Is fish blood and bone fertiliser good for plants? Read about how to apply the fertiliser and what plants benefit most from it.
What Is Fish Blood and Bone Fertiliser?
Fish blood and bone fertiliser is an organic plant food formulated to support a plant’s life cycle and is made from the remains of:
- fish scraps
- animal blood
- bones
When the three are mixed together, they form a balanced fertiliser and all purpose plant food that provides plants with a variety of important nutrients critical to the plant’s growth.
The major nutrients include a high nitrogen content in the fish and blood which promotes leaf growth. Phosphorus and calcium in the bone promote root development and overall plant health.
Find out what each component of the fertiliser provides for optimal plant health.
The blood and bone fertiliser ingredients and their benefits are:
Fish
Fish scraps (scales, bones, head, offal) are mixed and ground into a fine powder. This offers a rich supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and a potassium source.
These ingredients aid in the strong, healthy growth of the plant as well as its root growth.
Blood
Animal blood, namely from poultry and cattle is used. This adds an essential nutrient, nitrogen, which is key for the steady growth of the plant.
Nitrogen is needed to make chlorophyll, which gives the plant a green colour. It aids the plant in completing photosynthesis and manufacturing protein for further plant growth.
Bone
The bone component is produced by pulverising the bones of cattle, fish or other animals.
This bone mix is a source of phosphorus and calcium. Phosphorus is required for the synthesis and activation of enzymes that assist plants in acquiring and transporting nutrients. Calcium aids in the building of plant cell walls and supports the functionality of enzymes.
What Is Fish Blood And Bone Fertiliser Good For?
Organic Gardening
Obtained from natural sources, it is a plant food frequently preferred by organic gardeners. It is a natural alternative to synthetic fertilisers, supplying critical nutrients while avoiding the use of harsh chemicals.
Soil Fertility
It contains a well-balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and other trace elements. These minerals are essential for plant growth and aid in the improvement of soil fertility over time.
Slow Release of Nutrients
This fertiliser progressively releases the major nutrients required over time. With this slow-release property, it offers a consistent supply of nutrients to the plants.
The mix lowers the risk of nutrient leaching and provides long-term sustenance, with very little additive action needed.
Soil Structure Improvement
Aeration, microbial activity, and soil moisture retention are all improved by the organic matter in fertiliser. This results in healthier and more productive soil.
The bone meal can improve the soil structure for plant root systems by boosting earthworm activity and soil microbial activity throughout the growing season.
Improves Plant Colour and Flowering
The rich nitrogen content fuels the production of chlorophyll, resulting in a vivid, lush, green colour. The fertiliser can enhance floral colour by encouraging vigorous blossoming.
The fertiliser’s potassium and phosphorus aid in the growth and production of flower buds. Well-developed flowers occur more frequently, are more appealing, and have vibrant colours.
Environmentally Friendly
Due to its organic nature, the fertiliser is environmentally friendly and reduces the need for any synthetic or chemically toxic additives,. This in turn prevents any negative impact on the land, thus keeping the land productive for more years.
What Plants Benefit From Fish Blood and Bone?
Many types of plant life can benefit from fish blood and bone fertiliser. The base nutrients are beneficial to most plants and encourages strong growth in all plant life.
Lawn
Lawns can benefit from this fertiliser to encourage strong grass growth. While the phosphorus and calcium in the bone meal aid in the development of a robust root system, the nitrogen from the fish and blood meal promotes lush green foliage.
Blood and bone for lawns create a denser, more robust lawn.
Vegetables
The fertiliser contains nutrients that are beneficial to many vegetable crops.
For lush leaf growth, leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and lettuce benefit from the nitrogen content. For strong root development, root crops like potatoes, carrots, and beets benefit from the phosphorus and calcium.
Furthermore, a balanced nutrient supply can enhance the flavours and nutritional value of the harvested veggies.
Fruiting Plants
The amount of calcium and phosphorus promotes the growth of fruits and flowers as well as the general health of the plant.
So fruit-bearing plants, such as fruit trees, berry bushes, and vines will populate more flowers and buds that eventually develop into fruits. The fish blood and bone fertiliser can increase the quantity and quality of these plants’ yields.
The same goes for flowering plants.
Pot Plants
The fertiliser is beneficial for hanging baskets, indoor plants, and container gardening.
The fertiliser’s gradual release feature guarantees a consistent flow of nutrients to the plants, encouraging robust development and vigour.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes thrive on phosphorus and calcium. The flowering nature of the plant that the fertiliser aids ensures better fruit production and fruit quality, meaning a lot of juicy tomatoes will grow from the plant.
Banana Plants
Banana plants will be immensely aided not only with fruit production but also primarily with photosynthesis. The nutrients make the leaves big and vivid, ensuring a high rate of production of plant food.
Coincidentally, a very high intake and conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen, banana plants make up to 40% of oxygen production.
How Often Should I Feed My Plants with Fish Blood and Bone Fertiliser?
It is wise to take into account the needs of individual plants, the state of the soil, and any advice given by the fertiliser manufacturer.
In addition, variables including temperature, precipitation, and plant growth stage can affect how frequently fertiliser is applied.
You can modify the feeding schedule as necessary by keeping a close eye on your plants and doing regular observations.
Generally, one can apply the fish blood and bone meal fertiliser initially, when sowing the seeds. Through the growing period, reapply regularly every 4 to 6 weeks.
