Bat Guano Fertilizer
Guano is derived from natural deposits of feces and urine from
seabirds, bats, and seals collected from areas where favorable climatic
conditions insured a minimal loss of nutrients through leaching. Either
from seabirds in coastal areas with minimal rainfall. Or in the case of
bats, from inside caves where climate has little or no effect on the
guano deposit. It is one of the finest natural fertilizers available for
vegetable gardeners on the market today.
Nutrients
Guano contributes more than its share of nutrients to the soil. Both the
bat and seabird guano are an exceptionally rich source of natural
nutrients that supplies many beneficial enzymes and bacteria, large
amounts of minor and trace minerals as well as being high in nitrogen
and phosphorus.| Typical NPK Analysis Of Guano Fertilizers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Guano Bat high Nitrogen | 10 | 3 | 1 |
| Guano Bat high Phosphate | 3 | 10 | 1 |
| Guano Seabird high Nitrogen | 12 | 8 | 1 |
| Guano Seabird high Phosphate | 1 | 10 | 1 |
Guano can vary greatly in the levels of N.P.K. and trace minerals and is dependent on many factors. Including, environment, mineral composition of the land or cave of the deposit, food source of the animal and age of the guano deposit. There are many products on the market from a number of regions around the world giving the gardener a choice of products that will suit most needs.
Benefits
In addition to everything else, bat droppings go through a process of
natural decomposition aided by guano beetles and decomposing microbes,
which help control many soil-borne diseases. These microbes help to
break down any toxins in the soil and act as a natural fungicide when it
is fed to plants via their leaves. It is also effective against
root-knot nematodes.The end result is a natural organic fertilizer that improves the natural balance of the soil without increasing either salt content or acidity.
Fertilizer Form
Guano usually comes to the gardener in the forms of powder, pellets or
liquid. It can be applied in solid form in potting mixes or as a top
dressing in the garden and worked into the soil. It can be dissolved in
water to make a tea and applied as a foliage spray or injected into an
irrigation system. Guano supplies both fast and slow release nutrients
to the soil biological system.
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As with all natural manures guano will need time to break down the
nutrients into the form needed for plants. Although
guano fertilizer is one of the fastest manure to breakdown the amount of
micro bacteria in your soil will have a bearing on the time this takes.
Application rates
Application rates will vary depending on the type of guano fertilizer
and where it is to be used, below are some rough guide lines.
Liquid - Guano Tea
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To make a passive tea or soil drench add 1-2 tablespoons of guano
fertilizer per gallon (4.5 L) of water and let it soak overnight. Apply
around the plants with watering can or dipper.
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For an aerated tea bubble for 12-24 hrs. Brewing this way gives the tea
the added value of the unique beneficial organisms that are stimulated
with aeration brewing. These beneficial organisms have a positive impact on the soil bacteria
when used as a soil drench.
Solid - Seedling Potting Mixes
While seedlings do not need much fertilizer guano is a good choice for
adding to growing mixes. For seedling in their final potting up mix 1-2 heaped tablespoons per one gallon of
potting soil. Mix thoroughly and water well. Use half this measure for younger seedlings.
Solid - Garden
All garden vegetables will benefit from the nutrient rich guano.
Leafy greens prefer high-nitrogen for growth, as the plant approaches
budding and fruiting time the phosphorous, flowering guano, is more
appropriate.Average application of guano is 2 - 3 pounds per 100 sq. ft. of vegetable garden, preferably broadcast before planting. Till or dig the soil to a depth of 4 to 8 inches (10-20 cm) and water well.
For large transplants dig a hole 2-3 times larger than the root ball. Mix into the soil 1 heaped Tablespoons of guano fertilizer per vegetable transplant, depending on size, and water well.
For established Plants, side dress anytime during the growing season. The amount will depend greatly on the type of vegetable and guano being used. Follow the directions on the packet. Work into the soil gently and water well.
