Common Methods of Using Organic Fertilizers for Home Gardening
Main content introduction: This article covers the use of organic fertilizers commonly used in home gardening. Please refer to the detailed introduction below.
Common organic fertilizer composting and usage methods
(1) Cake fertilizers: Sesame seed residue, soybean cakes, peanut cakes, cottonseed cakes, and rapeseed cakes contain a high amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. After composting, they become acidic fertilizers, which are more suitable for acidic soil flowers. When applied dry, the fertilizer releases slowly; when applied in water, it can be used as a fast-acting fertilizer. Therefore, it can be used as both top dressing and base fertilizer. However, cake fertilizers should not be used at the time of sowing, as the decomposition in the soil will produce various organic acids, which are harmful to seed germination and seedling growth. The fertilizers should be fully decomposed before use, which can be done in sealed containers such as jars, tanks, or bottles. However, when using tanks or bottles, they should not be completely sealed to avoid the risk of explosion due to gas produced during the composting process. The composting time is 2-3 months, depending on the temperature. When applying, dilute the clear liquid with 20-30 times water for irrigation, and the remaining liquid can be reused for further composting after being removed.
(2) Poultry manure: Chicken and duck manure, as well as other bird droppings, are important sources of phosphorus fertilizers, and they also contain a high amount of nitrogen, making them suitable for ornamental fruit flowers. They should be composted before use for about two months and can be used as both base and top dressing fertilizers.
(3) Rice washing water: Rice washing water contains essential phosphorus, nitrogen, and trace elements for the growth of flowers, with phosphorus being particularly abundant. Phosphorus promotes the differentiation of flower buds and is beneficial for the formation of flower buds. However, rice washing water should not be applied directly, as it may ferment in the soil, producing heat that can burn the roots and breed pests. First, add a small amount of water to the rice, making the rice washing water more concentrated, then place it in a sealed container to ferment for 15-20 days before use. Dilute it with a small amount of water when applying. The fermented rice washing water is acidic and particularly suitable for tropical flowers such as camellias, gardenias, osmanthus, and jasmines, as these flowers grown in the north often face neutral or alkaline soil, where iron cannot be absorbed by the roots, leading to yellowing of the leaves. Regularly applying rice washing water can effectively prevent iron deficiency.
(4) Alum fertilizer water: Alum fertilizer water is made by mixing ferrous sulfate (black alum) with organic fertilizer and water. It is effective when used to water acidic soil flowers and can prevent yellowing of the leaves. Preparation method: Mix 1 kilogram of water, 50-100 grams of cake fertilizer or hoof pieces, and 30-50 grams of ferrous sulfate in a container. After fermenting for one month, dilute the clear liquid with 10 times water and use it. The soil watered with this solution becomes slightly acidic. The preparation method is to mix 5 parts of decomposed cake fertilizer, 5 parts of ferrous sulfate, and 200-300 parts of water and apply it evenly.
(5) Hoof pieces: Animal hooves and horns belong to this category and mainly contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The efficacy of the fertilizer varies with the application method. They can be placed directly in the lower layer of potting soil or near the edge of the pot, where the fertilizer slowly releases and can last for about a year. They can also be composted in sealed containers like jars or tanks to make fast-acting organic fertilizers.
(6) Animal organs: Animal organs can be processed using a composting method. Find an empty area outdoors, dig a pit, and bury them in the soil, adding some insecticides. After a few months, they can become efficient organic fertilizers, which can be mixed with potting soil or used as base fertilizer.
(7) Bone meal fertilizer: Bone meal fertilizer is rich in phosphorus and is a slow-release fertilizer. It is best mixed with other organic fertilizers before composting and is commonly used as a base fertilizer. It can enhance the stem strength and improve the quality of flowers.
During the composting of organic fertilizers, there may be some unpleasant odors. To reduce the smell, you can place a few pieces of orange peel in the composting container.
The above content on the common methods of using organic fertilizers for home gardening is hoped to be helpful to you!