You’ve probably come across bone meal fertilizer if you’ve been seeking ways to enrich your soil and support a healthy garden. Others may have extolled its nutrients and how they produce healthy blossoms and vegetables.
Is this, however, the proper form of fertiliser for your gardening needs, or will its high nutrition content attract unwanted wildlife? Learn more about the benefits and hazards of using bone meal as a soil enhancer, as well as the best technique to apply it. Before adding any fertilisers, acquire a soil test, as too much of one nutrient can be just as harmful as too little.
What is Bone Meal Fertilizer, and how does it work?
Steamed animal bones are pulverised into a fine powder or granules and applied to plants or crops as a fertiliser. Plants benefit from the nutrients and minerals found in bones, which help them grow healthier and stronger1. On the other hand, Bone meal fertiliser isn’t appropriate for every case.
Benefits of Bone Meal Fertilizer
There are several advantages to using bone broth fertiliser as a nutrient-dense soil amendment.
Calcium-dense
Calcium is well-known for developing strong bones, but it is also helpful to plants. This vital mineral is abundant in bone meal fertiliser. It supports vigorous development by keeping your plants’ cell walls firm and healthy2.
Phosphorus-dense
Another essential mineral contained in bone meal fertilizer is phosphorus. Photosynthesis, root, blossom, seed formation, energy transfer within the plant, and other critical functions rely on this mineral. 3. Phosphorus is the “P” in NPK, which you’ll see on fertilizer all the time. It strengthens pest and disease resistance, increases fruit and seed yield, and promotes flowering.
Doesn’t necessitate frequent use
Bone meal fertiliser takes a long time to break down, making it an ideal long-term fertiliser that only needs to be applied once a year. The bone meal will continue to nourish your plants as it breaks down throughout the season.
It’s all-natural.
Bone meal fertilizer is an excellent choice if you use organic gardening methods. In addition to being chemical-free, the natural breakdown process provides food for soil bacteria. It contains micronutrients including magnesium, zinc, and iron, which improve plant health and microbial growth in the soil. This enhances the soil’s overall structure and quality, which benefits the quality of your plants and products. Furthermore, if too much is unintentionally applied, it will not burn the plants.
The Negative Effects of Bone Meal Fertilizer
While there are numerous compelling advantages to using bone meal fertiliser, there are also risks to consider. Because this fertiliser isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, consider the following considerations. Furthermore, it will not be suitable for vegan gardeners!
Animals may be attracted to it.
The bone odour may draw unwelcome attention from animals who may try to dig up your plants. This may also be a worry for dog owners, as any dog enjoys chewing on a good bone.
The fact that your dog is digging up your garden isn’t the only issue here. If your dog consumes too much bone meal, it may develop stomach problems. In the worst-case scenario, surgery to remove a considerable amount of bone meal and dirt may be required.
Not suitable for all pH levels of soil
According to Colorado State University research, plants can only use phosphorus from organic fertilisers like a bone meal in acidic soil with a pH of 7 or lower. Bone meal fertiliser will have no effect if your soil is on the verge of becoming alkaline. Before amending your soil, make sure you know what pH it is.
How to Use Bone Meal Fertilizer and When to Use It
Before applying bone meal fertiliser to your garden, a soil test should be performed. This will assist you in determining whether it is the best option for your soil.
Bone meal is easy to use and doesn’t need to be done frequently. The basic rule of thumb for how much bone meal fertiliser to use is three cups per 100 square feet of soil.
When working the bone meal into the soil, make sure to turn the soil well and adequately mix it in so that no clumps or deposits of the fertiliser remain. This will aid in its distribution throughout the soil and reduce the likelihood of animals consuming it. Do not reapply bone meal fertilizer until it has completely broken down in the soil, which takes around four months.
Bone meal fertilizer is an excellent organic fertilizer for providing critical minerals like calcium and phosphorus to your plants, resulting in robust, healthy plants and fruit. It may, however, not be appropriate for every garden. Before selecting a fertilizer for your garden, make sure to conduct a soil test.
