Phosphorus and potassium are two of the three main nutrients needed by plants for strong and healthy growth. Phosphorus is essential for healthy plant roots and strong growth, while potassium is required for flowers and fruit. Both nutrients can be added to the soil using natural fertilisers such as bone meal, rock phosphate, fish emulsion, and manure. Banana peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells are also good sources of potassium and phosphorus, and can be added directly to the soil or compost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why add phosphorus to soil? | To promote the growth of healthy roots and shoots. |
| What does phosphorus do for soil? | Supports nutrient uptake needed for early root growth, plant cell and seed development, winter hardiness, and efficient use of water. |
| Signs of phosphorus deficiency | Stunted growth, weak stems, dieback, yellowing or red-purple discoloration on leaves, small or deformed fruits and flowers, and failed harvests. |
| How to add phosphorus to soil? | Apply fertilizer with a higher percentage of phosphorus in the NPK ratio, add conditioners to release phosphorus bound up in the soil, or a combination of both. |
| Natural sources of phosphorus | Chicken and horse manure, bone meal, fish emulsion, and rock phosphate. |
| Why add potassium to soil? | Potassium is required for plants to grow and develop. |
| What does potassium do for plants? | Regulates leaf transpiration, maintains turgor pressure, and controls osmotic equilibrium. |
| Signs of potassium imbalance in plants | Plant growth will slow, leaves may discolor around the edges and tips, and leaves will droop. |
| Natural sources of potassium | Banana peels, egg shells, kelp, and wood ash. |
What You'll Learn
- Bone meal
- Rock phosphate
- Fish emulsion
- Green manures
- Compost
Bone meal
You can make your own bone meal at home by saving animal bones from your meals, such as chicken wings, bone-in steaks, and pork chops. You can also source bones from your local butcher. Store the bones in the freezer until you have enough for your fertilizer needs. Once you have enough bones, boil them for 45 minutes to an hour, then remove any remaining fat and meat from the bones. Next, bake the bones in the oven at 400-450°F until they become very dry and brittle. This will take about an hour for small bones and longer for larger ones. Place the bones in a bag and smash them with a mallet until they are as finely fragmented as possible. Finally, grind the bone fragments into a fine powder using a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder.
When applying bone meal to your plants, mix it with compost or sprinkle it over the soil and use a garden fork to mix it in. Always water the area well after applying. Bone meal can be added at any time from February to November. It is recommended to apply bone meal once a year at planting time, but it can also be used to boost phosphorus for individual plants by side dressing and watering. Bone meal breaks down best in soil with a balanced to slightly acidic pH level.
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Rock phosphate
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development. It plays a crucial role in photosynthesis and is present from seedling growth to the maturation of grain. It is required for energy storage and transfer, cell enlargement, and respiration in plants. Rock phosphate is an excellent source of phosphorus for plants and has been used as a fertilizer for healthy plant growth.
To use rock phosphate effectively, it should be incorporated into the soil before planting. For new beds, mix it into the soil prior to planting. For established plants, use it in early spring. The recommended application rate is 2.5 pounds (5 cups) per 100 square feet. Spread it evenly over the entire area and mix it with the soil before seeding or planting.
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Fish emulsion
The use of fish emulsion as a fertilizer dates back to the ancient Roman Empire and indigenous cultures in the Americas. Farmers observed how well their crops fared when fish remains were left to decompose nearby. Today, it is recognized as an effective way to provide nutrients to plants while engaging in sustainable gardening practices.
- Start with a clean container, such as a sturdy bucket or barrel, to hold the mixture.
- Fill the container with fish scraps. The fish can be whole, but using waste from filleting fish is also sufficient.
- Add a bulking agent like sawdust, shredded newspaper, or dry leaves to control the smell and absorb excess moisture.
- Pour in a bottle of unsulfured molasses to accelerate the fermentation process.
- Cover the container with a lid to keep out pests and let the mixture ferment for a few weeks to several months, depending on the temperature.
- Stir the mixture every few days to oxygenate the batch and prevent anaerobic conditions and foul odors.
- Once fermentation is complete, strain the liquid from the solids. The liquid can be diluted with water and used immediately, while the solids can be composted or buried in the garden.
When applying fish emulsion to your plants, it is important to be careful as too much can burn plants and affect their growth. It is recommended to dilute the fish emulsion with water before application. Combine ½ ounce (14 grams) of fish emulsion with one gallon (4 liters) of water, then water your plants with the mixture. For the most benefit, apply the mixture twice per week. In the spring, you can apply the diluted fish emulsion to your lawn with a sprayer.
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Green manures
Alfalfa
A very popular green manure, Alfalfa is a legume that is rich in phosphorus. It can be sown in the fall or spring.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat is another common green manure that can successfully supplement the soil with phosphorus. It is sown in late spring or early summer.
Hairy Vetch and Common Vetch
Hairy vetch and common vetch are two other legumes that have been shown to have a higher ability for P and K absorption than ryegrass. Hairy vetch, in particular, has been shown to have the largest capability for P and K uptake and might be a potential choice for improving P and K management in sustainable agriculture.
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Compost
Coffee grounds are another addition to compost that can benefit your plants. Coffee is very rich in magnesium, copper, potassium, and phosphorus. It can be added directly to the soil or compost, and it will break down quickly.
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