Fertilisers and Manures
The RHS advocates the thoughtful use of fertilizers and manures in gardening. This can make a positive contribution to conservation and the environment, with benefits to soil fertility and plant growth, and through the avoidance of excessive or improper application. Opportunities for recycling organic matter are an important benefit. Cost saving from discerning use is a reward to be added to the satisfaction in helping to preserve the natural order. Leaflets relating to specific aspects of fertilizer and manure usage in gardening are available free of charge to RHS Members.
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A summary of RHS policy
1) The Royal Horticultural Society advocates good fertilizer and manure application practice based on soil analysis, accurate application (both timing and quantity) and never applying extra ‘to be on the safe side’.
2) The Royal Horticultural Society advocates the use of bulky organic manure as an essential aspect of good horticultural practice in maintaining soil fertility and soil structure. The Society encourages the use of animal manures and composted plant remains for this purpose, and promotes advice on methods of making garden compost.
3) Bulky organic manure is an inadequate source of nutrients for sustaining healthy growth in many garden plants, particularly fruit and vegetables. Wherever necessary the Society recommends the additional use of base dressing and supplementary feeding with fertilizers supplying nutrients in concentrated form.
4) The Society encourages the use of fertilizers of organic origin, in preference to inorganic manufactured fertilizers which have greater potential for leaching and contaminating waterways and ground water.
5) The Society is aware that there may be some health hazards in using organic materials derived from animal sources. The Society contributes actively to United Kingdom consultation papers on these matters and endeavours to keep up to date with all relevant information.