Biotone Fertilizer provides nutrition and nourishment to plants. It’s the most basic starter plant food. It has a mix of natural and organic ingredients consisting of microorganisms like mycorrhizae, microbes and humates. These feed the plant in order to make it stronger, healthier, and deeper.
- Mycorrhizae is a scientific meaning of fungus root. It’s a relationship between plant roots and fungi. The fungus helps the roots by enhancing its area below the plant through the use of nutrients like water and phosphorus for the soil, and the plant is a support for the fungus by pumping carbohydrates like organic molecules (eg; sugar) for fungal growth. This process constructs a healthy and wider root system for the plant, thus making it stronger. Water absorption and its utilisation is a major advantage of this process as well, which benefits the biotone fertiliser.
- In addition, Microbes which are part of a Biotone Fertilizer are generally known as any microorganisms that are too small to see with the naked eye, which is why a microscope is used to view them. This includes cells such as single-cell eukaryotes, which are cells with a single nucleus. However, microorganisms like bacteria or archaea (prokaryotes – single-celled organisms) are included too.
- Humates, on the other hand, are made from humus. This is the sole organic fraction of soil and humates are the organic matter which form this. This consists of humic substances found commonly in all types of soils on Earth, which benefits and boosts plant health. Humates are formed naturally from humification, which is the process by which the remains of plant (and some animal) life create organic matter over several years. This makes it like a decomposed organic matter which is good for biotone fertiliser.
Besides the aforementioned microbes, Biotone Fertilizer also consists of chemicals (all of different ratios) to help enhance its use. This includes chemicals like 4% nitrogen, and 3% phosphate, as well as other chemicals for the Biotone Fertilizer like sulphur, magnesium and calcium.
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How to use Biotone Fertiliser?
One of the most popular brands for the Biotone Fertilizer is the Espoma Organic Biotone Fertilizer. A four-pound (approximately 1.8kg) pack of fertiliser will usually cost around 17.50 dollars or 1454 rupees. A pack of 5 ounces is sufficient enough for a plant of 2-3 gallons. The bio tone fertiliser can be incorporated into plants in different ways, depending on the type of plant.
- For flowers (or flower beds), 4 pounds (or 12 cups) should be mixed into 4 to 6 inches per 100 square feet of soil before planting
- In the case of shrubs and trees, the Biotone Fertilizer should be mixed into the soil used to refill the planting hole.
- Also, plants which are in containers can welcome the Biotone Fertilizer by mixing it into the soil deeply before planting.
- For New Lawns, around 25 pounds per 1000 square feet should be given, before the seeding process
Espoma, which is a popular brand of biotone fertiliser, has a very useful website which explains exactly how it should be used. After all, this plant food is highly beneficial for the plant and its growth therefore the correct way of using it should be known to the consumer.
How is it made?
Firstly, the main raw materials required for the production of the Biotone Fertilizer are organic waste and microorganisms. Therefore, the microorganisms must be added to the organic fertiliser. The steps for manufacturing include:
- Fermentation of the materials
- Crushing of the fermented materials
- Incorporating live microorganisms and bacteria into the fertiliser
- Mixing all ingredients well
- Granulation
- Screening and coating the fertiliser
Therefore, there is a whole production process to make this crucial plant food, and the machines used to manufacture this (in factories) include:
- Compost turning machines
- Shredders for the fertiliser
- Mixers
- Granulators
- Drum screening machine (for separation of the product)
- Coating machine
In continuation, the fermentation of the biological waste is a key step to initiate the process of manufacturing the Biotone Fertilizer. Using biological waste (such as manure from poultry and animals) can be harmful to the environment if not properly disposed of. Subsequently, a safe step for this fermentation is to use a windrow type for composting the biological waste. By piling up the waste, the pile of compost will be placed deeply. Then, the compost is turned and aspects like temperature, amount of oxygen, and moisture can be taken care of.