This timetable makes it possible for plants to develop, bloom, and bear fruit while receiving a consistent supply of nutrients.
How Much Blood Fish And Bone To Use
Consistently monitor the rate of growth and the leaf colours. This can indicate if the fertiliser applied was in the right quantity and can dictate the frequency of the application.
If the desired results are not met, one may need to increase the dose and decrease the interval for reapplication.
How To Apply Fish Blood And Bone Fertiliser?
For the best results, one should perform a soil test to determine the levels of nutrients that your soil may require to produce at your required rate and satisfaction.
N.B Always read the instructions on your fertiliser pack. Some may differ slightly with application instructions. Make sure you thoroughly read through them and understand how to execute them.
Before Sowing/Planting
Firstly, one must prepare the soil:
To get the soil ready for planting; use a garden fork or tiller to remove any weeds and debris from the area and loosen the soil. This will establish an atmosphere that is favourable for plant growth and seed germination.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for information on the suggested rate of application for the blood and bone fertiliser. Using this information, you may calculate how much fertiliser to use depending on the size of the space or the particular plants you are growing.
After applying the fish blood and bone fertiliser per square meter, make sure to mix it into the soil with a rake or garden fork. By doing this, you may ensure that the nutrients are available to the budding seedlings and help absorb them into the soil.
Some fertilisers may instruct you to water the area as per requirements before proceeding to planting the seeds.
Water the area well once the seeds have been sown. This will facilitate soil settling and start the germination process. Additionally, the water will help distribute the nutrients to the roots of the seedlings by dissolving the blood and bone fertiliser.
Feeding Established Plants
Calculate the application level required; refer to the packaging or the manufacturer’s instructions. Using this information, you may deduce how much fertiliser to apply depending on the size and kind of your established plants.
Once done, one can now begin prepping their area, clearing debris, and weed from around the plants. Make sure to loosen the soil so the fertiliser can penetrate better and work more effectively.
When applying fertiliser to established plants, some precautions must be taken. The fertiliser may burn the leaves and stem at contact, so the key is mixing it well with the soil. This will then release the nutrients into the soil, which are then absorbed by the plant.
Types Of Fertiliser Application:
Banding
For single plants or rows, make a trench or thin band that is 5-8cms from the plants’ bases.
Make sure the blood and bone fertiliser does not come into contact with the roots or stems of the plant when you sprinkle it inside the band. Next, cover the fertiliser with soil and press it down carefully.
Hole Application
Drill tiny holes around the drip line, which is the outside edge of the plant canopy. Evenly space the holes and divide the fish blood and bone fertiliser amongst them. After adding soil to the holes compact it gently.
Broadcasting
Normally used to apply to larger plant or garden beds, equally dispersing it throughout the soil’s surface surrounding the plants. Take care not to get fertiliser on the plant stems or leaves, as this could burn the leaves.
Rake the fertiliser gently into the top layer of soil after applying it.
After application, thoroughly water the area to dissolve and start the process of dispersing the nutrients between the plant(s) to reach the roots and be absorbed. One can reapply the fertiliser to help achieve the set plant goals.
Is Fish Blood and Bone A Good Fertiliser?
Using blood bone and fishmeal fertiliser guarantees creating an organic and greatly sustainable ecosystem within your land.
It will improve soil health, by adding organic matter to the soil, which strengthens the soil’s structure, increases its ability to hold onto moisture, and encourages healthy microbial activity.
The nutrient balance it offers is essential for the different growing stages of a plant, from cellular structure to fruiting, and has a slow release characteristic.
This guarantees a more prolonged and effective uptake of nutrients by plants and lowers the danger of nutrient leaching.
Fish blood and bone fertilisers are suitable for a variety of plants, such as shrubs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It is appropriate for a variety of plant kinds due to its balanced nutrient profile that caters to most base needs.
Overall, it may be best suited for fruiting plants; being high in calcium, can help enhance fruit quality and lower the incidence of calcium-related diseases like tip burn. Sufficient amounts of calcium help produce robust, nutritious fruits that store well and have a longer shelf life.
Any fertiliser can be effective, but some factors will have to be considered for the best results:
Soil Testing
Doing a soil analysis results in knowing about the soil nutrient levels. One can identify any deficiencies or excesses of a certain nutrient in the soil and factor in the requirements of the plant as well, aiding in picking the most suitable for the job.
Fertiliser Formulations
Granular, liquid, and slow-release varieties, each with their own benefits. Some formulations work better with certain plants and soils and can be easier to apply.
Blood And Bone Fertiliser Price
Some brands may prove to be more expensive due to the formulation, ingredients, and application method.
Environmental Impact
Some fertilisers can include chemicals or additives that damage organisms, spoil water sources, or cause nutrient runoff. Finding one that will have the least negative impact on the environment and the ecosystem, can be crucial to keeping your land fertile and robust.
Considering all of those will help you pick the best fertiliser for the job.
Conclusion
As an organic fertiliser, fish blood and bone is one of the best choices to use, as it is very effective (dependent on the state of the soil and plants) and environmentally friendly. It leaves nothing toxic on your land, allowing you to plant regularly with no effect on the produce, harvest after harvest.
Adding other practices, such as crop rotation and composting, can positively impact the effectiveness of the fertiliser.
