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Experts reveal the secrets about plant fertilizers and their advantages and how they affect the growth

Soil is the major source of nutrients for plants. Even though most types of soils have optimum levels of nutrients for growing plants and crops, over time their level decreases. When soil becomes deplete of nutrients, it becomes barren and cannot produce healthy plants. Hence to replenish the soil and improve its fertility, fertilizers are added to the soil.

Fertilizers are basically add-on nutrients that are supplied to the plants to enhance their productivity. Fertilizers not only replete the levels of nutrients in the soil but also improve the water retention capacity of the soil and enhance its fertility. Let us take a look at the types, advantages, and importance of fertilizers to understand them better.

Types of Fertilizers

Fertilizers are categorized into the following major types:

1) Inorganic Fertilizers

These are industrially processed fertilizers that are made from chemical means. Inorganic fertilizers can be divided into the following subtypes:

a)Nitrogen Fertilizers

• • Nitrogen is the most important component for the development of plants. Chlorophyll – the green pigment found in chloroplasts – requires nitrogen for carrying out photosynthesis in plants. Nitrogen is also a component of amino acids and helps in protein building. Nitrogen fertilizers supply the requisite levels of nitrogen to plants.

b)Phosphorus Fertilizer

• • Phosphorous is a chemical compound that is found in the protoplasm of cells. It plays a critical role in cell growth and proliferation. Optimal levels of phosphorous are needed for the growth of healthy roots of the plants. Phosphorous fertilizers compensate for the deficiency of this important component.

c)Potassium Fertilizer

• • Potassium improves the immune system of plants and enables them to resist disease. It enhances the fruit yield and strengthens the root system. Potassium protects the plants during harsh weather and prevents them from wilting. Potassium fertilizers deliver the optimum levels of potassium to plants.

2) Organic Fertilizers

These are natural fertilizers that are derived from organic sources i.e. plants and animals. Organic fertilizers have a different mode of operation. They add carbonic compounds to the soil. These compounds enhance the organic matter of the soil, promote a healthy soil ecosystem and improve the physical and chemical properties of soil. Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly and are healthier than inorganic fertilizers.

Following are the most common sources of organic fertilizers:

• • Agricultural Waste
  • Municipal sludge
  • Industrial waste

Why Are Fertilizers Important for Plants?

Fertilizers are important for plants due to the following reasons:

• There has been an increased demand for the production of fruits and vegetables. To meet the demands of a growing population, it is important to replenish the soil with important nutrients so a healthy and hefty yield can be obtained.
• Fertilizers strengthen the immune system of plants and help them fight different diseases and pests. This reduces their need for insecticides and herbicides. This improves the overall quality of plant yield.
• Fertilizers result in healthier and stronger plants that are aesthetically appealing.
• They increase the depth of the roots, which leads to a stronger hold and greater access to the soil’s natural resources. Fertilizers also increase the water retention capacity of plants.
• Fertilizers result in stronger straws and stalks of the plants.
• Due to fertilizers, seed development is improved which results in better fruit production.

We have now understood the types and advantages of fertilizers. If you want to have healthier and disease-free plants in your garden, contact American Tree Expert. We provide customized organic and liquid injection fertilizers to meet the nutritional demands of your plans. Call us for a free estimate at 973 744-6091. We operate in Montclair, New Jersey, and nearby areas.

Important 5 advantages of organic fertilizers and their benefits you need to know

Organic fertilizers are made from the decomposition of organic waste i.e. plants and animals. Processed fertilizers that have a compost or manure base are also termed organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers deliver important nutrients to the soil, improve its fertility and help achieve quality yield. They have been a part of agriculture for ages. However, they were replaced (to a major extent) by inorganic and commercial fertilizers after the industrial boom in the 19th century.

As the advantages of organic fertilizers have become more obvious, the world is once again shifting towards the use of organic fertilizers. Let us take a look at the different benefits of organic fertilizers.

Benefits of Organic Fertilizers

Deliver Nutrients Slowly and Steadily

• Organic fertilizers break down slowly and steadily. They take time to leach in the soil, decompose and deliver the desired nutrients. This way, the plants are not overfed and they draw the nutrients according to their need. Contrary to this, inorganic nutrients behave artificially and decompose quite quickly. The overdose of nutrients can damage the plants and may burn them.

