Difference Between Fertilizers and Plant Growth Promoters

Introduction:

Plant growth and development form the foundation of a good yield. Fertilizers and plant growth promoters are excellent supporting factors that stimulate plant growth. Meanwhile, the use of plant growth promoters is also capturing huge attention among Indian Farmers. 

Understanding their unique benefits and applying the right product at the right stage can help farmers, gardeners, and horticulturists improve plant health, increase yields, and maintain soil sustainability. Let's explore the key differences and benefits of fertilizers and plant growth promoters.

What Are Fertilizers?

Fertilizers are materials that provide essential nutrients to plants, stimulate their healthy growth, and increase crop yield. Depending on their origin, they are classified into two types: organic and inorganic fertilizers (chemical or synthetic).

Organic Fertilizers: 

Organic or natural fertilizers are derived from plants, animals, organic waste, and other natural resources.

Examples: 

• Animal manure
• Decomposed plants
• Bone meal
• Seaweed extracts
• Vermicompost, etc.

Inorganic Fertilizers: 

Inorganic fertilizers are derived from chemically synthesized compounds or naturally occurring minerals. 

Examples: 

• Nitrogen fertilizer
• Phosphorus fertilizers
• Potassium fertilizers, etc.

What Are Plant Growth Promoters?

Plant growth promoters are substances that stimulate plant growth and development effectively. They are derived from natural or synthetic substances that help in improving physiological processes. 

It supports the plants to absorb more nutrients and creates resistance against external stress. Farmers, gardeners, and horticulturists can get a massive crop yield by applying a plant growth promoter. The plant growth promoters can be classified into two types.

Natural Biostimulants: 

Natural biostimulants are derived from organic resources that stimulate metabolic processes in plants. Here are the examples of natural biostimulants: 

Seaweed Extracts: 

Seaweed Extracts are hormone-rich substances derived from marine algae. Applying it to crops enhances root and shoot growth.

Humic Acids: 

They help water retention, support soil fertility, and enhance nutrient absorption effectively.

Microbial Inoculants: 

They are productive microorganisms that enhance soil health and induce plant growth.

Synthetic Growth Regulators: 

These are artificially manufactured hormone-like compounds from the labs through chemical or organic chemistry techniques. 

Auxins:

It is derived from naphthalene compounds, which support root system development, enhancing root initiation, cell development, and tissue differentiation. 

Gibberellins:

They support stem elongation, increase fruit size, stimulate seed germination, and induce flowering. 

Cytokinins:

Play a vital role in shoot growth, maintaining leaf health, protecting it from aging, and stimulating cell division.

Difference Between Fertilizers and Plant Growth Promoters

Aspects	Fertilizers	Plant Growth Promoters
Definition	Compounds that provide essential micro and macro nutrients to the crops.	Compounds that induce plant growth and other physiological processes.
Types	Organic and inorganic	Natural biostimulants and synthetic growth regulators.
Derived from	NPK (Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), calcium, magnesium, and other trace elements.	Beneficial microbes, seaweed extracts, auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins.
Application methods	Soil application, foliar application (spraying or liquid solution directly applied on the plant’s leaves).	Spraying on the leaves, applying it to the seeds, soil soaking, and microbial inoculation.
Effects on plants	Reduces nutrition deficiency in the plants and helps vegetative growth.	Induces metabolic activities of the plants. Enhancing root and shoot growth promotes flowering, fruiting, and resistance to stress.
Effects on the environment	Overuse can cause soil degradation and create a nutrient imbalance in the crops.	Eco-friendly and causes minimal risk.

Can Fertilizers and Plant Growth Promoters Be Used Together?

The answer is yes, you can use fertilizers and plant growth promoters (PGPs) at the same time. However, the concern is that the dosage and timing are based on the plant's needs. Together they can provide effective results than applying one alone. As each has its distinct purpose, the combination of them enhances the healthy productivity of the crops.

Benefits of combined use for optimal growth: 

The combined application of fertilizers and PGPs boosts nutrient absorption efficiency, promotes healthier, balanced growth, massive yield with good quality, and ensures steady nutrient supply with stress resistance.

Tips for timing and dosage to maximize efficiency: 

Dosage and timing for applying them are critical for effective results. The application of fertilizers at the initial stage of the crop and during soil preparation ensures nutrient availability to the crops.

The applications of plant growth hormones are recommended at specific stages of the plant based on the requirements. It is highly recommended to use it during root initiation, flowering, and fruiting, as this induces higher growth potential.

However, overuse can harm both crops and soil. Following up on the dosage noted by the manufacturer or by the agronomist guidelines enhances effective results.

Choosing the Right Product for Your Crops

Using the right product at the right time serves better results. Opting between fertilizers and plant growth hormones is based on various key factors, such as crop type, growth stage, soil conditions, and environmental factors. Understanding these factors and the plant's requirements helps farmers choose the right product for their crops.

Crop Type: 

Each crop type responds differently to the fertilizers or the plant growth promoters. For example, cereal crops require more nitrogen fertilizers, while fruit plants demand PGPs more than fertilizers for effective flowering and fruiting. 

Growth Stage: 

The plant growth stage includes seedling, vegetative, flowering, or fruiting. Fertilizers are recommended during vegetative stages, such as root and shoot formations. PGPs are recommended during the flowering or fruiting stage to get a massive, healthy yield.

Soil Conditions: 

Soil health is the basis for strong and healthy crops. Farmers should ensure soil fertility before planting any crops. If the soil condition is found to be nutrient-deficient, then fertilizers seem to be a good choice to make it efficient.

Environmental Factors: 

Climate conditions also influence whether to use fertilizers or PGPs. During hot weather, drought, and salinity, PGPs are highly recommended to enhance resistance against stress. 

Considering these factors helps farmers, gardeners, and horticulturists to choose the right product to optimize plant health, massive yield, and maintain soil health for sustainable long-term results.

Conclusion:

Well, fertilizers tremendously provide basic nutrients for plant growth, and the PGPs promise massive, healthy crop yield by activating physiological growth. Keeping in mind the benefits and roles of fertilizer and PGPs, offer the best yields in farming, gardening, and horticulture. 

Choosing the right option based on the plant condition ensures high yield with quality products. Embracing the right combined applications of both fertilizer and plant growth promoters with the right dosage provides the best results. 

Practice robust cultivation by combining various factors, including soil condition, plant growth stage, crop type, and environmental conditions, to achieve high-quality yields.