A question for people in the know. What is the best time to apply P & K
during a plants growing cycle?

especially in relation to seeding plants like cucumbers & tomatos or root
vegetables like potatos etc.

Many thanks.
rob

In article ,
"George.com" wrote:

A question for people in the know. What is the best time to apply P & K
during a plants growing cycle?

especially in relation to seeding plants like cucumbers & tomatos or root
vegetables like potatos etc.

Many thanks.
rob

When they flower or start to set fruit for the cukes and 'maters. Some
one should be along shortly about 'taters or you could "google" growing
potatoes.

- Billy
Coloribus gustibus non disputatum (mostly)

George.com wrote:
A question for people in the know. What is the best time to apply P & K
during a plants growing cycle?

especially in relation to seeding plants like cucumbers & tomatos or root
vegetables like potatos etc.

Many thanks.
rob



Phosphorus does not dissolve and leach through the soil. Instead, it
needs to be dug into the soil to where plant roots will find it. Thus,
phosphorus should be applied before planting.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening pages at http://www.rossde.com/garden/

In article ,
"David E. Ross" wrote:

George.com wrote:
A question for people in the know. What is the best time to apply P & K
during a plants growing cycle?

especially in relation to seeding plants like cucumbers & tomatos or root
vegetables like potatos etc.

Many thanks.
rob



Phosphorus does not dissolve and leach through the soil. Instead, it
needs to be dug into the soil to where plant roots will find it. Thus,
phosphorus should be applied before planting.

PO4 3- doesn't dissolve?

Pure anhydrous phosphoric acid is a white solid that melts at 42.35°C
to form a viscous liquid. In solution, phosphoric acid behaves as a
triprotic acid, having three ionizable hydrogen atoms. The hydrogen ions
are lost sequentially.
H3PO4(aq) H+(aq) + H2PO4¯(aq) Ka1 = 7.5 Å~ 10¯ 3
H2PO4¯(aq) H+(aq) + HPO42 ¯(aq) Ka2 = 6.2 Å~ 10¯ 8
HPO42 ¯(aq) H+(aq) + PO43¯(aq) Ka3 = 1.7 Å~ 10¯ 12

Phosphoric acid is not a particularly strong acid as indicated by its
first dissociation constant. It is a stronger acid than acetic acid but
weaker than sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Each successive
dissociation step occurs with decreasing ease. Thus, the ion H2PO4¯ is a
very weak acid and HPO42 ¯ is an extremely weak acid.

Replace the hydronium (H+) with a Na+ and you have essentially the same
thing, only it is in the east.

Phosphoric acid is used primarily in the manufacture of fertilizers,
detergents, and pharmaceuticals. In the steel industry, it is used to
clean and rust-proof the product. It is also used as a flavoring agent
in carbonated beverages (read the ingredients list on a can of
Coca-Cola), beer, jams and jellies, and cheeses. In foods, phosphoric
acid provides a tart, acidic flavor.

In the manufacture of detergents, phosphoric acid is used to produce
water softeners. Water softeners remove Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions from "hard"
water. If not removed, these hard-water ions react with soap and form
insoluble deposits that cling to laundry and the washing machine.
Phosphates produced from phosphoric acid are used extensively as water
softeners (builders) in detergents. The most widely used phosphorus
compound in solid detergent mixtures is sodium tripolyphosphate,
Na5P3O10. As a water softener, sodium tripolyphosphate binds to Ca2+ and
Mg2+, forming soluble chemical species, called complexes or chelates.
These complexes prevent the Ca2+ and Mg2+ from reacting with soap and
forming deposits.

Most phosphoric acid is used in the production of fertilizers.
Phosphorus is one of the elements essential for plant growth. Organic
phosphates are the compounds which provide the energy for most of the
chemical reactions that occur in living cells. Therefore, enriching
soils with phosphate fertilizers enhances plant growth.

Increasing the phosphate concentration in surface waters also enhances
the growth of aquatic plant life. Run-off from fertilized farm lands can
stimulate plant growth in lakes and streams. Waste water that contains
phosphates from detergents can have the same effect. Lakes that are rich
in plant nutrients suffer from accelerated eutrophication. When the lush
aquatic plant growth in a nutrient-rich lake dies, the decomposition of
the dead plant material consumes dissolved oxygen. This consumption
reduces the level of dissolved oxygen to a point where it is
insufficient to support animal life. To reduce the threat of lake
eutrophication, many localities have banned the use of phosphates in
detergents. In some cases, the phosphates have been replaced by
carbonates. In others, new detergents have been developed that do not
react with the Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions of hard water.

