Synthetically derived fertilizers are manufactured from minerals, gasses from the air and inorganic waste materials. Fertilizers derived from organic sources obtain their nutrients from natural sources such as microbes, organic waste, and other similar materials.
There are several distinctions between organic and synthetic fertilizers. The nutrient sources differ and are released differently, which impacts how often either needs to be applied. Benefits to the soil and the potential for leaching and runoff also differ.
