Fertilizers derived from organic sources are made from living things or their byproducts, including animal matter, manure, and vegetable matter, such as compost, cover crops, as well as microbes, which have digested organic matter in wastewater. They’re composed primarily of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) and generally don’t include micronutrients or offer much at all to maintain the soil’s ecosystem. I have used it on azaleas and The nutrients in organic fertilizers are derived from natural plant or animal sources and their byproducts, which includes things such as worm castings (worm poop), horse manure, byproducts from wastewater treatment, as well as other natural materials. One of the nation’s oldest recycling efforts, Regulated by the EPA and complies with its most stringent requirements. Milorganite is one of the oldest branded fertilizers on the market. Depending on the type of organic fertilizer used, it can be more expensive than synthetic fertilizers. Learn more here. By using our website you are consenting to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy. Milorganite is an organic lawn fertilizer, which means it’s made from naturally recycled microbes. As the name suggests, this organic fertilizer will feed your grass with the right nutrients – especially plenty of nitrogen. Organic Lawn Care Common Lawn Diseases Gardening Using Milorganite In Gardens Fertilizer Basics Monthly Garden Checklist Flowers Vegetables & Fruit Trees and Shrubs Container Garden Tools and Resources Store Locator So, technically, the guy is right. | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Site Map. So, what’s the difference? Can cause excess top growth and stress roots. Use a fertilizer spreader according to manufacturer rates. Milorganite is composed of heat-dried microbes that have digested the organic matter in waste-water. When conditions aren’t favorable, Milorganite’s nutrients stay right where they are until there’s enough water and the temperature is within range. In most cases, won’t burn plant leaves or roots. The health of the soil—its ecosystem—is the most important factor to growing healthy lawns and plants. With the slow-release method, Milorganite strengthens the root of your lawn grass over time. “Organic certification” is strictly regulated by the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) and recognizes four categories: crops; livestock; processed products; and, wild crops. This percentage breakdown means there is very little nutritive value per pound, but in high quantities, it does deliver quite the punch. This fertilizer is organic and made from plant material and no bio-solids from animals and animal waste. Requires fewer applications, which means less work over time. Provides organic material that decomposes, releases nutrients plants can use and feeds vital microorganisms, all important for rich, fertile soil. It’s confusing because the word “organic” is used in two very different ways and we tend to use it interchangeably, which is incorrect. Using large-scale processes that mimic nature, microbes digest the nutrients found in the water. Sludge and other biosolids cannot be used in certified organic agriculture. Its not a normally stocked item, but they can order it in easily. Learn why Milorganite is the best choice for your lawn. Milorganite is a popular organic fertilizer manufactured by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. It is now sold across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Natural-based fertilizer nutrients can fluctuate. Milorganite is one of the oldest organic fertilizers you can get. Milorganite is worry-free because it contains virtually no salts, so it will not burn plants. All Rights Reserved. Water carries chlorophyll throughout the plant and helps plants absorb nutrients. $65 per 55lb bag. | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Site Map. Microbial activity occurs when soil moisture is adequate and soil temperatures are 55–85 F. The microbes break down the nutrients from Milorganite making them available to plants. After everything has settled the cleaned water is returned to Lake Michigan and the microbe clumps are sent on for dewatering and drying. Milorganite is analyzed for at least 20 parameters every day to comply with all applicable safety guidelines for protecting human health and the environment. Milorganite also adds organic matter to the soil, which promotes healthy soil and, in turn, improves the soil’s ability to grow plants. Wastewater enters the Jones Island water reclamation facility where all solid materials such as sand, boards, shop rags, plastic and debris are first removed. Milorganite is a fertilizer that’s produced in Milwaukee using treated sewage. It’s composed of heat-dried microbes that have digested the organic matter in wastewater. Click on the link below:https://youtu.be/fTMvfmVx-4w The extreme heat kills pathogens. Reliant on soil temperature: cooler soil = slower release rate, which corresponds to the rate plants can take up nutrients. It is made by taking wastewater from the Jones Island reclamation facility. Being organic, Milorganite works in such a way that it releases nutrients slowly, preventing nutrient runoff. Here’s a quick comparison to help you better understand the difference. In Milorganitehas some of the best qualities of both types of fertilizer. It is now Activated Sewer Sludge. 260 W. Seeboth St. Plants can’t tell the difference between the source of the nutrients since they’re processed by the plants in the same way, but that’s where similarities end. Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources. Milorganite is composed of organic matter and nutrients and contains no added pesticides or herbicides. Generally, no harm will result from over application or spills. Nutrients are released at a rate plants can use, greatly reducing the chance of leaching or run-off. Milorganite is a fertilizer made in Milwaukee, Wisc., from treated sewage sludge. Knowing if Milorganite is safe for pets is important to understand before applying to ensure proper safety. Milorganite can be applied any time during the growi ng season and is suitable for any climate. Gardening Expert and Host of Growing a Greener World®. Milorganite has some of the best qualities of both types of fertilizer. It’s also cost effective, easy to apply, and readily available in convenient, large bags for homeowners. Milwaukee, WI 53204, © 2021 Milorganite. It’s also cost effective, easy to apply, and readily available in convenient, large bags for homeowners. Some organic fertilizers are in their “raw” form, not pellets, and may take extra effort to distribute over large areas. Here’s a list of some fertilizers derived from organic sources: The greatest advantage of organic fertilizers is their overall contribution to the soil’s ecosystem and support of long-term soil fertility. Milorganite is an all-purpose organic nitrogen fertilizer composed primarily of heat-dried microbes that can be used on lawns, shrubs, trees, lowers, and vegetables. Synthetic fertilizers contribute very little to the ecosystem or structure of the soil. The semi-solid material moves on to one of 12 rotary kiln driers heated to 900–1200 ⁰F which heats the Milorganite to an internal temperature of 176°F. I don't use Milorganite because it is so easy to find other organic fertilizers with essentially no heavy metals when compared to Milorganite. Synthetic fertilizers give lawns and gardens a quick, but short-lived, burst of nutrients, which can cause rapid growth at the expense of developing a strong root system. At least 80% of the nitrogen in Milorganite is water insoluble (slow release) and is delivered to the roots through microbial activity in the soil, but the conditions need to be right. Incorrect or over application may burn plants due to high concentrations of chemical nutrients, which are salts. Controlled-release pellets are more expensive. The goal of Milorganite is to improve soil quality through slow-release organic nitrogen. Plant roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil to keep the plant healthy and strong. It uses microbes and it’s the microbes that absorb nutrients from the wastewater. Binding agents are added to the water causing the microbes to clump together and settle to the bottom of the undisturbed water in sedimentation tanks. There’s no immediate, excessive release of nutrients after fertilizing, which causes a flush of growth. Organic materials are known as slow-release fertilizers because they release nutrients to plants over time. Milorganite materials are 85 percent organic. First, it’s important to understand the terminology. Learn how Milorganite is safe for your kids and pets. The microbes die after they consume all of the nutrients. Around 80% of the nitrogen in Milorganite is water-insoluble, which means it’ll be released gradually in the soil due to microbial action and reach to … After the end of the process, the clean water that is separated from the product is released into Lake Michigan. It is a slow-release organic fertilizer and lasts a lot longer feeding your lawn just like Milorganite. It’s produced through the treatment of wastewater with microbes. Milorganite is considered a natural fertilizer because, for the most part, it is made of organic materials. Stop using Milorganite ? Instead of plastic and glass, nutrients are recycled. It is composed of heat-dried microbes that have digested the organic matter in wastewater. Milorganite is the brand name of a biosolid fertilizer, which is composed of 85% organic matter. Milorganite is made using one of the nation’s oldest recycling efforts. Slow-release nutrients, like those in Milorganite, are gradually available for up to 10 weeks, which means fewer applications. Controlled growth that doesn’t over-stimulate plants, promotes stronger root growth for better disease and insect resistance. Non-Leaching Phosphorous Phosphorus in runoff is a significant pollution problem. Poor quality soils depleted of beneficial microbes may delay results. Improves soil texture, which increases water retention, particularly important in drought conditions. Milorganite Milorganite is manufactured by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. Milorganite is an all-purpose organic nitrogen fertilizer that can be used on lawns, shrubs, trees, flowers, vegetables. Use on lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, & vegetables for better What Happens When Demand for Milorganite Outpaces Supply? The organic materials help keep the soil fertile and conditioned to retain water. Milorganite recently had to change their packaging and remove the "organic" from it, because the definition of what can be considered organic in the US was recently refined. Sewer Sludge from human waste was once living.....then they cooked the solids at 1000F and re inoculated with microbes. It’s a natural fertilizer that is excellent for lawns and contains 85 percent organic ingredients. Milorganite is a slow-release, non-burning, organic nitrogen fertilizer. Blends can be formulated for specific needs. It’s a convenient, pelletized fertilizer derived from organic materials. 260 W. Seeboth St. Organic fertilizers help feed the abundant microbes and other critters that maintain soil fertility. All Rights Reserved. The cleaned water is returned to Lake Michigan while the microbes are kiln-dried into small pellets. The Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (N-P-K) analysis is 6-4-0. The Curse of Every Weed: A Healthy Lawn The best way to drastically reduce the number of annoying weeds is to grow a lawn so healthy and thick that weeds don’t stand a chance! However, unlike what others say, it’s not made of human feces. Organic certification covers the process of how crops, livestock, and products are produced. Data is expressed in parts The ORIGINAL Organic Fertilizer. It’s derived from dead microbes, so it won’t burn lawns or plants. It is great for promoting healthy growth of lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers. May actually decrease soil fertility due to chemical nitrogen stimulating excessive microorganism growth, which, over time, depletes organic matter in the soil. The non burning formula doesn't have to be watered-in. It’s a convenient, pelletized fertilizer derived from organic materials. Milorganite is manufactured by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. Milorganite After passing all tests, it’s ready to be packaged and shipped throughout the U.S.A. Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis, which produces chlorophyll, the element that gives plants their green color. Because nutrients are released quickly more applications will be required. Milorganite is manufactured by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. Synthetic fertilizers, sometimes called chemical or inorganic, are manufactured from mineral deposits, petroleum by-products, gasses from the air, and other materials. Milorganite has a new analysis of a 6-4-0-2.5%Fe. Read Lawn Phix Why Organic Fertilizers section to learn more. This extended feeding provides more uniform growth, a deeper and better-established root system, and a healthier lawn and garden. The Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer is derived from heat-dried microbes that have digested the organic material in wastewater. High nutrient concentrations may build-up in the soil, which may lead to leaching and run-off. Micronutrients are typically present, providing some of the trace nutrients plants require. Milorganite was first sold for commercial use in 1926 and its popularity soared in the following decades. It is a slow-release nitrogen that contains iron, and provides beneficial nutrients to your soil. Milorganite is one of the oldest branded fertilizers on the market. Microbes in the soil break down the organic material releasing the nutrients. Certification verifies that a “farm or handling facility complies with the USDA organic regulations.” Organic certification does NOT cover fertilizers of any kind, even those derived from organic sources. So Milorganite is actually a bag of dried microbes! Slow-release nutrients are also better for the environment because the nutrients are less likely to leach into waterways. Manure should be composted for greatest safety. They often provide some of the 13 micronutrients plants need to grow and remain healthy. By using our website you are consenting to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy. Its nutrient analysis (N-P-K) is consistent and contains non-staining iron. Learn the differences and benefits of organic and synthetic fertilizers. It nurtures and nourishes the greenery in lawns and gardens by feeding the soil microbes for enhanced quality of life. In the quest to bring you the best information, some changes may be needed! Canadian Milorganite Alternative Post by Sinclair » Thu Mar 29, 2018 7:48 pm I just picked this up from Home Hardware. If it contains water-soluble iron, it can stain concrete. Milorganite is a widely available, "organic" fertilizer that is made with processed biosolids (sludge) from the Milwaukee sewage treatment system. It includes nitrogen for growth, potassium for strength, and iron to keep your lawn greener, as well as other numerous micronutrients that maintain a healthy lawn. Synthetic fertilizers are good if you want to quickly see results. Results from using organic fertilizers may take longer to see but are effective longer. Moisture is first squeezed out of the clumps using belt presses resulting in something similar to wet cardboard. Synthetic fertilizers are made from processed inorganic minerals and compounds, including petroleum, minerals, and gases from the air. Microbes are added to the water—the activation process—and oxygen is bubbled through the water to create the ideal environment for the microbes to digest the nutrients in the water. It is made of heat-dried microorganisms that feed on organic Milorganite fertilizer is one of the oldest branded fertilizers on the market today. Beautifying Lawns and Landscapes for over 85 years… Here, they remove all the debris and add microbes. Its nutrient analysis (N-P-K) is consistent and contains non-staining iron. If you are interested in organic lawn fertilizer, you should be interested in Milorganite. Available bag sizes aren’t large or economical enough for homeowners. Accidental over application, including overlapping rows when fertilizing, can cause lawns to burn. Many forms available: pellets, granules, liquid, tablets, spikes, and controlled-release. But I bet he's just being Ironite’s “quick fix” ideology is for people who want results now, and are not necessarily looking for a sustainable solution that will keep their Organic ingredients are much better because the over-application of chemical fertilizers can burn plants. Biosolids contain ~60-65% organic matter. More mowing will be required due to rapid growth. When it comes to fertilizer, “organic” refers to the source of the fertilizer’s nutrients. The organic materials help keep the soil fertile and conditioned to retain water. Synthetic fertilizers are most commonly used, readily available, available in greater amounts, and generally, cost effective. The important functions of this fertilizer are listed below. Lawn Care.Also watch my video on Scott's GrubEx Treatment. I do consider milorganite to be organic. Milwaukee, WI 53204, © 2021 Milorganite. Here are the heavy metals in alfalfa, Milorganite, and Ironite. It is categorized as a natural fertilizer because 85 percent of … As mentioned above, this fertilizer is an organic fertilizer with advanced and improved functions. The District captures wastewater from the metropolitan Milwaukee area, including local industries such as MillerCoors. All fertilizers, whether derived from organic or synthetic sources, provide nutrients necessary for plants to grow. well do we really know if it is safe? There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of fertilizer. It’s composed of heat-dried microbes that have digested the organic matter in wastewater. Since water releases nutrients, a significant amount of nutrients can be lost from run-off and leaching, sometimes up to one-third. Not all fertilizers derived from organic sources can be used to grow produce that is “certified organic,” including biosolids, from which Milorganite is made. Generally, don’t contain necessary micronutrients. Milorganite’s slow-release nutrients are available as plants need them. After bubbling the water with oxygen It takes a few weeks to see its magic. Milorganite is an organic fertilizer for lawns and gardens which is manufactured by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. It’s derived from dead microbes, so it won’t burn lawns or plants. 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