Homemade fish emulsion fertilizer for plants

Показать описание

Centuries before scientific soil research began, Native Americans understood the value of fish as fertilizer. While preparing the ground to plant corn, indigenous people placed a small fish in the soil. They mounded fresh dirt on the buried fish and planted a corn seed.1 Throughout the growing season, the fish slowly decomposed, feeding the crop until harvest.

Native Americans were correct about the nutrients in fish, but thankfully you no longer have to catch your own for each seed you plant. As you ponder the fertilization options available for your garden, consider the unique features and benefits of fish fertilizer.

Some quick release synthetic fertilizers offer immediate nutrients in the garden because they are processed to be readily available for plants to absorb. All-natural fish fertilizers are processed differently in the soil, because they contain nutrients that must first be digested by organisms, such as bacteria, earthworms and fungi, before they are available for plant roots to use.2 All of this microbial activity enhances the strength and vigor of plants by increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil. Fungi and bacteria break down nutrients to make them available to plant roots, and then loosen the dirt as they travel, reproduce, process nutrients and decay, leaving soil aerated with improved levels of organic matter. Plant roots grow faster and stronger in this light, airy soil that is teeming with life.

As fish fertilizer improves soil health, it also increases soil fertility by providing the primary nutrients necessary for plants to thrive. Fish fertilizers offer a source of burn-free nitrogen, along with the other primary nutrients of phosphorus and potassium. Unlike synthetic options, they may also provide secondary nutrients, such as calcium, which is found in Alaska dry fertilizers.3 Plants that receive a balance of primary and secondary nutrients experience strong and steady plant growth, leading to vigorous plants that can better withstand disease and pest issues.