Horn meal: with fertilizer against clover in the lawn

Clover has no place in a well-groomed lawn. However, when a nutrient deficiency occurs, the weeds are free to thrive. Horn fertilizer counteracts this.

clover in the lawn

All types of clover grow in the lawn when the grass lacks so many nutrients that it can no longer assert itself against the weeds. Clover species have the ability to produce nitrogen themselves via nodule bacteria, so they are independent of nitrogen fertilization. They also benefit from the good site conditions, as it is usually sunny on green areas and also damp due to irrigation.

Properties horn meal

Horn shavings are suitable as a fertilizer for green spaces due to the following properties:

• consists of the horn or claws of animals for slaughter
• available in different grain sizes
• Nitrogen content between 12 to 15 percent
• indefinitely

The horn components are decomposed in the soil by microorganisms, releasing nitrogen which in turn is used by the plants. There are no residues left on the lawn.

Horn fertilizer grain sizes

The natural fertilizer is available in different degrees of grinding. Depending on this, not only are the pieces larger, the effect also changes. The larger the pieces of horn, the longer it takes for the microorganisms in the soil to decompose them. Accordingly, the effect sets in later, but lasts longer.

horn meal

• less than 1 mm grain size
• faster effect
• repeat more often
• lasts one to two months

horn semolina

• between 1 and 5 mm grain size
• Effect is delayed
• lasts two to three months

horn shavings

• over 5 mm grain size
• slow effect
• longer lasting
• up to four months

Usage Tips

1. In order for the horn fertilizer to work properly, a well-maintained soil is a prerequisite. It must be rich in humus and aerated. If horn meal is applied in spring, scarify the lawn beforehand. Also water the green area when it is dry, slightly moist but not wet soils are preferred by the decomposing microorganisms.
2. Since horn shavings are a pure nitrogen fertilizer, a soil analysis can be useful. It shows which nutrients are missing and which may be in excess. For the soil analysis, cut out a piece of grass and put it aside. Take some of the soil underneath for the test, then fill it up with new soil and put the sod back on.
3. If soil analysis is too time-consuming, compost can be an alternative. This supplements any missing nutrients without stressing or over-fertilizing the grass.
4. The right time is in the spring when grass growth begins and then continuously at appropriate intervals until late summer. Then the fertilization is stopped. Alternatively, horn fertilizer can be applied at any time as soon as weeds appear on the lawn.
5. Horn shavings usually work better when incorporated into the soil. In lawns this is a bit difficult. It is best to spread the fertilizer between the grass with a rake and then water the area. This means that horn meal in particular can penetrate the soil more easily.
6. While horn fertilizer is non-toxic and harmless to pets, gloves should be worn when working with it. The wind direction also plays a role, since horn meal in particular is so fine that it is quickly inhaled.
7. The application rate depends on the plants to be fertilized and is between 60 and 150 grams. Lawn needs a lot of nutrients to displace clover, so the maximum amount is used as a guide. However, horn fertilizer cannot be used to over-fertilize.

Pros & cons of horn fertilizer

Advantages

• easy to spread, either by hand or with a shovel/spreader
• Long-term effect, next fertilization in a few weeks
• biological natural fertilizer
• does not lead to burns on plant roots, nutrients are first converted
• pH neutral, also suitable for plants that prefer acidic locations
• long shelf life, horn fertilizer does not go bad, can still be used years later
• contains no phosphate, relieves areas that are over-fertilized with phosphate

Disadvantages

• pure nitrogen fertilizer, other nutrients must be administered additionally if necessary
• Moist horn fertilizer clumps quickly, store in a dry place
• Moisture causes nitrogen to be released prematurely
• not vegan, horn fertilizer is not suitable for a vegan lifestyle
• Dusting of horn meal, even with little or no wind
• unpleasant smell of fertilizer

Learn more about fertilizing