Organic vs. chemical gardening

The Organic Method

There is nothing mysterious or magical about organic gardening. It is simply a way of working with nature rather than against it. The objective is to recycle organic matter back into the soil, to maintain soil structure and fertility, and to encourage natural methods of pest and disease control, rather than relying on chemicals. It is, in fact, a lot less mysterious than the methods employed by the chemical grower.

Organic gardening is much more than just growing plants without chemical fertilizers and artificial sprays. It is a lifestyle. It recognizes that that the complex workings of nature have been successful at maintaining life for hundreds of millions of years, so the sound organic cultivating principals closely follow those found in the natural world. Do not be fooled into thinking that these principals will have a detrimental effect on yield and quality. In fact, you are likely to increase both, and in doing so, you will be providing an alternative habitat for wildlife, while being certain that the fruits and vegetables you have produced in your garden are safe, nutritious and chemical free. You will also be reducing the possibility of the harmful side effects from pesticides that are on the increase in infants and young developing adults.

Of the approximately 50,000 home pesticide poisonings each year, 17,000 are among children under the age of 4. Pesticides can remain active for years. They are poisonous and designed to kill.

The organic gardener uses a more constructive approach based on the awareness that there is a balance in the natural world which allows all species to co-exist without any one gaining dominance.

By growing a wide diversity of plants, the organic gardener will attract and build a miniature eco-system of pests and predators so that, provided the balance isn't upset by killing them with chemicals, no species will be allowed to build up to an unacceptable level.

The soil is teaming with millions of microorganisms which, in the course of their lives, will release those nutrients required for healthy plant growth from organic matter. So, rather than feeding the plants, the organic method is to feed the soil with natural materials and allow the plants to draw on that humic reservoir of nutrients as they need them. Plants grown this way will be stronger and more able to resist attacks by pests and diseases. Dr. Earth Pro-BioticTM is built on this sound principle. It works and lasts for years as it becomes a part of the living soil.






The Chemical Method
The purely chemical gardener uses soil simply as a means of anchoring plant roots and of holding artificial fertilizers to provide plant nutrients. This approach seems to have good results, but only in the short term.

In the long term, it has disastrous consequences. Because organic matter is not replaced, the soil organisms die out. Without them the soil structure breaks down and the soil becomes hard, airless and unproductive. Attempts at "force-feeding" plants result in soft, sappy growth, which is prone to attack by a host of pests and diseases.
When a plant is forced to grow with a chemical, high NPK fertilizer, it becomes weak. As plant cell walls are developing they do not have enough time to produce two important compounds, cellulose and lignins. These substances give the cell wall its structural integrity. As cells are forced to duplicate and grow quickly, the amount of cellulose and lignins are decreased, making the plant tissues much softer and more appealing for pests to attack. Think of it this way. It is like chewing on a piece of butter lettuce for us as opposed to chewing on a piece of wood. The same is true for insects. They prefer that tender soft growth.
In order to control insects, chemical pesticides are used, often with short term success. But, in killing the pests, pesticides also kill their natural predators. Eventually, the problem gets worse. Stronger and more poisonous pesticides have to be resorted to, and so it goes on. It is a vicious cycle that, once started, is difficult to break.
We at Dr. Earth will help you to grow all plants and control those insects naturally without the harmful side effects of chemical products. This is our lifestyle and contribution to all gardeners and our environment.

Clean Water, Clean Lakes

Water quality starts at home
Clean Water in our lakes, reservoirs and streams starts at home with basic practices you can incorporate into your lawn and garden care program. Water quality begins at home. There is a pipeline from your garden to a body of water. Regardless of where you live, you are a part of a watershed - a region where water flows across or under on its way to a lake, river, stream or ocean. Year-round lawn and garden care practices impact water quality even if you don't live near a body of water.

The problem: Water-soluble Phosphorous
Thanks to modern science, we now understand how the Phosphorous contained in fertilizers contributes to poor water quality. Phosphorous is the middle number on the ''NPK'' analysis printed on a fertilizer bag. It is present in all living things including the soil. Too much Phosphorous however, can disrupt nature's delicate balance. Runoff carries excess Phosphorous from fertilizers across lawns, roads and woods into ditches and streams which eventually run into reservoirs, lakes, bays or the ocean. Water soluble Phosphorous is ''junk food'' for the algae present in all these waterways.


