Do most ferilizers contain all the crucial trace minerals for plant and animal nutrition?

Question

I have become increasingly aware of the importance of trace minerals (micronutrients) in plant nutrition which is passed on to humans and animals. I'm wondering if most fertilizers that you buy at a nursery or a co-op come loaded with necessary trace elements or if I need to buy a supplement in addition to the regular fertilizer.

Answer 1

Agree with Dave--do learn about organic (non chemical) gardening. Start a compost pile-- remember, only kitchen items-- coffee grounds, tea leaves, peels of cucumber -- et cetera. something big like watermelon rind-- cut it up in small pieces to aid decomposition. No meat/fats/-- egg shells are OK. If you don't have a container-- three things can be done off the top of my head-- one-- a hole in the ground-- after that day's kitchen waste- a shovel full of dirt over the waste-- two--a pile on top of the ground-- does better in some sort of container-- use dirt there, too-- the micro-organisms are in the dirt that begins the process. A third way-- dig small holes around the yard where you want the compost-- and cover it with dirt.
Start this now-- and learn about the rest over the winter. Just don't throw away the "good stuff" that makes good black dirt.
good luck
Most dogs don't mess with kitchen waste-- so that should be OK.

Answer 2

THe nutrient content of meat does not have so many nutrients as plant foods. SPirulina and soynuts have more protein per 100 grams, than meat. More vitamin content. more fibre, more alkaline, more minerals. Anti-oxidants- are you crazy? One needs them after toxic substances such as cigarette smoke, meat, hormones, pollution are met with every day. Meat collects in your lower intestine. WHen it's sitting there, it leaks into your body the toxins it contains. THat is why fibre and plant foods are essentially the foods you need to live. Meat still has hormones, steroids and grease in it- animal grease. These are a poison in a warm environment, to a human body. Anything else? Or is the c0ck you're drivelling enough tonight?

Answer 3

No. Commercial fertilizers contain only N - P - K. That's why commercial crops grown in America are low in nutrients; they are grown on depleted soils.

Check out the website from the previous answer, and get that compost pile going!

Answer 4

Nop, the three numbers you see are Nitrogen-Potassium-Phosphurous and that's it. You need to buy the micronutrients separately. You don't really need them unless you live in wield places like beside a swamp...etc. Micro-organisms provide those.

Answer 5

You can make your own natural fertilizer that does contain the micronutrients you are seeking. The website will give you the recipe.
www.motherearthnews.com/Organic_Gardening/2006_June_July/A_Better_Way_to_Fertilize_Your_Garden_Homemade_Organic_Fertilizer

Answer 6

No. If you're concerned with trace minerals, you should investigate organic gardening practices.

Answer 7

no you don't need additional fert.