Finding natural fertilizer for commercial use is an increasingly easy task as companies have ramped up production to meet the market's demand. You and your customers may, however, have some questions about exactly how this type of commercial fertilizer is generated at sufficient scale. It's a good idea to learn more about how the industry works and what you'll actually be buying.
Dealing with the N-P-K Ratio
One source of concern, especially for agricultural concerns that are switching from synthetic to natural sources of fertilizer, is achieving an appropriate ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). In synthetic production, these figures can be closely controlled, and you'll almost always see them published on every bag of fertilizer you might acquire. Due to inconsistencies in many natural processes, it's much more common for products to not include this ratio. This is particularly the case if you intend to buy in bulk.
You may be able to ask for testing and labeling of ratios, but be prepared to pay more. If possible, try to shop around for a company that offers it as part of their standard packaging.
Origins of Fertilizers
The sourcing of natural materials is frequently a concern to customers who have questions about just how eco- or animal-friendly certain products might be. There is a slew of potential sources, including existing mineral deposits, manure, vegetable matter and animal wastes. Growing alternative sources of materials include plan waste, sewage sludge and even nutrient-rich algae.
It's typically the case that manure and animal wastes are the most likely to cause an uproar with organic customers. Manures are animal products that often raise concerns about the exploitation of animals, and animal wastes are derived from the remnants, such as bone, fish and blood meal, that come from the slaughter process.
When in doubt, talk with your supplier of commercial fertilizer about how they source their products. Knowing exactly where everything comes from can be used as a selling point, allowing you to seek a higher price for the product you eventually send to market.
Expected Costs
The majority of natural fertilizer mixtures will start at somewhere around $1 per pound, and prices can be expected to drop significantly as you increase the size of your order. Virtually all suppliers are happy to negotiate bulk discounts, and you should also discuss what types of delivery options they are willing to include.
