"Daniel Hanna" wrote in message
home.com.au...
In oPYrb.165236$HS4.1342989@attbi_s01 Centifolia wrote:
If applied to the surface it will stay there chemically
bound to the soil where it is applied.

Well it does move a little, but generally you are right. I mix blood
and bone and Osmocote into the planting soil to address this. I'd be
pretty cautious about putting superphosphate right onto roots.

I second that. Chemical fertilizers
tend to be much stronger that most
plants generally need or can use.

IIRC phosphates have a tendency to get
chemically bonded as they percolate through
the soil. Mixing it in at the time of planting may
address a short term need but is not a long term solution.

It might therefore be more useful to use
an organic feed like fish emulsion that
chemically bonds the phosphate as it
percolates till it breaks down slowly
allowing a more natural uptake.

Yes, a dose of chem ferts can produce
lush growth but like steroids it can also do damage.

--
Theo

in KC Z5