Content
- 1 Characteristics and composition of Osmokot fertilizer
- 2 Forms of release and types of Osmokot
- 3 Advantages and disadvantages
- 4 For which plants can Osmocot be used?
- 5 How to calculate the dosage of Osmocote
- 6 How to use Osmocot
- 7 How to use Osmocote (TB)
- 8 How can I replace Osmocote?
- 9 Conclusion
- 10 Reviews of long-acting fertilizer Osmokot
Osmokot fertilizer is a product of the latest technology developed by scientists to care for plants of any kind. The long-lasting action of the components and the high effect of use have allowed the product to gain popularity among gardeners.
Characteristics and composition of Osmokot fertilizer
The drug contains mineral fertilizer, has a complex composition and prolonged action.
The use of Osmocote gives a clearly positive result:
- Plants are fed evenly throughout the growing season and receive a full range of nutrients for 1.5 years.
- The composition contains optimal proportions between the main components, macro- and microelements.
- The development of seedlings and adult specimens is significantly accelerated.
- The process of releasing nutrients begins immediately after the capsule enters the soil.
- Productivity increases, and the ability of plants to resist pests and diseases increases.
The action of “Osmokot” is based on the phenomenon of osmosis, the solvent is water, and the semi-permeable shell is the double organic coating of the capsules. The release of useful substances occurs already during the first watering. This is what makes Osmokot radically different from other long-acting mineral-based fertilizers. Subsequently, the internal membrane swells from water, and the flow of nutritional components evenly flows to the root system.
Upon contact with water, the film begins to allow moisture to pass through, the nutrients dissolve, enter the soil and saturate the roots.
Fertilizer "Osmokot" ensures uniform nutrition of plants throughout the season
Manufacturers produce a whole line of Osmokot drugs. The percentage of components must be indicated on the packaging. This simplifies the process of choosing a product for gardeners.
List of elements contained in the fertilizer:
- nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K);
- boron (B);
- iron (Fe);
- copper (Cu);
- magnesium (Mg);
- molybdenum (Mo);
- zinc (Zn);
- manganese (Mn).
The exact list is on the packaging.
What is the difference between Bazakot and Osmokot fertilizers?
Both types are classified as long-acting agents. The method of application does not differ significantly. Discrepancies can only be in the form of release. “Osmoscot” comes in capsules and pressed granules, “Bazacot” also comes in tablets. Some volumes require the use of about two or three granules. "Bazakot" works for a long time, and "Osmokot" comes in short and long action.
Using “Bazakot” is beneficial for small-volume flower pots
Forms of release and types of Osmokot
The drug is produced in the form of pellets or granules. The size variation is not great - 1.8-4 mm.
Types are distinguished by color, for example:
- Granules with an activity of 3-4 months are colored red.
- A brown tone indicates a feeding period of 5-6 months.
- Blue balls are designed for 8-9 months.
- Yellow granules last up to 14 months.
- The maximum service life of violet-colored granules is about 1.5 years.
The photo shows the period of action of Osmokot:
Variations of the produced fertilizer differ in the ratio of the main components (NPK)
For crops, you should select a specific “Osmocote” category:
- Recommended for flowerbed crops.
- PRO 3-4M. Useful for early varieties due to its high nitrogen content.
- PRO 5-6M. Used for any crops that consume a lot of nitrogen.
- Exact Standard 3-4M. The most balanced composition makes this type universal.
- Exact Standard 5-6M. Recommended for crops of any class.
- Exact Hi End 5-6M. It is considered the most effective of the line. Delivers the bulk of the nutritional components in the second half of the plant growing season.
- Exact Standard High K 5-6M. The optimal type of “Osmocote” as a fertilizer for indoor plants. It contains a lot of potassium.
- Exact Standard High K 8-9M. Gardeners use it to increase yield.
- PrePlant 16-18M. Recommended for application during planting; it lasts for 2 growing seasons.
The proportions of the main components for different types of fertilizers differ; manufacturers indicate them on the product packaging. The activity of the drug depends on the amount of watering.
The dose of fertilizer depends on the soil on which the crop is grown
Advantages and disadvantages
To make the right choice, it is important for gardeners to know the pros and cons of fertilizer.
The main advantages of Osmokot:
- Each granule contains all the elements necessary for plants. The production of fertilizers with different proportions simplifies the selection of a nutrient mixture for a specific crop.
