Those of us who carefully nurture small gardens or plants. We want those plants to look healthy and attractive forever. Today I will talk about the fertilizer that you can use on your plants to make them healthy, strong and attractive as per your want. Yes, I talk to you about the bone meal. You can apply it once and provide nutrients to your favourite plants for a long time. Today I will share with you the advantage and disadvantages of bone meal.

Types of bone meal:

There are several types of bone meal available in the market. By types called here I mean the variety of bone meal sizes. One with a little large size, the other with a small size or medium size and white bone meal powder. In the case of bone powder, it is better to buy it from a good store or from a trusted store. Many times it is continued as shell powder. The cost of bone meal powder is a bit higher. Because its processing and purification are complicated. You can use any kind of bone meal. No problem with that. But the smaller the size of the bone meal, the better. Because the smaller it is, the easier it is to mix with the soil or the faster it decomposes and provides nutrients to the plant very quickly. But the performance is the same.

Principles of using bone meal:

You can use this bone meal when preparing new soil for plants or when you repot plants. And you can use it while preparing mixed fertilizers. But in both cases at least 25 days should be given for decomposition. Mix the bone meal mixture well with the soil, sprinkle water and keep the mixture covered in a shaded place for at least 25 days. And more move the mixture occasionally. Follow the same approach as mentioned for mixed fertilizers.

 Many times it is seen that the growth rate of the plant is reduced and flowers and fruits do not come properly. Or flowers and fruits drop before maturity. In that case, you will be successful if you use bone meal in a mixed fertilizer. Bone meal is a very slow-release organic fertilizer. It takes time to decompose very slowly with the soil and provides nutrients slowly. Therefore, if the soil or mixture is prepared in advance, the plant can take food in a relatively short time.

Once this fertilizer is applied, it continues to provide nutrients to the plants for 3 to 4 months. So there is no need to re-apply this fertilizer during this period. So in the case of seasonal flowers and fruit trees, it is enough to use during soil preparation. And in the case of perennial plants, application 3 to 4 times a year is sufficient.

If the soil pH level is above 7 or if the soil is alkaline then the practical benefit of this bone meal will not be obtained. In that case, you need to test the soil. And the pH level should be lowered below 7. Also, this fertilizer cannot be applied to plants that like alkaline soil. Because there will be no benefit.

If preparing potting soil, you can use 12 to 15 grams of bone meal for a 12-inch pot. And for cultivation on the farm, you can use 10.5 pounds or 5 kg per 100 square feet. Before applying the bone meals you must check the soil Ph level.

Bone meal powder
Bone powder

Benefits of Bone Meal:

In bone meal, we get phosphorus and calcium and a very small amount of nitrogen. Bone meal fertilizer has an NPK ratio of about 3:15:0, which means 3% nitrogen (N) and 0% potassium (K) and 15% phosphorus (P). Bone meal or powdered manure is an excellent organic source of phosphorus, which is an essential element for the photosynthesis process of plants. We cannot use it as organic fertilizer instead of NPK fertilizer. Rather we can use it as organic fertilizer instead of DAP fertilizer. No source of potassium is found in this bone meal. So potassium should be added while preparing the soil for the plants or while preparing mixed fertilizers.

Bone powder fertilizer can be used in any plant and its benefits.

If the application of bone meal is excessive:

According to many gardeners, excessive use of bone meal does not harm the plant. But that’s not right. If slightly less is more, then there is no problem. If the amount of application is excessive, then there is a problem. Because bone powder contains more calcium and phosphorus. As a result, excess calcium and phosphorous affect the balance of the soil’s Ph level.

Excess calcium will turn the soil from acidic to alkaline, and excess phosphorus will leach nutrients such as iron, zinc, and magnesium from the soil. Which is harmful to plants. As a result of this, the plant will be deficient in micronutrients. The deficiency of these micronutrients (especially iron and zinc) will result in stunted chlorophyll production, and new leaves will turn yellow. In other words, chlorosis disease will affect the trees.

Disadvantages of bone meal:

 Using this organic fertilizer does not pose much of a problem. However, I think you need to give some negative ideas about this fertilizer. There are some negative sides to using bone meals.

Warning of bone meal fertilizer:

When you use bone meal, some precautions need to be taken.

  1. You must use hand gloves and a nose mask while using it. And wash your hands and face thoroughly with soap after use. Because Bone meals can remain pure in packet form. But when stored after cutting the packet, harmful bacteria and fungi can grow in it. And when you use it again, it can enter your body and cause harm.
  2. Dogs love chewing bones. If you have a pet dog at home, keep it away. Because dogs can eat excess it and get sick.

you can also read the causes of Chlorosis disease & remedy

 

 

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