Is Bone Meal Good for Potatoes? A Closer Look at the Benefits

Potatoes are a staple crop for home gardeners and large-scale farmers alike When it comes to fertilizing potatoes, bone meal is a popular organic choice that has been used for generations. But is bone meal actually an effective fertilizer for getting the best potato harvests? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons

What is Bone Meal?

Bone meal is exactly what the name implies – a meal made from ground animal bones Cow and pig bones are the most common sources The bones are sterilized, dried, and crushed into a fine powder that contains calcium, phosphorus, and trace amounts of nitrogen.

As a fertilizer, bone meal is prized for its high phosphorus content. Phosphorus supports root growth, flowering, fruiting, and overall vigor. The calcium in bone meal also strengthens plant cell walls against disease invasion. When mixed into soil, bone meal provides a slow, steady release of nutrients over a span of several months to a year as it decomposes.

The Case for Using Bone Meal on Potatoes

There are some clear benefits to using bone meal when growing potatoes:

• Stronger roots and tubers – The abundant phosphorus encourages extensive root systems and large, robust tubers.

• Disease resistance – The calcium makes plants less susceptible to issues like early blight.

• Enhanced flowering – More blooms can mean higher yields.

• Larger plants – Phosphorus enables plants to grow bigger and stronger overall.

• Organic source – Bone meal is a natural way to augment soil fertility without synthetic chemicals.

• Sustainable – It recycles animal byproducts into an eco-friendly gardening input.

Reasons to Avoid Bone Meal on Potatoes

On the other hand, some downsides are associated with using bone meal on potatoes:

• Excess foliage – Too much phosphorus can result in leafy growth instead of tubers.

• Toxic buildup – Long term use builds up excess phosphorus to toxic levels.

• Spread of disease – If not sterilized properly, bone meal can harbor soil pathogens.

• Imbalances – Overabundance of one nutrient can tie up others like zinc.

• Poor results in alkaline soil – Phosphorus gets locked up and unavailable in high pH soil.

• Limited nitrogen – Potatoes also need significant nitrogen that bone meal lacks.

• Difficult application – It must be thoroughly worked into the soil for roots to access it. Surface application is ineffective.

• Slow release – Benefits are not seen as quickly as with synthetic fertilizers.

• Pet hazards – Dogs may try to eat bone meal if applied over top of soil.

Best Practices for Using Bone Meal on Potatoes

If you wish to try bone meal, keep these tips in mind:

• Test soil to determine actual nutrient needs.

• Use lower recommended rates – around 2-4 lbs per 100 sq ft.

• Mix into the soil before planting potatoes. Place several inches below tubers and stems.

• Supplement with a nitrogen fertilizer to balance the phosphorus.

• Rotate crops and avoid bone meal in the same spot each year.

• Apply lime if needed to prevent phosphorus from locking up in acidic soils.

• Water thoroughly after application to begin releasing nutrients.

• Purchase only sterilized, fresh bone meal from reputable sources.

• Store sealed tightly to prevent absorption of moisture and pathogens.

The Verdict: Great in Moderation

When used judiciously, bone meal can be a worthwhile addition to potato plantings. It shines when soils are deficient in phosphorus and need a nutritional boost. However, overapplication can cause more harm than good. The key is moderation.

Test soil first, only use moderate amounts, and work it in thoroughly. Combine with nitrogen fertilizers as needed. Then bone meal can safely do its job – giving potato plants the phosphorus power-up they need for robust growth and production. With a balanced approach, you can harness the benefits of bone meal while avoiding potential downsides.