Enriched Soil with Phosphorus: Enhancing Growth for Plants
=========================================================================
In the world of organic gardening, adding phosphorus to the soil is essential for promoting healthy plant growth. This article explores the best organic practices for phosphorus addition, focusing on natural, slow-release sources that improve soil health while supplying phosphorus steadily.
Bone Meal: A Classic Organic Fertilizer
Bone meal, a high-phosphorus (15–27%) and calcium fertilizer, is a popular choice among organic gardeners. It releases nutrients slowly as it breaks down, making it ideal for acidic to neutral soils (pH <7). Bone meal supports root development, flowering, and fruiting, and typical application rates are around 5–10 lbs per 100 sq ft in vegetable beds [3][2].
Rock Phosphate: A Mineral-Based Organic Fertilizer
Rock phosphate, another organic phosphorus amendment, provides a slow-release source of phosphorus (20–33%). It improves soil texture and moisture retention, making it beneficial for long-term soil fertility rather than immediate nutrient needs [1][2].
Composted Manures and Compost
Compost contains small amounts of phosphorus and other essential nutrients, improving soil health and nutrient availability over time. Animal manure, especially from chickens or sheep, is rich in phosphorus and provides additional organic matter to the soil when used. Other manures such as cow, pig, and sheep manure are also commonly used to add phosphorus and other nutrients to the soil. However, it's crucial to ensure manure is well-rotted or composted to avoid burning plants and spreading pathogens [4][2].
Adding Phosphorus Amendments Directly Near Roots
For instance, when fertilizing fruit trees, digging small holes 6 inches deep and spacing them around the root zone, then adding bone meal or other phosphorus sources, helps the nutrient reach roots efficiently [4].
Maintaining Soil pH
Phosphorus becomes less available in highly alkaline soils because it binds with calcium. Adjusting pH with organic amendments like cottonseed meal, peat moss, or sulfur improves phosphorus uptake [3].
Fish Emulsion: A Quick Phosphorus Boost
Fish emulsion, an organic fertilizer made from fish by-products, provides a quick phosphorus boost when diluted and applied to plants. To make fish emulsion at home, use a bucket, mesh screen, sealable bottle, dried leaves, sawdust or other brown material, fish scraps, and water [5]. When using fish emulsion, it's important to first dilute it with water, and the odor may be strong but will dissipate within a day or so.
In summary, the best organic practices for phosphorus addition involve using natural, slow-release phosphorus sources like bone meal and rock phosphate, combined with compost or manure to enhance soil quality and nutrient cycling. Applying these amendments with consideration to soil pH and placement near root zones optimizes phosphorus availability for plants.
- In organic gardening, bone meal, a high-phosphorus fertilizer, is a popular choice for promoting healthy plant growth due to its slow release of nutrients suitable for acidic to neutral soils.
- Rock phosphate, another organic phosphorus amendment, also provides a slow-release source of phosphorus and improves soil texture and moisture retention, benefitful for long-term soil fertility.
- Compost, containing small amounts of phosphorus, improves soil health and nutrient availability over time, making it a beneficial addition to the home-and-garden practices of organic gardening.
- Using fish emulsion, an organic fertilizer made from fish by-products, can provide a quick phosphorus boost when diluted and applied to plants, fitting well into the fitness-and-exercise-oriented lifestyle of health-and-wellness enthusiasts who also engage in gardening and home-and-garden activities.
