But not all bat dung is created equal . Some bat species are frugivores or fruit-eaters . Their waste contains higher levels of phosphorus . Insectivores , of course , eat insects . They tend to produce guano with increased amounts of nitrogen . Read the labelling and choose the one that best suits your growing needs .
Very Eco Friendly
Beyond their highly beneficial waste , bats are extremely important to agriculture . Actually , to the entire ecosystem . Their dung often contains seeds from the foods they ’ ve eaten which are air-dropped over the ground in a flyover evacuation . This provides an excellent seed distribution system in a classic symbiotic relationship . Additionally , bats help control the insect-pest population for farmers and city dwellers alike . One report suggested a single bat can eat up to a thousand mosquitoes in one night . Others say a few hundred and that sounds more feasible but if they eat just one , it ’ s a better world already . Here ’ s another plus . Were you aware that more than 300 species of fruits rely on and are pollinated by bats ? The list includes mangoes , avocados , and bananas . Bats exclusively pollinate the Agave plant which produces tequila . So-no bats , no tequila . Caramba !
6 Facts About Bats
• There are some 1,400 species of bats worldwide .
• There are 77 species of bats in Australia .
• Some bats can fly more than 100 miles per hour ( 160 km / h ).
• Chiroptophobia is the fear of bats ( don ’ t we all have that ?).
• Around 80 medicines are produced from plants that depend on bats for their survival .
• Baby bats are called pups while a group of bats is known as a colony .
Loaded With Nutrients
Bat guano is filled with nourishing macro- and micronutrients . Macro are the ones plants need in large amounts . Like carbohydrates , proteins , and fats . Micronutrients include manganese , boron , iron , calcium , zinc , and sulfur . Guano is also rich in nitrogen ( N ), phosphorus ( P ), and potassium ( K ). The numbers you read on a bag of fertiliser refer to the percentage of NPK it contains . In that order . Guano ’ s levels are generally 10-3-1 .
NPK in Action
• Nitrogen helps promote lush , green growth in plants .
• Phosphorus aides in flowering and root development .
• Potassium supports overall good health .
The high nitrogen content in guano is excellent for plants in the vegetative state while the elevated phosphorus levels promote stronger branch development and bigger blooms during flowering . Be careful with this fertiliser on new vegetation or first feedings . All things in moderation . High nitrogen quantities can burn a young plant ’ s developing roots , disabling nutrient and water uptake . Guano also makes an excellent fertiliser for herbs , fruits , and vegetables of most every kind . Surprisingly , in addition to its nutritive value to plants , bat guano is also very good for the earth .
5 Ways Guano Benefits the Soil
• Microbes — Bat guano is teeming with them . These microscopic organisms help detoxify the soil .
• Microorganisms also loosen and aerate the soil , allowing it to hold more water and creating space for roots .
• Improves soil drainage from the aeration or creation of space for air .
• A natural fungicide that helps control nematodes and protects the plant .
• Accelerates decomposition in the creation of compost .
It also assists in effectively breaking down organic matter in the earth . Guano can be spread on top of the soil and watered in or blended into the soil with your favourite compost . Its addition can be an effective soil booster and texture upgrade . The specifics of how much to use and at what proportion is all available online .
“ Surprisingly , in addition to its nutritive value to plants , bat guano is also very good for the earth .”
Maximum Yield 49