Final answer:
Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources and release nutrients slowly, supporting soil quality and ecosystem balance, which is a key aspect of organic agriculture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Organic fertilizers, derived from living or formerly living materials, offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers in promoting healthy plant growth and maintaining soil quality. Unlike synthetic fertilizers that may introduce high concentrations of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus rapidly into the soil, organic fertilizers, such as cow manure or compost, release these nutrients more slowly. This gradual nutrient release supports the soil's biogeochemical cycles and preserves its biodiversity by providing food for decomposers and maintaining soil structure, thus enhancing water infiltration and soil resistance to erosion.
Using organic fertilizers is a core practice in organic agriculture, which avoids or significantly limits synthetic inputs. This approach encourages natural ecosystem interactions, supports biodiversity through crop rotation, cover crops, and habitats for pest predators and pollinators. While the term 'organic' can relate to various aspects such as chemistry and food production, in the context of fertilizers, it implicates a sustainable and eco-conscious choice in agriculture.