Natural farming input that helps develop plant structure for fruit bearing

By: Ellaine Kryss Hubilla

Calphos, a concoction made from eggshells, bones, and vinegar, is rich in natural minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Calphos is used to treat calcium-deficient soil and is best to use in plants that are just entering the flowering cycle.

Flower initiation, the development from vegetative to reproductive growth in plants, results in various changes in the process of acquiring nutrients and other beneficial materials. Phosphorus is responsible for improving the function of the root system during the flower initiation stage, allowing plants to access better water and nutrients from the soil. While the Calcium is responsible for strengthening the plant by stabilizing its structure including the roots, stems, and leaves that will support the production of heavy fruit or flower.

Materials: (adding eggshells is optional)

3 kilograms of cow bones

27 liters of pure coconut vinegar

Empty plastic pail

Porous paper (newspaper, cardboard)

Preparation:

1. Clean and wash the bones properly. Cook the bones in a broth and add spices.
2. Remove all meat and fat thoroughly. These are consumable by humans. Enjoy!
3. Wash and clean the leftover bones then put the bones above fired charcoal and wait until the remaining fat is drained.
4. Remove the bones when they’re brownish in color. Make sure that they don’t turn black, because that’s an indication of overcooked bones.
5. Cool it for 10 to 20 minute . Wash again to remove excess oil and if necessary, drain the excess water.
6. Put the bones inside the plastic pail and add 27 liters of pure coconut vinegar without any artificial color.
7. Cover the mixture using two layers of porous paper then label it with the name and date of fermentation.
8. Open the container after 30 days. Filter the liquid and transfer it into a new empty plastic bottle. Do not close the lid by approximately one complete twist so fermentation can continue.
9. After one week, completely close the lid if mixture has stopped bubbling. 

Dosage: 

Mix 2 tablespoons of CalPhos with 1 liter of clean water. In severe cases, double the dosage.

Application: 

For Animals – mix with drinking water using the same dosage 2 times a week. It can also be mixed with the feeds at the same frequency.

For Plants – prepare the same dosage and spray at the plants’ base 1 to 3 times a week.

From Engr. Martina Reyna’s lecture on Organic Farming for Newbies held at Agriculture Training Institute.