Organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers each have their pros and cons, and the choice should be based on soil conditions, crop requirements, and environmental goals. Combining them can balance short-term benefits with long-term soil health.

I. Core Differences

 

Dimension	Organic Fertilizers	Chemical Fertilizers
Source & Composition	Derived from organic wastes (plant residues, livestock manure, kitchen scraps) after composting; contain organic matter and multiple nutrients	Chemically synthesized; contain single or compound nutrients (e.g., N, P, K); no organic matter
Fertilizer Efficiency	Slow nutrient release, long-lasting effects (3–6 months), improves soil structure	High nutrient content, rapid effects (7–15 days), prone to leaching, causes soil compaction over time
Soil Impact	Enhances soil water retention and fertility, promotes microbial activity, builds long-term soil health	Degrades soil structure, reduces aeration, leads to acidification and salinization with prolonged use
Environmental Impact	Eco-friendly, recycles organic waste	Overuse pollutes water bodies, causes eutrophication, disrupts ecosystems
Application Scenarios	Long-term soil improvement, base fertilizer for fruit trees/field crops, organic agriculture	Topdressing during critical growth stages, urgent nutrient supplementation

II. Selection Strategies

1. Prioritize Soil Health
   • Long-Term Improvement: Use organic fertilizers to enhance soil physical/chemical properties and fertility.
   • Emergency Needs: Apply chemical fertilizers for rapid nutrient supply, but control dosage to prevent soil degradation.
2. Match Crop Needs and Growth Stages
   • Base Fertilizer: 60–70% organic + 30–40% chemical for sustained nutrient release.
   • Topdressing: 70–80% chemical to meet peak demands (e.g., heading, flowering).
3. Balance Environmental and Sustainability Goals
   • Reduce Chemical Inputs: Combine with organic fertilizers to lower pollution risks and improve product quality.
   • Policy Alignment: Leverage national subsidies for organic fertilizers under "reduction and efficiency enhancement" policies.
4. Cost and Practicality Considerations
   • Small-Scale Farming: Homemade compost (e.g., kitchen waste) reduces costs.
   • Large-Scale Agriculture: Chemical fertilizers ease storage/transport and suit机械化施肥.

III. Advantages of Combined Use

1. Nutrient Synergy: Organic fertilizers provide balanced nutrition; chemicals supplement rapid-release needs.
2. Enhanced Efficiency: Organic matter reduces chemical leaching, improving utilization by 30–50%.
3. Soil Protection: Mitigates compaction and preserves microbial activity.
4. Environmental Benefits: Cuts chemical use and agricultural runoff pollution.

IV. Practical Recommendations

• Orchards: Base fertilizer with commercial organic fertilizers (500–700 kg/mu); topdress with compound chemicals.
• Field Crops: Straw return + chemicals for nutrient cycling.
• Protected Agriculture: Organic-inorganic compound fertilizers balance yield and quality.
• Home Gardening: Vermicompost or composted kitchen waste for safety and convenience.

Conclusion: Organic and chemical fertilizers are complementary, not competing. Scientific selection depends on soil conditions, crop demands, and environmental goals. Combined use achieves "quality enhancement, efficiency, and sustainable soil management," driving agricultural sustainability.