Bat WHAT?!?!?
Guano is the dry excrement or feces from wild insect-eating bats. Yes, that’s poop. Before we dig too far into these creatures and their poop, let me explain what the numbers on the bags of fertilizers mean and why Bat Guano is an excellent choice as a fertilizer.
The Good, The Bad, And The Poop
All fertilizer labels have three bold numbers. For example: 3-5-3, 4-1-5, 10-10-10. These are NPK values. The three numbers on fertilizer represent the value of three beneficial macronutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The higher the number, the more concentrated the nutrient is in the fertilizer.
All plants need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow. Without enough of any one of these nutrients, a plant will fail.
Nitrogen (N) – nitrogen is largely responsible for the growth of leaves on the plant.
Phosphorus (P) – Phosphorus is largely responsible for root growth and flower and fruit development.
Potassium (K) – Potassium is a nutrient that helps the overall functions of the plant perform correctly.
Knowing the NPK values of a fertilizer can help you select one that is appropriate for the type of plant you are growing. For example, if you are growing leafy vegetables, you may want to apply a fertilizer that has a higher nitrogen number to encourage leafy growth. If you are growing flowers, you may want to apply a fertilizer that has a higher phosphorus number to encourage more blooms.
Back To Bats
According to the NPK of Organic Espoma Bat Guano, its concentration ingredients are 10-3-1. The higher nitrogen levels are responsible for fast, green growth. Phosphorus aids with root and flower development while potassium provides for the plant’s overall health.
Typically, this fertilizer is applied in smaller quantities than other types of manure. There are several uses for Bat dung:
- Bat Guano is a suitable fertilizer for plants and lawns, making them healthy and green. It’s fast-acting, has little odor, and can be worked into the soil prior to planting or during active growth.
- Bat Guano can be used as a soil conditioner, enriching the soil and improving drainage and texture.
- Bat Guano can be used as a natural fungicide and controls nematodes ( a microscopic worm which causes root knots)
- Bat guano makes an acceptable compost activator, speeding up the decomposition.
- Bat Guano can be made into compost tea, which provides for deep root feeding.
Using bat guano compost tea on foliage aids in the prevention of fungal diseases. Additionally, it has the benefit of not only nourishing the soil and plants, but also has been said to have “bioremediation properties” in PH balanced soils. Simply put, the bat dung can aid in cleansing soils made toxic by the application of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers.
Thanks Espoma!
Espoma Organic Bat Guano Dry Plant Food – Espoma organic bat guano. Derived from wild insect eating bats. Provides organic nitrogen that helps plants develop a deep green color while producing rapid growth. Contains phosphorous that promotes root growth and flowering. – Formulation/Analysis: 10-3-1, Size: 1.25 lb, Fully Organic
Espoma Bat Guano:
- All Natural & Organic
- Provide all major nutrients: 10-3-1
- Use in Gardens & Containers
- Use to make compost tea
- In 1.25 lb. bags
So stop into Koopman lumber and check out our entire line of a Espoma Organic products for your garden. We have the products and expertise you need to help you make your garden a success.
Wrap Up
So, Bat poop huh? A bit more exciting sounding for your garden then when we started! Don’t stop there though, Koopman now carries Espoma Organic Lawn Care product , such as their Organic 4 -Step Program, Organic Lawn Food, Espoma Organic “Lightning Lime, Organic Weed Preventer, to mention just a few! The list goes on and on! Make sure you stop by our website at koopmanlumber.com and find the store nearest you so you can come check it out!
