Lesson 2: Organic Fertilizers &
Compost – The Elpawn Method
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, learners will
be able to:
a) Define organic fertilizers and explain
their role in sustainable farming.
b) Identify different types of organic
fertilizers available to small-scale
farmers.
c) Demonstrate the step-by-step process of
making compost at home.
d) Apply natural fertilizer methods to
improve soil fertility.
e) Embrace the principle of turning waste
into wealth.
1. Introduction: Why Organic
Fertilizers?
Organic fertilizers are natural materials
that enrich the soil with nutrients.
Unlike chemical fertilizers, which give
short-term results but harm the soil in
the long run, organic fertilizers feed
both the plant and the soil.
They are cheaper, locally available, and
eco-friendly.
They also improve soil structure, water
retention, and microbial activity.
“Farming is not about feeding the plants; it is about
feeding the soil that feeds the plants.” – Phinehas,
Elpawn Organic Farms
, 2. Types of Organic Fertilizers
Farmers have access to many natural
fertilizers. Some are made at home, others
are by-products of livestock or plants.
a) Compost
Decomposed organic matter (leaves, food
waste, crop residue).
Rich in all essential nutrients.
b) Animal Manure
Cow dung, goat droppings, poultry manure.
Best when left to decompose before
application.
c) Green Manure
Plants like beans, cowpeas, or sunhemp
grown and ploughed back into the soil.
Fix nitrogen naturally.
d) Liquid Fertilizers (Organic Teas)
Compost tea, manure tea, or fermented
plant juice.
Act as quick boosters when sprayed on
crops.
“Nature has already provided every fertilizer we
need — all we must do is learn how to use it.”
Compost – The Elpawn Method
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, learners will
be able to:
a) Define organic fertilizers and explain
their role in sustainable farming.
b) Identify different types of organic
fertilizers available to small-scale
farmers.
c) Demonstrate the step-by-step process of
making compost at home.
d) Apply natural fertilizer methods to
improve soil fertility.
e) Embrace the principle of turning waste
into wealth.
1. Introduction: Why Organic
Fertilizers?
Organic fertilizers are natural materials
that enrich the soil with nutrients.
Unlike chemical fertilizers, which give
short-term results but harm the soil in
the long run, organic fertilizers feed
both the plant and the soil.
They are cheaper, locally available, and
eco-friendly.
They also improve soil structure, water
retention, and microbial activity.
“Farming is not about feeding the plants; it is about
feeding the soil that feeds the plants.” – Phinehas,
Elpawn Organic Farms
, 2. Types of Organic Fertilizers
Farmers have access to many natural
fertilizers. Some are made at home, others
are by-products of livestock or plants.
a) Compost
Decomposed organic matter (leaves, food
waste, crop residue).
Rich in all essential nutrients.
b) Animal Manure
Cow dung, goat droppings, poultry manure.
Best when left to decompose before
application.
c) Green Manure
Plants like beans, cowpeas, or sunhemp
grown and ploughed back into the soil.
Fix nitrogen naturally.
d) Liquid Fertilizers (Organic Teas)
Compost tea, manure tea, or fermented
plant juice.
Act as quick boosters when sprayed on
crops.
“Nature has already provided every fertilizer we
need — all we must do is learn how to use it.”
