Phosphorus is another macronutrient we need present in our super soil. It plays it's own specific role to aide in our plants growth. As we choose our nutrients we need quick and slow release nutrients to initially feed and offer support through the later grow season.
Phosphorous is necessary for cell division the development of the growth tips of our plants. It also assists out plants to develop a strong root system. It's linked to our plants ability to store and use energy, but most importantly this macronutrient is critical in our flower development.
This nutrient is crucial in our flower's development. Due to this reason some growers can over do it hoping to get their plants to bloom wildly. Doing so comes at a risk since this nutrient is a double edged sword. We need it, but as with anything else adding too much can have a negative impact.
Mulder's Chart
As we can see in Mulder's Chart excess of this nutrient can actually cause a lock out of some micronutrients. Too much Phosphorous can lock out Copper, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, and even Potassium. If someone's plants ever are displaying a myriad of symptoms they may have over done it on the "P".
One of my favorite amendments for phosphorus is Bone Meal. Doing an outdoor grow we want something sticking around after the vegetative stage is over, and supplying the "P" our flowers need. This amendment is a solid slow release source that starts breaking down around 3 months. Not only that, but it also brings a healthy dose of Calcium as well.
I couldn't understand adding another slow release phosphorus when I already had a rock solid one with Bone Meal. The numbers are almost negligible, and it's another source of Calcium. Aside from increasing soil phosphorus, it adds other nutrients to the soil. Studies show rock phosphate increases the soils exchangeable calcium and magnesium cations; it also increases carbon accumulation which in turn improves soil quality. This whole organic thing is also about enriching the soil.
Then there is the Sea Bird Guano. This is the quick release "P" that is ready to feed our plants from first planting. This is a touch more sustainable than bat guano. Altogether it's nutrient composition of seabird guano encourages plants to grow rapidly. Its high humus properties (tons of decomposed organic matter, a cornerstone of soil fertility) helps increase nutrient availability for your plants. How could I not put this in? As with ANY GUANO...do not smell the stuff; okay? Still to this day I have no clue what bat guano smells like and it bugs the shit out of me.
Phosphorus amendments per cubic foot:
Bone Meal - 1-2 Tbsp
Rock Phosphate - 1-2 Tbsp
Sea Bird Guano - 1-2 Tbsp
My eyes are shot...that's it for this section of my super soil recipe. Next week we will cover Potassium and my choices for that. None of this is super special and anyone could easily derive exactly what I have from the web. I am not a scientist or botanist, nor have I ever claimed to be. It's just a solid recipe that grows great cannabis with only a drip irrigation or added water by any means.
