List of Organic amendments from the textbook
Growing Fruits and Vegetables, Organically
Alfalfa Meal (2.7-0.6-2.2)
Other Nutrients: 0.2%Sulfur, micro-nutrients
C/N Ratio: 15
Contains growth stimulants
Blood Meal (13-2-0)
Other Nutrients: not a significant source of other nutrients
C/N Ratio: 3
Rapidly available N, stimulates microbes
Bone Meal (3-15-0.5)
Other Nutrients: 24% Calcium
Rapidly available P source, mildly increases pH
Compost (homemade) (1-0.5-1) to (2-1-2)
Other Nutrients: 0.4% sulfur, 0.2% calcium, 0.1%magnesium
C/N Ratio: 10-17
Balanced, slow release. good choice for busy gardeners.
Compost (commercial, dry) (1-0.8-1)
Other Nutrients: 0.4% sulfur, 0.2% calcium, 0.1%magnesium
C/N Ratio: 10-17
Balanced, slow release. good choice for busy gardeners.
Cottonseed Meal (6-2-2)
C/N Ratio: 7
Rapidly available N source. May contain pesticides.
Egg Shells (1.2-0.4-0.1)
Other Nutrients: 0.4% calcium; micronutrients
Should be crushed, good compost addition
Epsom Salts (0-0-0)
Other Nutrients: 13% Sulfur, 10% Magnesium
Rapidly available S and Mg source
Feather Meal (11-0-0)
C/N Ratio: 4
Rapidly available N source
Fish Emulsion (5-2-2)
Other Nutrients: 5% Sulfur
C/N Ratio: 4
Rapidly available N source
Fish Meal (10-4-4)
C/N ratio: 4
Rapidly available N source
Grass Clippings (fresh) (0.7-0.3-0.
Other Nutrients: 0.1%Sulfur, 0.2%calcium, 0.1%mg
C/N Ratio: 33
Balanced, slow release
Greensand (0-0-7)
Other Nutrients: micro-nutrients, silicate
Very slowly available source of K. Use to build reserves.
Gypsum (0-0-0)
Other Nutrients: 17%sulfur, 22%calcium
Slowly available source of S and Ca. Does not affect pH. Improves soil structure. Increase plant growth in acidic soils.
Kelp Meal (1-0.2-2)
Other Nutrients: 3%Sulfur, micro-nutrients
Slow release of K and micro-nutrients, contains growth stimulants.
Oyster Shell Flour (0-0-0)
Other Nutrients: 38%calcium, 1%magnesium
Slow release of Calcium, used to increase pH
Lime (dolomitic) (0-0-0)
Other Nutrients: 20%calcium, 10%magnesium
Slow release of Calcium and magnesium. Used to increase pH.
Limestone (high-Ca) (0-0-0)
Other Nutrients: 26-36%Calcium, 2-7%magnesium
Slow release of calcium, used to increase pH.
Manure (cow, dry) (2-1-2.4)
Other Nutrients: 0.5%sulfur, 0.2%calcium, micro-nutrients
C/N Ratio: 18
Best when composted.
Manure (horse) (2-1-2.5)
Other Nutrients: 1%sulfer, 0.2%calcium, micro-nutrients
C/N Ratio: 22
Slow release when dry, rapid release when fresh
Manure (poultry, dry) (4-3-1)
Other Nutrients: 0.2%Sulfur, 0.2%calcium, 0.3%magnesium
C/N Ratio: 7
Very rapidly available N and P. Should be composted. fresh manure will burn plants.
Oak Leaves (0.8-0.4-0.1)
Micro-nutrients
Very slow release, improves soil structure
Orchard Grass (Hay) (2-0.6-2.7)
Other Nutrients: 0.3%Sulfur
C/N Ratio: 24
Balanced, slow release. May need rapidly available N source added.
Rock Phosphate (0-[15]-0)
Other Nutrients: [33]%calcium, micro-nutrients
Slowly available P and Ca. Will increase pH. Used to build reserves.
Sawdust (0.2-0.2-0.3)
C/N Ratio: very high
Use only when well rotted. Add a rapidly available N source. good soil conditioner and mulch for acid loving plants.
Soybean Meal (6-1-2)
Other Nutrients: 0.8%magnesium, micro-nutrients
C/N Ratio; 7
Rapidly available N
Sul-Po-Mag (Langbeinite) (0-0-22)
Other Nutrients: 19%sulfur, 10%magnesium
Rapidly available K and Mg. Don't use with dolomitic lime.
Wheat Straw (0.6-0.2-1)
Other Nutrients: 0.2%sulfur, 0.2%calcium, 0.05%magnesium, micro-nutrients
C/N Ratio: 78
Very slow release, used to improve soil structure. Should be applied with a rapidly available N source
Wood Ashes (0-1.6-5)
Other Nutrients: 15%calcium, micro-nutrients
Low P content. but rapidly available. Good source of K and Ca. Will increase pH. Can injure microorganisms. do not use more than 1/2-3/4 lb per 100 square feet.