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Source of Phosporus (organic)
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Posted by bebba1 norcal 8 (My Page) on Sat, Feb 6, 10 at 20:22
| My do-it-yourself soil analysis kit (Rapitest, color coded) tells me I'm okay on Potash, but totally deficient in both nitrogen and phosphorus. I know how to add more nitrogen, organically, but what about the phosphorus? the kit suggests superphosphate, but not how to apply it. I've always put it in the hole when I'm actually planting a rose, but this year I'm not planting any new ones except Speelwark and another Penelope. Do I just scratch it into the top inch or so?
Also, is there any way of adding bone meal from the top? (again, I usually put it at the bottom of the hole). I'm just now gradually going organic (haven't sprayed for several years, but still start out the season with Osmocote) and need advice.
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Source of Phosporus (organic)
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| Superphorphate isn't organic. You can try poking several holes around the roses close to, but not damaging, the roots and put the phosphorous in the holes, then cover. It really works best near the roots. It moves slowly from the top of the soil, you can apply it there, but it won't have any effect for a few years. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Organic sources for phosphorus from Organic Gardening Forum
RE: Source of Phosporus (organic)
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| Bebba, I have been to quite a few lectures..and I have heard that perhaps it's better to let the tree establish itself. If you fertilize too much it's going to force growth that the roots cannot handle. Plus it's early in the year. If you have that really hard clay soil I see your concern. I used to use gypsum in my soil when I lived in Calif |
RE: Source of Phosporus (organic)
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| What type soil do you have? Clay? Sandy? |
RE: Source of Phosporus (organic)
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Are your roses showing signs of the soil being deficient in nutrients?
Yellowing leaves, not blooming well, ect.
Just wondering why you did a soil test and are concerned?
I've always heard that bone meal works better at root level, then it does as a top -dressing.
Also, Osmocote is not organic.
I top dress the soil each year with organic matter. Use fish/kelp fertilizer and will be adding alfalfa tea this coming growing season.
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RE: Source of Phosporus (organic)
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| Most phosphorous comes from rock phosphate a mineral ore containing P. It is therefore inorganic. As are most of the elements essential to plants. Hard to remember that as there is so much emphasis on "organics". It seems that every product you buy has that word in it. |
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