Bone meal (an organic source of phosphates), on the other hand, is not
very soluable a should be worked lightly into the soil so as not to
damage the roots.

- Billy
Coloribus gustibus non disputatum (mostly)

On Sat, 9 Jun 2007 21:12:59 +1200, George.com wrote:
A question for people in the know. What is the best time to apply P & K
during a plants growing cycle?


Typically applied pre-planting to the expected root zone. But save yourself
the trouble of applying too much (many soils have plenty) -- get a
soil test. Saves water pollution, too.

Kay

"Billy Rose" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"David E. Ross" wrote:

George.com wrote:
A question for people in the know. What is the best time to apply P &
K
during a plants growing cycle?

especially in relation to seeding plants like cucumbers & tomatos or
root
vegetables like potatos etc.

Many thanks.
rob



Phosphorus does not dissolve and leach through the soil. Instead, it
needs to be dug into the soil to where plant roots will find it. Thus,
phosphorus should be applied before planting.

PO4 3- doesn't dissolve?

Pure anhydrous phosphoric acid is a white solid that melts at 42.35°C
to form a viscous liquid. In solution, phosphoric acid behaves as a
triprotic acid, having three ionizable hydrogen atoms. The hydrogen ions
are lost sequentially.
H3PO4(aq) H+(aq) + H2PO4¯(aq) Ka1 = 7.5 Å~ 10¯ 3
H2PO4¯(aq) H+(aq) + HPO42 ¯(aq) Ka2 = 6.2 Å~ 10¯ 8
HPO42 ¯(aq) H+(aq) + PO43¯(aq) Ka3 = 1.7 Å~ 10¯ 12

Phosphoric acid is not a particularly strong acid as indicated by its
first dissociation constant. It is a stronger acid than acetic acid but
weaker than sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Each successive
dissociation step occurs with decreasing ease. Thus, the ion H2PO4¯ is a
very weak acid and HPO42 ¯ is an extremely weak acid.

Replace the hydronium (H+) with a Na+ and you have essentially the same
thing, only it is in the east.

Phosphoric acid is used primarily in the manufacture of fertilizers,
detergents, and pharmaceuticals. In the steel industry, it is used to
clean and rust-proof the product. It is also used as a flavoring agent
in carbonated beverages (read the ingredients list on a can of
Coca-Cola), beer, jams and jellies, and cheeses. In foods, phosphoric
acid provides a tart, acidic flavor.

In the manufacture of detergents, phosphoric acid is used to produce
water softeners. Water softeners remove Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions from "hard"
water. If not removed, these hard-water ions react with soap and form
insoluble deposits that cling to laundry and the washing machine.
Phosphates produced from phosphoric acid are used extensively as water
softeners (builders) in detergents. The most widely used phosphorus
compound in solid detergent mixtures is sodium tripolyphosphate,
Na5P3O10. As a water softener, sodium tripolyphosphate binds to Ca2+ and
Mg2+, forming soluble chemical species, called complexes or chelates.
These complexes prevent the Ca2+ and Mg2+ from reacting with soap and
forming deposits.

Most phosphoric acid is used in the production of fertilizers.
Phosphorus is one of the elements essential for plant growth. Organic
phosphates are the compounds which provide the energy for most of the
chemical reactions that occur in living cells. Therefore, enriching
soils with phosphate fertilizers enhances plant growth.

Increasing the phosphate concentration in surface waters also enhances
the growth of aquatic plant life. Run-off from fertilized farm lands can
stimulate plant growth in lakes and streams. Waste water that contains
phosphates from detergents can have the same effect. Lakes that are rich
in plant nutrients suffer from accelerated eutrophication. When the lush
aquatic plant growth in a nutrient-rich lake dies, the decomposition of
the dead plant material consumes dissolved oxygen. This consumption
reduces the level of dissolved oxygen to a point where it is
insufficient to support animal life. To reduce the threat of lake
eutrophication, many localities have banned the use of phosphates in
detergents. In some cases, the phosphates have been replaced by
carbonates. In others, new detergents have been developed that do not
react with the Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions of hard water.

