Why Not Use Organic Fertilizer After Repotting?

Tobias

So, there seems to be the arguement that organic fertilizer is better than inorganic for the sole reason that organic fertilizer is good for microorganisms in the soil (and inorganic is bad?). So, if organic and inorganic fertilizers are, chemically, the exact same thing, why is one better than the other as relates to microorganism health? Also, does the health of microorganisms in the soil really affect us folks in the bonsai world? Wouldn't more microbes=more consumption of bacteria=faster composting (i'm really asking here. i don't claim to have even a decent grasp on how composting works, sadly.)?

let me know. also, to throw my two cents in, i've heard that the whole "don't fertilize until X number of weeks after repotting" arguement is bull. Actually, I was under the opposite impression. Mixing fertilizer in when repotting plants, or hitting them with soluble fertilizer when watering, helps them get established in their new pots faster (and, yes, obviously you don't want to overfertilize, as always).

again, i'd like to hear what people who know better than I think.

thanks guys,

Tobias

__________________
~Self-proclaimed dendrophile!

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BonsaiBen

Matt,

After reading that again it made me wonder how the chemical nitrogen negates the benefit of the micro-organisms in the soil. Does it somehow sterilize them?

Jase1972

BonsaiBen,

I will usually mix a little Osmocote in with my soil at repotting then after a fortnight a half strength solution of Seasol, which is a seaweed growth stimulant which is effective in promoting root growth.

From there every 2 weeks I alternate half strength doses of Phostrogen (chemical), Fish emulsion (organic), Thrive (chemical), Blood and Bone (organic) and so on through to late Summer, when I turn down the Nitrogen in preparation for the dormant period.

The osmocote works for 4 months as a background or survival feed while the liquid feeds are the catalyst for rapid growth and also provide trace elements.

This is not suitable for older trees in a stage of refinement.

Hope this helps.

Jase