerned. Simply referring to this type of fertilizer as organic fertilizer rather than fertilizer containing organic matter may itself be reason it has met resistance, albeit inexplicably, by contemporary academic and commercial establishments.

Improved soil biology for better nutrient mineralization and reduced pressure from turfgrass diseases are two definitive benefits gained from the use of fertilizers containing organic matter. Turfgrass and ornamental plants also realize improved heat and drought tolerance from the application of these fertilizers when substances from the organic matter are taken up directly by the roots.

The centerpiece for any organization's sustainable land care plan can be based on these resulting nutrient management and water conservation practices. Related Research has demonstrated this benefit. This should be of no surprise. Organic matter's role in soils is one of the most studied fundamentals in agriculture. To say it is vital would be an understatement. Soil biology, plant life and society itself relies on organic matter and its dynamic nature.

Poultry manure and biosolids enables the highest volume of organic matter to be applied for obtaining results cost effectively. Their conversion as a potential pollutant to a beneficial use is a bonus for society when properly processed. When purchased and applied by landscapers, a major environmental solution is also realized.

Exactly how much to apply in fertility applications is a question in need of an answer that is long overdue. Without benchmarks, would results from conventional N, P, K products be possible? No. For results, professionals have been budgeting nitrogen-based fertility programs for decades. Today, a commercially proven approach by the company Nutrients PLUS assists clients with methods for budgeting.

Now, instead of just budgeting for N, P, K, their customers are learning how to budget for a fourth benchmark, proper amounts of organic matter. Without this benchmark one is shooting darts in the dark.

With this benchmark a commercial nutrient management plan was successfully implemented. The Brightleaf Fund will initiate the research component and results may prevent unnecessary regulation and satisfy a solution from all perspectives.

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