Tag: Slow release fertilizer

With a rich history spanning thousands of years, alfalfa is a renowned forage crop offering remarkable benefits beyond its initial harvest. So, what is alfalfa meal good for? The finely ground, nutrient-dense product is a versatile powerhouse, serving as a prized organic fertilizer for gardeners and a high-quality feed supplement for livestock.

Recent research indicates that while coffee grounds contain potassium, the concentration is relatively low compared to commercial fertilizers. This challenges the popular gardening myth that they are a potent source of this essential plant nutrient, but they offer numerous other benefits as a soil amendment.

According to agricultural experts, blood meal functions as a moderate-speed, slow-release organic fertilizer, with plants typically beginning to absorb the nitrogen within a few weeks. Knowing how long does it take for a blood meal to start working is crucial for timing your application for optimal plant health and a powerful boost of nitrogen.

According to Almanac.com, steamed bone meal typically contains around 20% phosphorus, although commercial products can have a wide range. This makes bone meal one of the most concentrated natural sources of phosphorus available for gardening and agriculture.

Typically, bone meal's phosphorus becomes available to plants over 1 to 4 months, though some is available immediately after application. The exact time frame for bone meal breakdown depends on soil conditions, particle size, and microbial activity.