Bone meal (an organic source of phosphates), on the other hand, is not
very soluable a should be worked lightly into the soil so as not to
damage the roots.

Bill. When you say bone meal is not very soluable, are we talking here
about:

1. Something that time will resolve, ie is it is slow release?
2. Or are we talking about something that is distance related, ie it will
not work down into the soil & plants root systems if used as a top dressing
(unless dragged down by worms maybe)?

Thanks
rob

"Billy Rose" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"George.com" wrote:

A question for people in the know. What is the best time to apply P & K
during a plants growing cycle?

especially in relation to seeding plants like cucumbers & tomatos or
root
vegetables like potatos etc.

Many thanks.
rob

When they flower or start to set fruit for the cukes and 'maters. Some
one should be along shortly about 'taters or you could "google" growing
potatoes.

most I could get on google was early spring which is quite general. The
setting fruit bit I can understand, also thinking about the lawn and setting
seed. That happens very early spring.

rob

Billy Rose wrote:
In article ,
"David E. Ross" wrote:

George.com wrote:
A question for people in the know. What is the best time to apply P & K
during a plants growing cycle?

especially in relation to seeding plants like cucumbers & tomatos or root
vegetables like potatos etc.

Many thanks.
rob


Phosphorus does not dissolve and leach through the soil. Instead, it
needs to be dug into the soil to where plant roots will find it. Thus,
phosphorus should be applied before planting.

PO4 3- doesn't dissolve?

Pure anhydrous phosphoric acid is a white solid that melts at 42.35°C
to form a viscous liquid. In solution, phosphoric acid behaves as a
triprotic acid, having three ionizable hydrogen atoms. The hydrogen ions
are lost sequentially.
H3PO4(aq) H+(aq) + H2PO4¯(aq) Ka1 = 7.5 Å~ 10¯ 3
H2PO4¯(aq) H+(aq) + HPO42 ¯(aq) Ka2 = 6.2 Å~ 10¯ 8
HPO42 ¯(aq) H+(aq) + PO43¯(aq) Ka3 = 1.7 Å~ 10¯ 12

Phosphoric acid is not a particularly strong acid as indicated by its
first dissociation constant. It is a stronger acid than acetic acid but
weaker than sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Each successive
dissociation step occurs with decreasing ease. Thus, the ion H2PO4¯ is a
very weak acid and HPO42 ¯ is an extremely weak acid.

Replace the hydronium (H+) with a Na+ and you have essentially the same
thing, only it is in the east.

Phosphoric acid is used primarily in the manufacture of fertilizers,
detergents, and pharmaceuticals. In the steel industry, it is used to
clean and rust-proof the product. It is also used as a flavoring agent
in carbonated beverages (read the ingredients list on a can of
Coca-Cola), beer, jams and jellies, and cheeses. In foods, phosphoric
acid provides a tart, acidic flavor.

In the manufacture of detergents, phosphoric acid is used to produce
water softeners. Water softeners remove Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions from "hard"
water. If not removed, these hard-water ions react with soap and form
insoluble deposits that cling to laundry and the washing machine.
Phosphates produced from phosphoric acid are used extensively as water
softeners (builders) in detergents. The most widely used phosphorus
compound in solid detergent mixtures is sodium tripolyphosphate,
Na5P3O10. As a water softener, sodium tripolyphosphate binds to Ca2+ and
Mg2+, forming soluble chemical species, called complexes or chelates.
These complexes prevent the Ca2+ and Mg2+ from reacting with soap and
forming deposits.

Most phosphoric acid is used in the production of fertilizers.
Phosphorus is one of the elements essential for plant growth. Organic
phosphates are the compounds which provide the energy for most of the
chemical reactions that occur in living cells. Therefore, enriching
soils with phosphate fertilizers enhances plant growth.

Increasing the phosphate concentration in surface waters also enhances
the growth of aquatic plant life. Run-off from fertilized farm lands can
stimulate plant growth in lakes and streams. Waste water that contains
phosphates from detergents can have the same effect. Lakes that are rich
in plant nutrients suffer from accelerated eutrophication. When the lush
aquatic plant growth in a nutrient-rich lake dies, the decomposition of
the dead plant material consumes dissolved oxygen. This consumption
reduces the level of dissolved oxygen to a point where it is
insufficient to support animal life. To reduce the threat of lake
eutrophication, many localities have banned the use of phosphates in
detergents. In some cases, the phosphates have been replaced by
carbonates. In others, new detergents have been developed that do not
react with the Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions of hard water.

