Corn steep liquor is an excellent source of organic nitrogen in the form of water-soluble amino acids. Unlike many organic sources of nitrogen, like manure or fish emulsion, corn steep liquor-derived fertilizers are versatile and low volume, easily applied as a foliar spray or root drench. Complementing its high nitrogen content, corn steep liquor is also a source of phosphorus, potassium, and other micronutrients like iron, manganese, and sulfur. It is, in essence, a natural all-purpose fertilizer, shown to increase growth and yields in various crops, from mung beans to peppers to tomatoes.