Everyday, science changes the world we live in just a little bit more. It's altered the weather, the water, the food we eat and even our own bodies.  But there's one thing that just can't be improved upon, even with the use of science.  It's the soil that's underneath us all. 

No amount of chemical additives or scientific wizardry can come close to creating what nature has already given us.  Organic matter is the lifeblood of all soil, and it's what gives plants the nourishment and support they need to flourish.  The plants, in turn, give us what we need to flourish:  food, and clean air. 

Soil that is rich in organic material is able to absorb more water and hold the nutrients, keep plants strong and healthy.  If your plants appear weak or sickly, it could be that your soil is weak as well.  Using organic fertilizer in your garden or on the farm can greatly improve the soil's "tilth". This term is used to describe the condition or health of the soil.  Organic fertilizer is able to improve the tilth, yet is less likely than chemical fertilizers to burn the tender plants or leach down through the soil and into groundwater.

Rather than destroying the naturally occurring matter in soil, organic fertilizer enhances it.  There is a large complement of healthy materials, ranging from nitrogen to phosphorous, found in organic fertilizer.  These essential components promote plant growth, helping your crops and flowers grow strong and stay healthy.

It's important to know that applying organic fertilizer won't give your garden a magical power charge, and you won't see immediate results.  Organic fertilizers contain relatively low levels of nutrients, particularly if you compare the levels with those found in manufactured fertilizers.  These are natural ingredients to be used the way nature intended:  over a period of time.  When you use organic fertilizers, be prepared for an extended period of application.  It will take a little longer to incorporate the right amounts of fertilizer into your garden, but the extra effort will be worth every second.

Organic fertilizers are usually made of all-natural biodegradable materials, such as chopped vegetable peelings, compost and even dried blood.  Over time, these materials naturally decompose, while the bacteria and fungi that help in the decomposition process continue to develop.

It will take a while for the bacteria and fungi to break down and decompose the natural fertilizers.  It takes even longer to convert these organic materials into nutrients that plants require for their food. That's why it's so important to plan ahead when you make the decision to use natural fertilizers.

There's a tendency for retailers to charge more for organic fertilizers than they do for chemical preparations.  The retailers know that organic is better, and they assume that people are willing to pay more.  Organic foods are considerably more costly than their additive-laden counterparts.  Unfortunately, many people will give in and turn to chemical concoctions (both food and fertilizer) just to save a few bucks.

Of course, price should not be your only criteria when buying fertilizers.  Organic fertilizers give you every advantage over chemically processed ones.  Over the long run, they're even more cost effective.  The fertilizers are applied more slowly over an extended period of time, so a big bag will likely last the average gardener a few years.

When you incorporate an organic fertilizer into your garden, it's essential that you test the soil first. This is a necessary step that will tell you what nutrients your soil is rich in, and which nutrients you need to boost.  Your local garden center should have the means available to test your soil sample and help you choose the best organic fertilizer for your garden. Over time, your garden plants will absorb the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, leaving your once-healthy soil weak.  That's why it's important to have your soil tested every spring, and boost your nutrient levels when required. 

Remember that organic fertilizer will not cure poor soil, or supercharge weak plants.   Instead, it provides the ongoing boost of nutrition that your plants need to survive.  Think of organic fertilizer as a multi-vitamin.  It certainly helps to boost healthy, but you really can't live on one a day.