Because they decompose so fast, inorganic nutrients do not add much fertility to the soil either.

Improve The Health of The Soil

• Alluvial and loamy soils are naturally rich in nutrients and minerals. However, they lose some of their fertility due to over vegetation. The purpose of adding fertilizers is to replenish their depleted fertility. Organic fertilizers play a crucial role in improving the texture of the soil. They make the soil more porous which enables it to retain a greater volume of water and improves the bacterial and fungal activity in the soil. The overall health of the soil is improved.

The reason why inorganic fertilizers don’t contribute much to the health of the soil is because of the lack of carbon in their chemical composition. Carbon is needed for microbes and bacteria to derive energy and thrive. The chemical composition of organic fertilizers is similar to that of microbes. They contain all the important elements such as carbon, nitrogen, potassium, and nitrogen that are needed by microbes to exist in an environment.

They Are Safer For Human Consumption

• Organic fertilizers do not contain harmful chemicals. The plants that grow on these fertilizers are safer to consume. Inorganic fertilizers may contain certain harmful chemicals such as zinc, lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic. Through a process known as bioaccumulation, these harmful substances can deposit in larger quantities inside our bodies and cause certain diseases.

They Are Environmentally Safe

• As mentioned before, organic fertilizers decompose slowly and do not leach out when water is applied. They don’t run off with water, hence they don’t pollute water bodies such as rivers and oceans. Some Environmentally Friendly Fertilizers (EEFs) take in carbon dioxide to produce organic matter. This way, they reduce the concentration of CO2 which is the most abundant greenhouse gas.

Organic fertilizers also increase species biodiversity by 30%, leading to a healthier ecosystem.

Offer Great Value For Money

• Even though organic fertilizers are costlier, compared to commercial fertilizers, they are needed in much less quantity. They can result in considerable cost savings as they contain important nutrients i.e. Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium (NPK) in abundant quantities and there is no need for additional supplements. If you use organic fertilizers, you may not require pesticides, which will save money.

We specialize in nutrient management at American Tree. Call us at (973) 744-6091 to get customized organic and liquid injection fertilizers for your plants to meet all their nutrient requirements. We provide services in Montclair, New Jersey, and nearby areas.

Tree Experts in New Jersey reveal the 5 most dangerous disease-causing plant pests

Gardening is a fun and productive hobby. It not only brings you closer to nature but also gives you fresh, home-grown fruits and vegetables. Disease-causing plant pests are the biggest threat to your garden. They not only destroy the product but can also cause several diseases to the plants. To save your garden from a pest attack, it is important to take precautionary measures and remain on the outlook of telltale signs of a pest infestation and the diseases caused by them.

To do so, educate yourself about the most dangerous disease-causing pests and how to identify them.

Aphids

Top of the list is aphids. They are small pear-shaped insects. They have long antennae on the front and two tubes on the rear side that come out from their abdomen. Aphids attack fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, flowers, and shade trees in North America. They damage the plants in the following ways:

• Alphids suck the plant sap that damages the leaves and foliage of the plant.
• They excrete honeydew on leaves that promotes the growth of sooty mold. This accelerates the spread of viral diseases.

If you fear an aphid infestation has taken place, do the following:

• Wash plants with high-pressure water
• Introduce predators of aphids such as lacewings, lady beetles, and aphid midges to the plant.
• Spray the plant with hot pepper or garlic sprays.

Cabbage Maggots

These parasites infest crops that belong to the cabbage family, such as Chinese cabbages that are grown in North America. The maggots are found in the roots, and they destroy the plant by eating it away. Cabbage Maggots also create passages for disease organisms. To deal with their infestation, do the following:

• Apply floating row covers over the plants
• Leave certain parasitic nematodes around the roots of the plant. They feed on Cabbage Maggots.
• Burn the roots of an infected plant to prevent the further spread of the parasites.
• Place wood ashes or red pepper dust around the stems.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies. They destroy the leaves and fruits by chewing on them. Their distinctive features are a harder head capsule, six legs in the front, and false legs on the end. Caterpillars thrive on fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees. To control their infestation on your plants, do the following:

