Re: Phosphorus questions
iris@hort.net
  • Subject: Re: Phosphorus questions
  • From: L* M* <l*@lock-net.com>
  • Date: Sun, 08 Apr 2012 06:13:30 -0400
I think the problem with 'burning' plants or hurting any soil biota would come from either using too much in the whole bed or spilling it somewhere. A spilled sack of fertilizer will certainly kill the grass & probably wouldn't make the worms very happy either!
With very small seedlings, it would take a relatively small amount of salt (i.e., superphosphate or any kind of concentrated fertilizer) in direct contact with baby roots to fry them. But mixed in, maybe a day ahead, shouldn't be a problem even with small seedlings.
Because triple superphosphate is more concentrated and made to be soluble, there would theoretically be more risk, but like Dave says, seems unlikely to be a problem with normal applications.
I'm curious - where did the idea that phosphorous might be harmful to earthworms come from? 

Linda Mann east TN USA zone 7

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