Formula For COF (Complete Organic Fertilizer)

[Watchman]

I'm reading a book called 'Gardening When It Counts: Growing Food in Hard Times' and I was fascinated by this formula for complete organic fertilizer. The book is written by Steve Soloman who is the founder of the Territorial Seed Company.

Mix fairly uniformly in parts by volume:

4 parts any kind of seedmeal except coprameal (coprameal is made from coconut shells)

OR

3 parts any seedmeal (except coprameal) and 1 part "tankage" (sometimes called "blood and bone" or "meatmeal"). This higher-nitrogen option is better for leafy crops in spring.

OR

4.5 parts less-potent coprameal, supplemented with 1.5 parts tankage to boost nitrogen content.

BLEND WITH

1/4 part ordinary agricultural lime, best finely ground.

AND

1/4 part gypsum (if you don't use gypsum, double the quantity of agricultural lime)

AND

1/2 part dolomite lime

PLUS (FOR THE BEST RESULTS)

1 part of any one of these phosphorous sources: finely ground rock phosphate (there are two equally useful kinds of rock phosphate, "hard" or "soft"), bonemeal, or high-phosphate guano 1/2 to 1 part kelpmeal or 1 part basalt dust

[fern]

Dolomite in any form is very dangerous for your soils. There are better and safer alternatives.

[Watchman]

OK fern, why is it dangerous? Inquiring minds want to know.

[Watchman]

I've answered my own question. One size doe not work for all. Because you easterners generally do not have the soil problems we have in the west, I will continue using gypsum for five or so years to:

Help get rid of the acidity.
Tone down the alkaline properties.
Break up the clay and improve drainage.

Because dolomite sometimes is a common ingredient in vitamins, I probably would not use it but as a soil additive, probably:

http://www.basic-info-4-organic-fertili ... ypsum.html

[fern]

Any additives such as soft rock phosphate and high calcium lime should be added to a garden in the fall including your compost material. Till into the top 4 inches and let it sit all winter. Only chicken manure should be added in the spring. Till again and let it sit for two weeks. Plant away!