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gwl-g - Re: [gwl-g] Organic Fertilizers

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  • From: "Jeff Lowenfels" <jeff@gardener.com>
  • To: "gardenwriters-on-gardening" <gwl-g@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [gwl-g] Organic Fertilizers
  • Date: Thu, 28 Oct 2004 09:31:04 -0800

An organic system runs on microbes...bacteria and fungi that hold nitrogen
and other nutrients are attracted to the rhizosphere and eaten there by
nematodes and protozoa (remember the guys you studied in high school
biology). The excess wastes are nutrients in plant usable form. So when I
talk about organic systems with my readers, I use the term "Organic microbe
foods" instead of fertilizers which feed the plants, not the microbes. When
I refer to chemical systems, which I do as well in my columns, I use the
term fertilizer.

In any case, I usually use soybean meal usually at the rate of 4 lbs for 100
sq feet, aerated compost teas and compost. For newly planted perennials,
shrubs and trees, I mix in some baby oatmeal or wheat germ to increase the
fungal activity. I also use mycorrhizal fungi on almost everything when I
plant.

Cheers,

Jeff
www.alaskahumus.com
www.closetoinfinity.com





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