When we grow plants, especially if they are for human consumption, the ideal is to always use natural products since even if we take all possible precautionary measures we can never be safe with those that are synthetic (chemical). One of these natural wonders is the bone-meal.
Your name may not end up liking you very much, but it is a subscription that I already anticipate that it is one of the best to ensure that the plants have a perfect development.
What is it?
In this natural compost made from animal bones and waste products It has been used since the European agriculture of the 19th century. It was also used as a calcium supplement for humans, but in 1980 it was discovered that it contained toxic components for health, so since then it has been used for our plants to grow healthy and strong.
Why is it so interesting?
Bone meal it is a fertilizer very rich in phosphorus, the essential nutrient for the growth and development of plants, especially the green parts (leaves, stems) since it participates in processes as important as photosynthesis, and as if that were not enough, it also helps to produce flowers, seeds and fruits. And of course, also contains a lot of calcium.
With a regular supply of this type of flour, our plants will be green, healthy, and will have enough energy to grow at an appropriate rate for their species (not too slow or too fast).
Its NPK composition (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) is usually between 3-15-0 and 2-22-0.
When to use it and what is the dosage?
Being a natural product can be used at any time of the year, being especially recommended at the time of transplanting (in spring or autumn) and before flowering. The dose will be indicated on the package, but they are usually about 5-10 grams per liter of pot capacity. For example: if the pot is 3 liters, 15 to 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:
- Carnivores: having evolved to get the nutrients from the prey they trap, the roots are not able to absorb 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 paid 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).
- Succulent: cactus, crass and plants with caudex have a root system that literally does not know what to do with an organic compost of this type since the soil of their natural habitat only contains minerals. Using bone meal with these plants would be a waste of money and time.
Where can you buy?
If you are interested, you can buy it by doing click here.