Landscaping License Practice Test

Which type of fertilizer is typically slow-releasing?

1. Ammonium sulfate

2. Granular organic fertilizer

3. Liquid fertilizer

4. Fast-release pellets

The correct answer is: Granular organic fertilizer

Granular organic fertilizer is recognized for its slow-release characteristics due to the composition and structure of organic materials it contains. This type of fertilizer typically consists of natural substances, such as composted plant matter, manure, or bone meal, which break down gradually in the soil. The microbial activity in the soil is essential for this process, as organisms decompose the organic matter, releasing nutrients slowly over time. This gradual release of nutrients provides a more sustained feeding of plants, which can improve soil health and promote longer-term growth. In contrast, options like ammonium sulfate and liquid fertilizer tend to release nutrients quickly, making them more suitable for immediate plant needs but potentially leading to nutrient runoff and leaching if not used carefully. Fast-release pellets are specifically engineered for rapid nutrient availability, further emphasizing the difference in release rates compared to granular organic fertilizers. Therefore, the choice of granular organic fertilizer as a slow-release option aligns with its natural decomposition process and benefits for plant health over an extended period.