Some things to take care of during the manufacturing process of the bio tone fertiliser are:
- Choosing the right microorganisms: selecting functional microorganisms according to the Biotone Fertilizer. The typical traits of the ideal microorganisms are high-temperature resistance and a high survival rate
- Controlling temperature and water content: These two traits impact the lifespan and growth of the microorganisms, so they must be kept in a sufficient range. For example, live bacteria cannot survive temperatures higher than 65 degrees, hence temperature must be adjusted.
- Another point is to keep in mind that the production of biological fertilisers affects the quality of the fertiliser. So, choosing equipment which is high in quality and gets the job done efficiently, will lead to minimal damage to the raw materials/ingredients, thus leading to a high-quality Biotone Fertilizer.
Advantages v/s Disadvantages of Biotone Fertilizer:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Improves the soil | It increases the crop production which ends up being with synthetic/chemical fertilisers |
| Non-toxic for plants | Chances of limited shelf life |
| Economically efficient | Bad odour |
| Affordable | Not suitable for too hot or dry conditions (soil) |
| Eco-friendly and sustainable | Very large quantity in need |
| More suitable than chemical fertilisers | Sometimes it’s not as useful as specific fertilisers, such as those with symbiotic microorganisms |
The Biotone Fertilizer, when stored in a dry place, can have an unlimited shelf life which is one of its major advantages. However, the microbes in the biotone fertiliser should ideally be used before the date of expiry if given. In case the bio tone fertiliser bag is now wet, it indicates a loss of nutrients and the potential forming of clumps in the material.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):-
1. What is Biotone fertilizer?
A. Biotone is a specialized fertilizer produced by Espoma, a company known for its organic gardening products. It’s designed to provide plants with a balanced blend of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with beneficial microbes.
2. How does Biotone fertilizer work?
A. Biotone fertilizer works by delivering essential nutrients to plants while also promoting healthy soil biology. It contains a proprietary blend of beneficial microbes that help improve soil structure, increase nutrient availability, and support plant growth.
3. Is Biotone fertilizer organic?
A. Yes, Biotone fertilizer is organic and made from natural ingredients. It’s formulated without synthetic chemicals, making it safe for use in organic gardening practices.
4. What type of plants can I use Biotone fertilizer on?
A. Biotone fertilizer is suitable for use on a wide variety of plants, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, and trees. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, making it versatile for different gardening needs.
5. When should I apply Biotone fertilizer?
A. Biotone fertilizer can be applied when planting new plants, during the growing season, or as a supplement to existing fertilizer regimens. For best results, follow the recommended application rates and timing provided on the product label.
6. How do I apply Biotone fertilizer?
A. Biotone fertilizer can be applied by mixing it into the soil at the time of planting, broadcasting it around established plants, or incorporating it into potting mixes for container gardening. Be sure to water the soil thoroughly after application to activate the beneficial microbes.
7. What are the benefits of using Biotone fertilizer?
A. Using Biotone fertilizer provides several benefits, including improved soil health, enhanced nutrient uptake by plants, increased resistance to stress and disease, and overall better plant growth and performance.
8. Can Biotone fertilizer be used in combination with other fertilizers?
A. Yes, Biotone fertilizer can be used in conjunction with other fertilizers, including organic and synthetic options. However, it’s essential to avoid over-fertilizing and to follow the recommended application rates for each product.
9. Is Biotone fertilizer safe for pets and wildlife?
A. Biotone fertilizer is made from natural ingredients and is generally safe for pets and wildlife when used as directed. However, it’s always a good idea to store fertilizers securely and keep pets away from freshly treated areas until the product has been watered in.
10. Where can I purchase Biotone fertilizer?
A. Biotone fertilizer is available at garden centers, nurseries, home improvement stores, and online retailers. It’s typically sold in various package sizes to accommodate different gardening needs. Be sure to check the expiration date and store the fertilizer in a cool, dry place until ready for use.