- Ability to control the release of nutrients.
- High digestibility of components; they are not washed out of the soil.
- There is no risk of overdose of substances when applied locally.
- Possibility to separate watering and fertilizing.
- Versatility of use for various soils and any crops.
- Convenience and safety of use.
Among the disadvantages, the only noteworthy thing to note is the dependence on temperature, which affects the validity period.
For which plants can Osmocot be used?
The area of use is very large, there are practically no restrictions. Fertilizer is applied during cultivation:
- greenhouse crops;
- decorative and fruit;
- flower beds;
- forest, container;
- vegetable, cereal and flower crops.
You can also fertilize hydroponic indoor plants.
How to calculate the dosage of Osmocote
The fertilizer rate depends on the volume of soil into which the drug is applied, as well as the size, condition and age of the seedling. The ambient temperature should be taken into account. The higher it is, the smaller the dose needs to be applied. Large plants require higher dosages. Calculation of the Osmocote norm must be done taking into account all these conditions. If you decide to apply a full dose of fertilizer, then manufacturers recommend using the drug “Osmocot Exakt”.
How to use Osmocot
There are several options for administering the drug. Osmocote works well for:
- Mixing with soil substrate. This is the simplest method that provides good results.After mixing the fertilizer with a moist substrate, it must be used within 2 weeks.
- Add to the hole when planting. After this, the fertilizer must be sprinkled with a substrate to protect the roots. You can use mechanical dispensers to fill planting pots with soil.
- Adding to the pot. The method is suitable for salt-sensitive plants or when planting unrooted cuttings. Granules are applied on both sides of the crop; it is best to use Osmocot Exakt.
- Addition using equipment - injection method. Used in the second year of growing greenery.
- Surface application using a measuring spoon or dosing tube. Suitable for large volume pots.
For indoor plants and flowers
In this case, any option is suitable.
It is better to remove the granules with a special spatula so as not to crush them
The general recommendation is that 1.5-3 g of fat is required per 1 liter of pot volume. For example, for violets it is better to take Osmokot Exact Standard High K 5-6M fertilizer. High potassium content will ensure high-quality flowering.
Application of "Osmokot" for hanging flowers:
For garden flowers
For annuals and perennials, you can use Bloom 2-3M, Exact Standard High K 5-6M or 8-9M. It is brought into the planting hole. The norm is 1.5-3.5 kg per 1 cubic meter. m. For tall roses you need 20 g of Osmocote per plant.
For vegetables
Surface application and addition during planting are the most acceptable options. Loosen the soil first. Calculate the dosage for each type according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
For ornamental shrubs
Fertilizer is added to the area around the trunk on both sides of the plant or when planting a seedling. The distance from the trunk to the application site must be at least 20 cm.
For fruit and berry crops
From the line it is better to take the PRO 3-4M packaging and add 2 g per 1 l, Exact Standard High K 8-9M or 5-6M - the proportion is 3 g per 1 l, Exact Standard 5-6M is enough 1.5 g per 1 l , PRO 5-6M only 2 g per 1 liter is recommended.
For cereals
For winter crops, a fertilizer with effect for 5-6 months is recommended. It is necessary to apply in the fall before sowing, then the activity of the drug will begin in the spring when the snow melts.
How to use Osmocote (TB)
The naturalness of the composition does not give the right to ignore safety rules. The granules are added in pure form without dissolving in water. At this moment it is necessary:
- Wear gloves, a bandage over your mouth and nose, and eye glasses.
- Carefully remove the drug with a spatula so as not to crush them with your fingers.
- Store the remaining product in the dark and in a tightly closed container.
The granules should also be protected from moisture.
How can I replace Osmocote?
Fertilizers can serve as a quality replacement for the drug:
- Bazacot.
- Multicat.
- Agroblen.
- Plantacott.
- Windsor.
Royal Mix Push works well for indoor plants, and Magic Grow (in sticks) for flowering plants.
Osmokot's analogues
There are no full-fledged analogues on sale yet, but there are worthy substitutes. Such products include “Multicot”, “Agroblen”, “Plantakot”, as well as “Landscape Pro” and “Ekote”.
Conclusion
Osmokot fertilizer is the latest development of modern scientists. The drug is manufactured taking into account the basic nutritional requirements of crops. Proper use of the product will significantly increase the basic parameters of plants - productivity, decorativeness and taste.
