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.
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.
- This contains micronutrients such as magnesium, zinc and iron that play an important role in keeping plants fresh and increasing beneficial soil microbes, improving overall soil structure and quality. As a result, the quality of your plant’s increases.
- Its plays a special role in cellular respiration, RNA, DNA, and plant energy transfer. Plants depend on the phosphorus present in these foods to be able to photosynthesize, reproduce and grow. Phosphorus specifically helps plants develop healthy stems, leaves, high-yielding fruits, flowers and seeds.
- It is a good source of calcium. Which is an important nutrient for plant growth. Just as calcium strengthens the bones of our human body, the calcium in bone meal provides strength to the structure of the tree stem and root. This fertilizer also helps greatly in promoting the growth of allium vegetables (such as onions, garlic, leeks, potatoes, carrots, etc.). It is a very important food for fast-growing plants like tomatoes, peppers and zucchini.
- Organic bone meal fertilizer gives good results when used for transplanting new plants. Because it helps young plants mature faster. It helps in developing a dense root structure.
- This fertilizer contains 12 to 16% phosphorus. It is the best organic material for fertilizing flowering plants such as roses and amaryllis, tulips, dahlias and lilies. The calcium it contains can prevent blossom end rot and help prevent diseases.
- This organic food also helps the plant develop a denser root structure to encourage new stem and root growth. It is a good source of calcium. Which works very well to strengthen the stem and root growth of the plant.
- This bone is a great food to use in hydroponics. Spread evenly from the trunk to the drip line. When applying to trees, use 1 pound per 2 inches of trunk diameter. And witness the results. As a liquid form, this is unmatched.
- It helps in increasing resistance to pests and diseases.
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.
- Bone meal fertilizer is only effective in soils with a pH level below 7. This fertilizer is not a lot effective for plants that like alkaline soil.
- If your soil is not deficient in phosphorus, you should not add bone meal fertilizer. Because most soils are good at controlling phosphorus release. So, check Ph the soil before using it.
- These fertilizers are unable to provide nutrients to your plants immediately. Because it is a slow-release fertilizer. It decomposes into the soil for 3 to 4 months.
- A bone meal is not a balanced fertilizer. If you need to apply a balanced fertilizer to plants. You need to mix well it with other organic fertilizers and then apply it.
Warning of bone meal fertilizer:
When you use bone meal, some precautions need to be taken.
- 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.
- 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