Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
SOIL MIX ADDITIONS: QUICK REFERENCE
It is very important that you cook (pre-process) any newly blended soil mix if there are raw
elements added; don't add an extra cup of kelp meal or something just before transplanting
plants into it, because they will not dig it. Even things like dolomite lime need to be cooked
first into the soil-mix to keep it über friendly to the microbeasties and the plants.
Below is a quick reference guide for TLO soil mix additions.
•
Soft Rock Phosphate:
Micronized (solution grade) soft rock phosphate will bring phos-
phorus and sulfur and will also hold the nitrogen in the soil mix and keep it from escaping
into the air as a gas (ammonia).
•
Bone Meal:
Always use unsteamed bone meal in your TLO soil mix. Whitney Farms
brand has great slow release phosphorus, calcium, some nitrogen and plenty of trace ele-
ments. Bone meal also will raise the pH due to the calcium present.
•
Earthworm Castings:
You want living earthworm castings here if possible; Gardner &
Bloome has bagged castings that are still very alive and healthy. Sterilized or dry castings
are a distant second choice here. Earthworm castings do NOT need to be cooked before
using.
•
Greensand:
A great source of slow and steady minerals and a lot of potassium (K), just as
the plant wants it. Greensand will take the pH up a bit due to the high potassium levels. It
also adds to soil structure in a good way.
•
Blood Meal:
Powerhouse of nitrogen (N) with a big shot of iron as well as plenty of trace
minerals. This really lowers the soil mix pH and will generate actual heat if there is a lot of
organic matter due to the high populations of microlife feeding and reproducing. Careful,
this stuff can be as dangerous as it is wonderful!
•
Feather Meal:
This brings long-term nitrogen and calcium as well, and endures much
longer than blood meal. Always nice to have some N laying around for the plant if she
wants some. Only nominally effects soil mix pH.
•
Alfalfa Meal:
Alfalfa meal packs high nitrogen and great potassium (N and K) as well as
an exotic growth hormone called triacontanol. Worms also love this, but you need to be
careful because the high nitrogen levels can generate actual heat like blood meal can, and
this heat can kill roots. Use this in moderate amounts.
•
Kelp Meal:
Full of exotic growth hormones and enzymes as well as massive trace and mi-
cro nutrient diversity. Also high in potassium (K) and great organic matter with a dash of
nitrogen.
•
Perlite:
Perlite aerates a soil mix and keeps aerating it, as opposed to shredded bark
mulch, which processes too quickly. Use small nugget sized perlite if possible for the
greatest aeration.
•
Coconut Fiber (coir):
Most coconut fiber is way too fat with salts. Either fully rinse your
coir or get it pre-rinsed like the Botanicare product called Cocogro, which awesome for
