RE: [compost_tea] triple superphosphate and roses

From: Tim Kiphart <kiphart_at_ev1.net>
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 17:43:59 -0500

Chris-

The main detriment is to soil chemistry, which eventual impacts soil
biology.

Triple super phosphate, 0-46-0, is made by treating rock phosphate with
phosphoric acid, and this highly acidulated form becomes complexed or tied
up rapidly in most soils. Super phosphate can tie up zinc, iron, and
manganese. Below about pH 6 phosphorus can become complexed with aluminum,
and above pH 7 calcium. This is why a good organic system is critical...it
acts as a buffer, but also provides the necessary microbes (mycorrhizae) to
make this recalcitrant element plant available.

Soft rock phosphate is the choice of most organic gardeners. The ammoniated
phosphates (MAP [preferable], DAP) are easy on soil biology and have good
energy.

Tim Kiphart



 -----Original Message-----
From: chris reid [mailto:reidchris_at_earthlink.net]
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2003 9:03 AM
To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
Subject: [compost_tea] triple superphosphate and roses



  In looking at Rose Tone fertilizer (Espoma) product label, I see 6 per
cent
  available phosphorus in the form of P2-05, and in the ingredients, triple
  super phosphate is listed.

http://www.espoma.com/default.asp?strPage=productinfo&intCategoryID=4&id=26

  If triple super phosphate is supposed to harm soil biology, then this
  organic rose fertilizer may not be the best thing to use in conjunction
with
  efforts to build a balanced soil. Hmmm.

  Sounds like I need to look for something else to use. What exactly is the
  effect of this type of phosphorus on the soil and what type of phosphorus
is
  okay to use?


  thanks,

  Chris Reid


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Received on Thu Jul 24 2003 - 23:41:22 EDT

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