When we grow plants, especially if they are for human consumption, the ideal is to always use natural products because even if we take all possible precautionary measures, we can never be sure with those that are synthetic (chemical). One of these natural wonders is bone meal .
You may not like its name very much, but it is a fertilizer that I already tell you is one of the best to ensure that the plants have a perfect development .
Index
- 1 What is it?
- 2 Why is it so interesting?
- 3 When should I use it and what is the dose?
- 4 Is it suitable for all crops?
- 5 Where can you buy?
What is?
It is a natural fertilizer made up of animal bones and waste products that has been used since the 19th century in European agriculture. It was also used as a calcium supplement for humans, but in 1980 it was discovered that it contained toxic components for humans. health, so that since then it is used so that our plants grow healthy and strong.
Why is it so interesting?
Bone meal is a fertilizer very rich in phosphorus , the essential nutrient for the growth and development of plants, especially of the green parts (leaves, stems) since it participates in processes as important as photosynthesis, and as if that were not enough It also helps produce flowers, seeds and fruits. And, of course, it also contains a lot of calcium .
With a regular supply of this type of flour, our plants will be green, healthy, and have enough energy to grow at a rate appropriate for their species (neither too slow nor too fast).
Its NPK composition (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) is usually between 3-15-0 and 2-22-0.
When should I use it and what is the dose?
Being a natural product, it can be used at any time of the year , being especially recommended when transplanting (in spring or autumn) and before flowering. The dose will be indicated on the container, but it is usually about 5-10 grams per liter of pot capacity . For example: if the pot is 3 litres, between 15 and 30 grams will be added to the plant.
Is it suitable for all crops?
The truth is that no. There are four groups of plants that should not be fertilized with bone meal, which are:
- Carnivorous : having evolved to get the nutrients from the prey they catch, the roots are not capable of absorbing the nutrients from the fertilizers, and in fact, they should never be fertilized since we could lose them.
- Acidophilic plants : Japanese maples , camellias , azaleas ,… should not be fertilized with this type of fertilizer (not always, at least) since, as it contains a lot of calcium, it could end up raising the pH of the soil, which would end up causing problems (chlorosis ).
- Succulents : cacti , succulents and caudex plants have a root system that literally doesn’t know what to do with such organic compost as the soil in its natural habitat only contains minerals. Using bone meal with these plants would be a waste of money and time.
Where can you buy?
