Organic Nutrients - Mineral Based Fertilizer
by John Yazo
Mineral based fertilizers are a natural mineral that are found in rock. The rock decomposes and releases minerals slowly over a time. It is a slow process that can take months or even years. The use of these mineral fertilizers in an organic garden will increase the fertility of the soil over a long duration of time.
Some of the most common types of mineral based fertilizers known to the home gardener are Limestone, Gypsum, Greensand and Epsom Salt.
Limestone comes in three forms, all with different nutrient values depending on there type and origin. Garden Limestone comes in a powder form and is generally used to raise the Ph level in garden soil. Dolomitic Limestone is high in calcium and magnesium. It can either be purchased in a powder or granular form. Calcitic Limestone is high in calcium carbonate. Testing your soil is very important for ph levels and magnesium before choosing the type of limestone to use and how much to apply to your gardens soil.
Gypsum is a powder mineral that contains calcium and sulfur. It is commonly used to add calcium to the soil without raising the soil's Ph level.
Greensand is a mined product from old marine deposits. It contains potassium and many other different micro-nutrients. It comes in a powder form and breaks down slowly building the soils potassium levels over a long period of time.
Epsom Salt is also a fertilizer. It contains magnesium and sulfur. It is a fast acting fertilizer that can be used as a foliage spray or diluted in water as a drench fertilizer. It can be purchased at a pharmacy or food stores. It comes in granular form. Mix one tablespoon of it with one gallon of water and spray your tomato and pepper plants once they have started blooming and they will love you for it.
More on Organic Fertilizers and Soil Amendments
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