Organic Terminology
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In today's world where clever companies know the value of jumping on the bandwagon with trendy buzz words, it's important that you, as a consumer, have access to the accurate information so you can protect your interests. For example, at one time, the term "light" on food products could be used to refer to the colour or texture of a product and have nothing to do with fat quantities or calories. Now, food labels using the term, "light" must specify exactly what is light about the product.
Like the food industry, plant nutrition labels are strictly monitored by Government bodies; in USA by the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration). Here are some terms used on our website to describe our products, and how these definitions relate to plant nutrition only. As restrictions can vary from country to country, the following is primarily for US content.
Organic
The term organic or organic matter is defined as the partially decomposed remains of animals or plants. Only products that are derived exclusively from plants or animals can be described as organic. Organic matter feeds the micro-organisms that live in the soil. These organisms break down the organic matter and turn it into nutrients that are readily available to the plant. Micro-organisms also improve water and air retention and keep the nutrients in the soil to be used by your plants as they require it. Organic food is produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides and is not genetically modified.
Organic-based
Products containing a minimum of 15% organic matter can be described as organic-based. In the US, organic-based varies depending on which state you are looking at. Organic-based products can contain natural ingredients as well as manures and synthetic ingredients.
Natural
Natural products refer to materials that are mined directly from mineral deposits and processed using only crushing, washing and drying. These materials can be described as "derived from natural sources." Rock phosphate, greensand and potassium sulphate are examples of natural products.
Synthetic
Man made or synthetic fertilizers are the most widely used on the market today. They are popular because they are inexpensive and easy to use. Ingredients such as ammonia and urea are by-products from the oil and natural gas industries. Low quality commercial grade synthetic fertilizers can also contain toxic substance such as mercury, lead, arsenic and more.
Caution must be used when using these fertilizers as it is easy to over-fertilize and burn your plants. Over fertilization also leads to pollution. Fertilizer that is not used by your plant right away will wash away and is now known to be causing contamination of our lakes and waterways and endangering fish and other wildlife. These fertilizers only feed the plant and not the soil. As the organic matter in the soil is used up, the soil will become compacted leading to poor air and water retention.
OMRI or Organic Materials Review Institute is a non-profit agency that reviews products and their ingredients that manufacturers submit to ensure they meet the requirements for organic farming under the USDA national organic program. Once approved, the OMRI logo can be used on packaging and advertising and lets the consumer know that they are accepted under the national organic program.
AOP's focus is on organic or natural plant enhancing products. We carefully evaluate the materials to ensure they do not contain heavy metals or impurities. Many fertilizer materials are by-products of smelters or industry but we avoid using these materials as we only choose the highest grade available.