Bone meal is a popular organic fertilizer made from ground animal bones, typically from cattle. Gardeners use this fine powder as a soil amendment to promote long-term plant health and vigor. While it is traditionally mixed directly into the soil, many gardeners wonder if it can be applied in a liquid form for ease of use. Understanding the chemical nature of bone meal is key to determining how to best utilize it in the garden.
What Bone Meal Provides to Plants
Bone meal is primarily valued for its high content of two macronutrients: phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca). Phosphorus is a fundamental nutrient required for energy transfer and overall growth, playing a direct role in photosynthesis. It is especially known for stimulating strong root development, benefiting young plants, bulbs, and root vegetables. The calcium content supports plant structure, helping to build strong cell walls and preventing conditions like blossom end rot in fruiting vegetables. Since the nutrients are bound within the bone matrix, they are released slowly over time, making bone meal a gentle, long-lasting fertilizer.
Addressing the Solubility of Bone Meal
The question of mixing bone meal with water centers on its chemical composition. Bone meal is composed mainly of calcium phosphate, which is inherently water-insoluble. When combined with water, it will not dissolve like a synthetic fertilizer but will form a suspension. Nutrients are only made available to plant roots after soil microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, break down the solid particles. This slow decomposition process requires time and active soil biology to function effectively.
Effective Methods for Liquid Application
Since bone meal does not dissolve, liquid application requires creating a temporary suspension often called “bone meal tea.” This involves vigorously mixing the powdered bone meal with water to distribute the fine particles. Agitation is necessary before and during application to prevent the heavy particles from settling. This liquid slurry is beneficial when transplanting, allowing for direct application of the phosphorus-rich material around new roots. It is also effective for spot-feeding container plants.
Application Tools
For application, a watering can or a bucket is preferable to fine irrigation systems. Applying bone meal through drip lines or sprayers is not advised because the undissolved particles can easily clog the narrow openings.
Safe Handling and Storage
Handling bone meal requires simple safety precautions due to its fine, dusty nature. When mixing or applying the dry powder, wearing a particle mask is advisable to avoid inhaling the dust, and standard gardening gloves should be worn to prevent skin contact. Bone meal is an animal byproduct whose odor can attract pets, especially dogs, who may try to ingest it. Ingestion can lead to digestive upset or intestinal blockage. Proper storage involves keeping the product in its original, tightly sealed container in a cool, dry location, out of reach of children and animals.