Natural Ways of Improving the Soil Phosphate Level

Manure

• Fresh or aged manure contains phosphate needed for healthy plant growth. Although fresh manure contains higher levels, it also poses the risk of injuring young roots due to the high nitrogen level. When using fresh manure, mix it in well and allow it to sit for several months before planting.

Vericompost

• Vericompost refers to manure or organic wastes that has been digested by worms. Under optimal conditions, worms digest organic matter in three to four months and increase the phosphate levels in the resulting soil by up to seven times the normal phosphate of soil.

Bone Meal

• Bone meal is made from processing, often by steaming, animal bones and grinding it into a fine powder. Bone meal powder is applied similar to granular fertilizer and mixed into the soil. Bone meal contains high levels of phosphates and calcium.

Misconceptions

• Many promote the use of phosphates as a growth stimulators, but Linda Chalker-Scoot Extension horticulturist and associate professor at Washington State University explains, although phosphorus in needed for adequate growth, more than needed will not stimulate further growth. In fact, over application of phosphates may inhibit growth of mycorrhizal

  fungi, which are instrumental in the take up of nutrients from the soil. Without them, plants may channel energy into further root formation instead of channeling energy into blooming and producing fruit.