Bone meal (an organic source of phosphates), on the other hand, is not
very soluable a should be worked lightly into the soil so as not to
damage the roots.

- Billy
Coloribus gustibus non disputatum (mostly)

In alkaline soils such as commonly found in southern California and
other arid areas of the U.S. southwest, phosphoric acid is quickly
neutralized. This prevents phosphorus even from that source traveling
through the soil.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening pages at http://www.rossde.com/garden/

In article ,
"David E. Ross" wrote:

Billy Rose wrote:
In article ,
"David E. Ross" wrote:

George.com wrote:
A question for people in the know. What is the best time to apply P & K
during a plants growing cycle?

especially in relation to seeding plants like cucumbers & tomatos or root
vegetables like potatos etc.

Many thanks.
rob


Phosphorus does not dissolve and leach through the soil. Instead, it
needs to be dug into the soil to where plant roots will find it. Thus,
phosphorus should be applied before planting.

PO4 3- doesn't dissolve?

Pure anhydrous phosphoric acid is a white solid that melts at 42.35°C
to form a viscous liquid. In solution, phosphoric acid behaves as a
triprotic acid, having three ionizable hydrogen atoms. The hydrogen ions
are lost sequentially.
H3PO4(aq) H+(aq) + H2PO4¯(aq) Ka1 = 7.5 Å~ 10¯ 3
H2PO4¯(aq) H+(aq) + HPO42 ¯(aq) Ka2 = 6.2 Å~ 10¯ 8
HPO42 ¯(aq) H+(aq) + PO43¯(aq) Ka3 = 1.7 Å~ 10¯ 12

Phosphoric acid is not a particularly strong acid as indicated by its
first dissociation constant. It is a stronger acid than acetic acid but
weaker than sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Each successive
dissociation step occurs with decreasing ease. Thus, the ion H2PO4¯ is a
very weak acid and HPO42 ¯ is an extremely weak acid.

Replace the hydronium (H+) with a Na+ and you have essentially the same
thing, only it is in the east.

Phosphoric acid is used primarily in the manufacture of fertilizers,
detergents, and pharmaceuticals. In the steel industry, it is used to
clean and rust-proof the product. It is also used as a flavoring agent
in carbonated beverages (read the ingredients list on a can of
Coca-Cola), beer, jams and jellies, and cheeses. In foods, phosphoric
acid provides a tart, acidic flavor.

In the manufacture of detergents, phosphoric acid is used to produce
water softeners. Water softeners remove Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions from "hard"
water. If not removed, these hard-water ions react with soap and form
insoluble deposits that cling to laundry and the washing machine.
Phosphates produced from phosphoric acid are used extensively as water
softeners (builders) in detergents. The most widely used phosphorus
compound in solid detergent mixtures is sodium tripolyphosphate,
Na5P3O10. As a water softener, sodium tripolyphosphate binds to Ca2+ and
Mg2+, forming soluble chemical species, called complexes or chelates.
These complexes prevent the Ca2+ and Mg2+ from reacting with soap and
forming deposits.

Most phosphoric acid is used in the production of fertilizers.
Phosphorus is one of the elements essential for plant growth. Organic
phosphates are the compounds which provide the energy for most of the
chemical reactions that occur in living cells. Therefore, enriching
soils with phosphate fertilizers enhances plant growth.

Increasing the phosphate concentration in surface waters also enhances
the growth of aquatic plant life. Run-off from fertilized farm lands can
stimulate plant growth in lakes and streams. Waste water that contains
phosphates from detergents can have the same effect. Lakes that are rich
in plant nutrients suffer from accelerated eutrophication. When the lush
aquatic plant growth in a nutrient-rich lake dies, the decomposition of
the dead plant material consumes dissolved oxygen. This consumption
reduces the level of dissolved oxygen to a point where it is
insufficient to support animal life. To reduce the threat of lake
eutrophication, many localities have banned the use of phosphates in
detergents. In some cases, the phosphates have been replaced by
carbonates. In others, new detergents have been developed that do not
react with the Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions of hard water.

