Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
ALFALFA MEAL, CORN GLUTEN MEAL, AND
SOYBEAN MEAL
While they provide nitrogen and organic matter, these products are
usuallyexpensivesourcesofbothandarebestusedinverysmallorch-
ards. While advertised as a natural preemergence herbicide, research
trials on corn gluten generally show it to be ineffective as an herbicide
for fruit crops.
Bonemeal.
Like blood meal, bonemeal is a by-product of slaughterhouse op-
erations. It is a rich source of calcium (23 percent) and P O (12 to 14 per-
2
cent) and contains trace amounts of micronutrients. Depending on its source
and preparation, it may contain 1 to 4 percent nitrogen.
Bonemeal is particularly valuable when establishing an orchard. Use
steamed bonemeal preparations to reduce the likelihood of human patho-
gens and increase the availability of phosphorus. Because it contains very
little nitrogen or potassium, excess amounts of bonemeal will not “burn”
plants, although excess amounts can create nutrient imbalances in young
orchard crops, as we discussed earlier.
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Boron products.
Boron deficiency can cause poor flowering, fruit set, fruit
development, and shoot development. Boron, however, becomes toxic to
plants at very low concentrations. Boron products can be applied to the soil
or as foliar sprays when tissue analyses show boron deficiencies. Use only
organic-approved boron products and do not apply more than 1 to 2 pounds
of actual boron per acre. Follow label directions very carefully. See page
