Bone meal is a type of organic fertilizer made from the ground-up bones of animals, it can be used as a supplement in hydroponics to provide plants with additional Phosphorus and other essential micronutrients. Here’s how to use bone meal in hydroponics:
- Mix the bone meal with water: Mix the bone meal with water to create a slurry. The ratio of bone meal to water will depend on the type of bone meal you are using, but a general rule of thumb is to mix 1 part bone meal to 20 parts water.
- Add the bone meal slurry to the hydroponic system: Slowly pour the bone meal slurry into the hydroponic system, making sure to distribute it evenly.
- Monitor the nutrient levels: Regularly monitor the nutrient levels in the hydroponic system, including pH and EC, and make adjustments as necessary. Overuse of bone meal can lead to nutrient imbalances, so it’s important to use it in moderation.
- Repeat the process: Repeat the process of adding bone meal slurry to the hydroponic system every 2-4 weeks, or as needed.
It’s important to note that bone meal contains a lot of Phosphorus, which is important for root growth, but it also contains other essential nutrients like Calcium, Magnesium, and trace elements. You should use it in combination with other nutrient solutions and adjust the frequency and amount accordingly to your plants’ needs. Also, it’s important to consider the source of the bone meal, if it’s from animals that were treated with hormones or antibiotics, this could be harmful to plants and humans.