Can you water plants with meat water: myth or reality

06.06.2024 14:00

There are many myths and superstitions in the world of gardening.

Many people are interested in the question of whether meat water can be used to water plants.

At first glance, this seems like a reasonable solution: the water left over from cooking meat contains nutrients. But is it really so?

What is meat water

Meat water is the liquid left over from cooking meat. It contains organic matter, fats, proteins and minerals that can be useful for plant growth.

However, it is important to understand that not all nutrients that are beneficial to humans are equally beneficial to plants.

watering can
Photo: © Belnovosti

Nutritional properties of meat water

Meat water does contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are the main components of fertilizers.

However, these substances are in a form that is not always easily absorbed by plants.

In addition, meat water contains a large amount of salts and fats, which can negatively affect the soil and the root system of plants.

The influence of meat water on the soil

Using meat water to water plants can lead to soil salinization.

Salts accumulate in the soil and can cause chemical burns to roots, slow growth, and even death of plants.

The fats present in the meat water create a film on the surface of the soil that prevents air and water from reaching the roots.

Risk of disease

Meat water can become a breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.

This is especially dangerous in warm climates, where bacteria and fungi multiply especially quickly.

Watering plants with such water increases the risk of infections and diseases.

Alternative methods of fertilization

There are many alternative fertilization methods that are safe and effective for plants.

Compost, organic fertilizers, herbal infusions and other natural remedies provide plants with the nutrients they need without putting soil or plant health at risk.

Previously, we talked about how to use ammonia to care for tomatoes.

Author: Sergey Tumanov Internet resource editor

Content
  1. What is meat water
  2. Nutritional properties of meat water
  3. The influence of meat water on the soil
  4. Risk of disease
  5. Alternative methods of fertilization