JBP Organic fert in open soil

[RoadManDenDron]

I have been alternating through ferts i have available with my JBP in very open soil and today it struck me,

Is it a waste of time using liquid organic? does it wash out before it has time to be broken down in the soil

Sorry to tag but @leatherback your very informative fertiliser vid sent me down this thought path so maybe you can enlighten me!

 

[Wulfskaar]

I think a lot gets wasted as it drains through the soil, but some will be retained in pores in soil particles and in organics like bark. It might be more efficient to use solid fertilizer.

 

[leatherback]

When I use liquid fertilizer, I usually water first, then fertilize. I tell myself that that way the fertilizer has tie to bind to material in the substrate, and wash out as quickly. My trees love the fertilizer so it cannot be too mch that washes out.

 

[Shibui]

Much depends on the soil type. Most soils have some particles - clays and humus that have high CEC (cation exchange capacity). Those particles catch and hold nutrients against leaching. I guess it will depend on how open your open soil actually is.
Even liquid organics will spend some time in the soil, taking longer to move through soil than through pots. Pretty sure that most liquid organic fert will already have immediately available nutrients. What is it that you are using?
Without seeing and feeling the soil type I'd say that liquid organic is probably still useful but I'd also back that up with some slower release solid ferts.

 

[Paradox]

I've used liquid fertilizer on my open, inorganic soil as well. I also water first before applying. Some is retained in the soil before the next watering. I've seen positive responses to using it so the trees must be getting some of it

 

[RoadManDenDron]

I also believe I seen some positive responses to the organic back when it was the only fert I used (with humic) but my understanding was that it took a matter of weeks to be available,

Thanks all for advice I will continue to use and will add a little slow release solid organic too,

I alternate my feeds in rotation for a mix of micros but just wanted to check I wasn't wasting the organic as I also use it on my veg haha