Bone meal (an organic source of phosphates), on the other hand, is not
very soluable a should be worked lightly into the soil so as not to
damage the roots.

- Billy
Coloribus gustibus non disputatum (mostly)

In alkaline soils such as commonly found in southern California and
other arid areas of the U.S. southwest, phosphoric acid is quickly
neutralized. This prevents phosphorus even from that source traveling
through the soil.


Look mate, we are talking fertilizer. We are talking PO4 -3 (phosphate,
not phosphorous which our military is keen on firing into highly
populated areas like Fallujah, which is a war crime because it kills
indiscriminately when it explodes into fire on contact with air. Do not
add phosphorous to your garden. ) Think, Rock Phosphate, Bone Meal,
Single Super Phosphate, or Triple Super Phosphate.

- Billy
Coloribus gustibus non disputatum (mostly)

In article ,
"George.com" wrote:

Bill. When you say bone meal is not very soluable, are we talking here
about:

1. Something that time will resolve, ie is it is slow release?
2. Or are we talking about something that is distance related, ie it will
not work down into the soil & plants root systems if used as a top dressing
(unless dragged down by worms maybe)?

Thanks
rob

We are talking not very, when talking about bone meal. Which is to say
it doesn't dissolve as quickly as sugar but much more quickly than
glass. Depending on its' formulation, phosphates can dissolve slowly or
quickly. Rock Phosphate, Bone Meal, Single Super Phosphate, Triple Super
Phosphate are your choices. Use half as much as the instructions say.
These folks depend on return customers, and the faster you use it, the
sooner you'll be back.

Hope I helped.

- Billy
Coloribus gustibus non disputatum (mostly)

In article ,
Kay Lancaster wrote:

On Sat, 9 Jun 2007 21:12:59 +1200, George.com wrote:
A question for people in the know. What is the best time to apply P & K
during a plants growing cycle?


Typically applied pre-planting to the expected root zone. But save yourself
the trouble of applying too much (many soils have plenty) -- get a
soil test. Saves water pollution, too.

Kay

Glacial soils tend to have very little. The upper midwest enjoyed
extensive glaciation in the recent past. Like Kay says, do a soil
test. (And shop around for one. The price can vary considerably.)

Fine Gardening carried an article on soil testing, written by
a soil scientist, last year. It might be on their website:
www.finegardening.com The article gave good instructions on
how to gather and prepare your sample.

Jan

In article
,
Billy Rose wrote:

In article ,
"David E. Ross" wrote:

Billy Rose wrote:
In article ,
"David E. Ross" wrote:

George.com wrote:

[...]

Look mate, we are talking fertilizer. We are talking PO4 -3 (phosphate,
not phosphorous which our military is keen on firing into highly
populated areas like Fallujah, which is a war crime because it kills
indiscriminately when it explodes into fire on contact with air. Do not
add phosphorous to your garden. ) Think, Rock Phosphate, Bone Meal,
Single Super Phosphate, or Triple Super Phosphate.

- Billy
Coloribus gustibus non disputatum (mostly)

Okay, here's an oddball question for you: can I use di-calcium phosphate
in the garden? I have a bunch of it, but the horse that I bought it
for (as a feed supplement) died. (He was in his 30's.)

I tried looking it up and couldn't find anything.

I'm using codfish bonemeal right now. Stinky stuff, but the organic
diva next door swears by it.

TIA,

Jan


"Civilization is the interval between Ice Ages." -- Will Durant.

In article ,
Jan Flora wrote:

In article
,
Billy Rose wrote:

In article ,
"David E. Ross" wrote:

Billy Rose wrote:
In article ,
"David E. Ross" wrote:

George.com wrote:

[...]

Look mate, we are talking fertilizer. We are talking PO4 -3 (phosphate,
not phosphorous which our military is keen on firing into highly
populated areas like Fallujah, which is a war crime because it kills
indiscriminately when it explodes into fire on contact with air. Do not
add phosphorous to your garden. ) Think, Rock Phosphate, Bone Meal,
Single Super Phosphate, or Triple Super Phosphate.

- Billy
Coloribus gustibus non disputatum (mostly)

Okay, here's an oddball question for you: can I use di-calcium phosphate
in the garden? I have a bunch of it, but the horse that I bought it
for (as a feed supplement) died. (He was in his 30's.)