• Introduce native predators and parasites
• Cover the trees with floating row covers

Colorado Potato Beetle

These beetles attack several vegetables including potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, petunias, and cherry tomatoes that are grown in North America. Colorado Beetles have distinct yellow-orange bodies that are decorated with ten black stripes on wing covers. These beetles defoliate plants and kill the young plants. They also reduce the harvest of plants. To deter these pests:

• Apply floating row covers
• Introduce native parasites
• Spray the plants with neem oil

Mexican Bean Beetle

These beetles feed on cowpeas, snap beans, soybeans, and lima beans. Mexican Bean Beetle is commonly found in Arizona, Texas, Utah, and Nebraska. They are a quarter an inch long, oval in shape, have yellow-brown bodies, and their wing covers are decorated with 16 black spots. Mexican Beetles chew on the leaves of plants from underneath and leave a lacy appearance behind. To deter their growth:

• Apply floating row covers
• Handpick the produce
• Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap
• Plant soybean nearby that acts as a trap crop

These home remedies for controlling pests have their limits. If a serious pest infestation has taken place then contact American Tree Experts. They provide professional pest management services in Mont Clair, New Jersey, and nearby areas.

Here are a few benefits of pruning trees directly from tree experts in New Jersey

Trees like humans require regular maintenance. If not trimmed and pruned, they can become wild and distorted. Pruning is the process of selectively trimming certain parts of the plant such as buds, branches, and spent flowers. Pruning ensures preventive maintenance of the tree. Regular pruning is not only good for the health and appearance of the plant but also protects other plants, people, and property from injury. 

Pruning also prevents pest infestation. Let us take a look at the importance and benefits of pruning trees.

Why is Tree Pruning Necessary?

Improves The Health of The Tree

• All living things require care and maintenance. Pruning boosts the overall health of the tree. When certain parts of the tree don’t receive enough sunlight, they start to die. Pest infestation is another reason for the spread of diseases in the trees.  The diseases and dead parts of the tree are removed during the pruning process. This not only prevents the spread of the disease but also allows a better distribution of nutrients to the healthy parts of the tree. 

A well-pruned tree also allows greater circulation of air and more sun exposure. This promotes new growth, improves balance, and enhances the structural integrity of the tree. 

Improves The Structure and Appearance of The Tree

• Regular trimming can take off the excess load from the trees. This is especially beneficial for young and developing trees as it helps them form a sturdier structure and well-shaped limbs. The overall appearance of the tree improves as well.  

Overgrown trees give a wild appearance. The hanging branches can even make your home look like a haunted place and decrease the appeal of the property. Well-pruned trees not only look good but they make the nearby properties look sharp and proper as well.  

Prevents Safety Hazards From Occurring

• A lot of trees are planted in residential areas. Sometimes trees are planted quite close to areas of common use such as garages, sheds, homes, driveways, and footpaths. Some homeowners even hang swings for kids on trees. 

If these trees become too big and wild, they can present certain safety hazards. For e.g. overgrown branches can interfere with electric wires and start a fire. A weakened and overgrown tree limb can drop off during a storm and can crash over a home or some other structure. Likewise, a weakened tree limb may not be able to support the weight of a child on a swing and can come crashing down, causing massive injuries. 

• Hence, pruning trees prevents safety hazards from taking place in the first place as high-risk branches are removed in the process.

Food Production Increases

• It is recommended to prune trees during the late months of winter so that the tree is ready to bear fruit during spring and summer. A well-pruned tree usually bears more fruit as there is a surplus of energy and nutrients to supply to the healthy fruit-bearing parts. 

Brightens the Rooms

• Sometimes overgrown trees cast a gloomy shadow and block the entry of sunlight into your home. Pruning trees will allow more sunlight to enter your home and you can result in significant power and money-saving. 

Give You An Unobstructed View

• Overgrown tree branches can get in the way of your windows, balconies, and skylights. They can obstruct the beautiful view of the outside. Regular pruning will give you an unobstructed view of the outside. 

Tree pruning requires professional tree experts. American Tree Experts offer services for tree pruning in Montclair New Jersey and nearby areas. Call Us at (973) 744-6091 to get a free estimate of our services.