Feather Meal - Frankia Fertilizers

Feather Meal is an exceptional organic fertilizer, recognized as one of the highest percentage sources of natural organic nitrogen, a nutrient crucial for robust vegetative growth in plants. Unlike Blood Meal, Feather Meal breaks down more slowly in the soil, providing a natural slow-release of nitrogen. This slow-release characteristic makes Feather Meal an ideal choice for gardeners looking to provide a steady supply of nitrogen to their plants while mitigating the risk of nutrient burn. Its potency requires careful application, but its slow-release nature helps reduce the likelihood of over-fertilization.

What Is Feather Meal and Where Does It Come From?

Feather Meal is a by-product of the animal agriculture industry, primarily sourced from chickens. The feathers collected from slaughterhouses undergo hydrolysis, a process that uses steam to break down protein chains into smaller chains and individual amino acids. After hydrolysis, the feathers are sterilized and dried, creating a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer without the need for additional additives or processes. Frankia sources its pure Feather Meal from the Alberta poultry industry, ensuring a high-quality, sustainably sourced product.

Usage in Fertilizer: While Feather Meal is commonly used in animal feed, when repurposed as an organic fertilizer, it enriches the soil by releasing its nutrients slowly, which are then absorbed by plants and the soil food web. This sustainable practice diverts Feather Meal from animal feed into a valuable resource for soil health and plant growth.

Nutrient Profile and Benefits

High Nitrogen Content: Feather Meal is particularly valued for its high nitrogen content, making it an excellent choice for promoting vigorous vegetative growth. Nitrogen is essential for the development of lush, green foliage and overall plant vitality.

Slow Release: One of the key benefits of Feather Meal is its slow breakdown in the soil, which provides a steady, prolonged release of nitrogen. This characteristic helps sustain plant growth over time and reduces the risk of burning plants due to over-application.

Organic Fertilizer: Feather Meal is a fully organic product, hydrolyzed, sterilized, and dried without any chemical additives. It is an environmentally friendly option for gardeners seeking to maintain organic and sustainable practices.

Application Recommendations

Feather Meal can be used in various gardening applications, including garden beds, top dressing, and soil premixing. The following application rates are recommended to ensure optimal plant growth while minimizing the risk of over-fertilization.

In the Garden: Apply Feather Meal at a rate of up to 10kg per 100m² (22lbs per 1000ft²). This application can be done 1-2 times per year, depending on the nitrogen needs of the plants.

Top Dressing: For individual plants, apply 15-30ml (1-2 tablespoons) per plant, or 15ml per 4L (1 tablespoon per gallon) of soil once every 6-8 weeks. This method provides a gradual nitrogen boost to support ongoing vegetative growth.

Premixing Soil: When preparing soil for planting, mix 30-60ml per 4L (2-4 tablespoons per gallon) of soil. For larger volume soil mixing, add up to 5kg (11lbs) per cubic yard of soil. This helps to enrich the soil with nitrogen before planting, ensuring strong, healthy growth.

Alternative Nitrogen Sources

For those who prefer to avoid animal by-products, there are alternative sources of nitrogen that can be used in place of Feather Meal. These include locally sourced compost or plant meals such as Alfalfa Meal, Soybean Meal, Cottonseed Meal, or Neem Meal. Each of these alternatives provides a natural source of nitrogen, supporting sustainable and organic gardening practices.

Recommendation

Feather Meal is a powerful and effective organic fertilizer, offering one of the highest natural sources of nitrogen. Its slow-release characteristics make it an excellent choice for providing sustained nutrition to plants, promoting vigorous vegetative growth without the risk of nutrient burn. Whether you are a home gardener or a commercial grower, Feather Meal is a valuable tool for enhancing soil fertility and supporting plant health. We highly recommend Feather Meal for anyone looking to boost their plants' nitrogen levels with a reliable, slow-release organic fertilizer.