I tried looking it up and couldn't find anything.

I'm using codfish bonemeal right now. Stinky stuff, but the organic
diva next door swears by it.

TIA,

Jan


"Civilization is the interval between Ice Ages." -- Will Durant.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dicalcium_phosphate

Dicalcium phosphate, also known as calcium monohydrogen phosphate, is a
dibasic, calcium phosphate.It is usually found as the dihydrate, with
the chemical formula of CaHPO4 € 2H2O, but it can be thermally converted
to the anhydrous form. It is practically insoluble in water, with a
solubility of 0.02 g per 100 ml at 25°C. It contains about 23 percent
calcium (dihydrate form), and is mainly used as a dietary supplement in
prepared breakfast cereals, enriched flour, and noodle products, and as
a tableting agent ( filler).

http://www.springerlink.com/content/t33v55v1h45n0814/

G. J. Racz1 and R. J. Soper1
(1) Department of Soil Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg,
Manitoba

Received: 9 July 1968
Summary The solubility of phosphorus was found to approximate that of
dicalcium phosphate dihydrate and/or dimagnesium phosphate trihydrate
when KH2-PO4, H3PO4 and K2HPO4 were added to four Manitoba soils. Eighty
to one hundred, seventy to ninety and sixty to eighty per cent of the
phosphorus added remained in solution when H3PO4, KH2PO4 and K2HPO4 were
added, respectively. The solubility of the added phosphorus was high in
all samples and relatively soluble compounds, dicalcium phosphate
dihydrate and dimagnesium phosphate trihydrate, were most likely formed
in the samples indicating that phosphorus added to these soils would be
readily available to plants.
Associate Professor and Professor respectively.

The short answer is yes.

I want to look at the disassociation constants but from the two articles
above, I don't see a problem.

- Bill
Coloribus gustibus non disputatum (mostly)

"Billy Rose" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"George.com" wrote:

Bill. When you say bone meal is not very soluable, are we talking here
about:

1. Something that time will resolve, ie is it is slow release?
2. Or are we talking about something that is distance related, ie it
will
not work down into the soil & plants root systems if used as a top
dressing
(unless dragged down by worms maybe)?

Thanks
rob

We are talking not very, when talking about bone meal. Which is to say
it doesn't dissolve as quickly as sugar but much more quickly than
glass. Depending on its' formulation, phosphates can dissolve slowly or
quickly. Rock Phosphate, Bone Meal, Single Super Phosphate, Triple Super
Phosphate are your choices. Use half as much as the instructions say.
These folks depend on return customers, and the faster you use it, the
sooner you'll be back.

Hope I helped.

yeah, sort of, thanks. Maybe just given me an extra variable to think about
but so be it. I use blood & bone on the lawn sometimes however the
phosphoros likely doesn't break down quickly enough to benefit grass seeding
in early spring. I ain't going to till it in neither as it is the lawn.
Obviously dig in a little when planting veges however.

I also use wood ash which is good for K but which I think is much more
readily available to plants. I am considering trying that out on the lawn as
well in smallish amounts. It will slightly alter the soil ph but that is ok
given slightly acidic soils.

rob

"George.com" wrote in message
...

"Billy Rose" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"George.com" wrote:

Bill. When you say bone meal is not very soluable, are we talking here
about:

1. Something that time will resolve, ie is it is slow release?
2. Or are we talking about something that is distance related, ie it
will
not work down into the soil & plants root systems if used as a top
dressing
(unless dragged down by worms maybe)?

Thanks
rob

We are talking not very, when talking about bone meal. Which is to say
it doesn't dissolve as quickly as sugar but much more quickly than
glass. Depending on its' formulation, phosphates can dissolve slowly or
quickly. Rock Phosphate, Bone Meal, Single Super Phosphate, Triple Super
Phosphate are your choices. Use half as much as the instructions say.
These folks depend on return customers, and the faster you use it, the
sooner you'll be back.

Hope I helped.

yeah, sort of, thanks. Maybe just given me an extra variable to think
about
but so be it. I use blood & bone on the lawn sometimes however the
phosphoros likely doesn't break down quickly enough to benefit grass
seeding
in early spring.

though maybe a mid autumn application may do the job.

rob