Lawns - a big contributor to the problem
Lawns and plants are not usually able to absorb all of the water soluble fertilizers in chemical fertilizers, so some of it becomes the source of water pollution. As algae grow out of control (known as algae ''bloom'') it reduces the clarity and visibility of the water. This in turn reduces photosynthesis by oxygen-producing aquatic plants, therefore reducing the oxygen in the water. Some forms of blue-green algae can even be toxic. Repeated algae blooms can create green-colored lakes with low oxygen often resulting in fish kills or depleted water habitat for fish, wildlife and humans. Additionally, such conditions may degrade drinking water supplies and create other environmental nuisances. Many cities have put a ban on the use of chemical fertilizers in close proximity to lakes and rivers for this very reason.

The impact of algae
As watersheds are adapted from their natural state to residential, commercial or industrial uses, the amount of Phosphorous runoff into lakes may increase up to five to ten times. Algae-impacted lakes affect a community in several ways. Poor water quality significantly impacts the recreational value and use of the waterway and may reduce the value of the surrounding properties.

My personal concern
I am personally affected in this manner. I live on a 45 acre walnut farm which also serves as a testing ground for a wide variety of plants and trees. There is a good-sized creek running through the property. From time to time, I personally witness algae blooms in the creek's water as the neighboring farms apply chemical fertilizers and sprays to their crops. I enjoy fishing and eating a fresh-caught trout or bass once in a while, but I am genuinely concerned about the quality of the creek water which directly affects the quality of the fish in this creek. Of course, I only use organic fertilizers on my farm, but I cannot control what the other farmers use. This is a good illustration of the importance of using water-insoluble fertilizers such as Dr. Earth in our homes, farms and communities.

Pollution from runoff
Runoff of agro-chemicals during storm and irrigation events is a significant concern from the standpoint of surface water quality. The delivery of phosphorous and pesticides into the surface water via runoff may contribute acute or chronic eco-toxic effects. Numerous studies have documented that the transport of agro-chemicals via runoff to streams is facilitated primarily by sediment movement. It has been observed that concentrations of phosphorous and nitrogen are often richer in the deposited sediment than the source soil. Fine soil particles if not blended with coarse organic materials tend to move quickly during irrigation or runoff events. This becomes even more critical in times of heavy rainfall as sediment-laden runoff moves from the land to the waterways.

The solution
There is a Solution to phosphorous runoff. Dr. Earth organic fertilizers contain only water-insoluble forms of Phosphorous and will ensure that the fertilizer applied remains in the soil. The Phosphorous will not leach into the water table and travel into waterways. Dr. Earth contains Pro-BioticTM beneficial soil microbes and mycorrhizae. A vital mechanism for nutrient transfer by plants lies in the microbial process of the soil. The microbes' ability to breakdown organic matter quickly then release it as plant nutrients slowly and continuously over time increases yield and builds the humus reserve in the soil. Humus conversion increases the soils ability to absorb and retain water, further reducing runoff and fertilizer loss caused by water or other erosive forces.

Be part of the solution!
Apply fertilizers only when they are needed, during the proper season and in the correct amounts. Avoid getting the fertilizer on driveways, sidewalks and in storm drains. Above all, apply carefully, especially when using chemical fertilizers.

Don't let your fertilizers get into lakes, streams or ponds. On lawns, use a mulching mower and cut no more than the top third of the grass. Keep leaves, grass clippings and soil out of streets and gutters. Clean up after your pet, pet waste contains phosphorous. Prevent soil erosion by covering the ground with vegetation or mulch. Use Dr. Earth organic fertilizers to feed plants in your yard, garden and lawn to avoid applying water soluble Phosphorous.

We all share the same pool of water. Be conscientious in your gardening habits to ensure that future generations will enjoy a healthy, toxic-free environment. Poor water quality can impact the ability of fish and other wildlife to reproduce, feed and survive in the dynamic aquatic environment. It all starts in our own backyard and ends in a large body of water. Please act as a responsible steward of our environment.

Milo Lou Shammas
President and Chief Scientist
Dr. Earth, Inc.