Biosol Forte:
Product Description
Biosol Forte is a granulated, plant-derived organic fertilizer formulated to provide slow, sustained plant nutrition while supporting soil biological activity.

Its guaranteed analysis is 7-2-1:
7% total nitrogen
0.5% water-soluble nitrogen
6.5% water-insoluble, slowly available nitrogen
2% available phosphate
1% soluble potash

The product contains more than 75% organic matter, approximately 2% iron and 3% calcium. Its carbon-to-nitrogen ratio is 5:1, with a pH near 7.1. Biosol Forte is manufactured through the fermentation of plant-derived materials including soybean meal, cottonseed meal, sugars, trace elements and vitamins. The resulting fungal and bacterial biomass is dried, granulated and bagged. High-temperature drying sterilizes the product and eliminates viable seeds. The fertilizer contains no manure or animal ingredients. Although the product originates from microbial biomass, it contains no live beneficial fungi or bacteria. Drying sterilizes the material. Its biological benefit comes from feeding and stimulating microorganisms already present in the soil. Adding live bacterial and fungal inoculant increases its efficacy.

General Application Rates
Biosol Forte Label

Established lawns and playing fields 13–25 lb per 1,000 sq ft per application
Garden and vegetable-bed preparation 2 oz per square yard
Ornamental trees and shrubs 6 oz per square yard of treated soil
Potted plants and compost mixtures 8 oz per “gallon” size pot
Soil mixes 8½ lb per cubic yard
Primary revegetation and reclamation 1,500–2,000 lb per acre
Maintenance revegetation fertilization 800–1,200 lb per acre

Planting Rates (½ incorporated + ½ atop):
0.5-1 lb / #1-#2 gallon
1-2 lbs / #3-#5 gallon
2-3 lbs / #7-#10 gallon
3-5 lbs / #15-#25 gallon
Spread broadly. Distribute evenly.

Approximate Home Measuring Equivalents*
2 tablespoons = 0.5 ounce
½ cup = 3 ounces
1 cup = 6 ounces
2⅔ cups = 1 pound
*These are approximate volume measurements. Weighing the product is preferable when accuracy is important.

Late-Fall Lawn Application
Biosol Forte is particularly useful for late-fall lawn fertilization in cold-winter, snowy climates.
Apply after soils have become cold or begun to freeze but before substantial snow accumulation. The objective is to prevent significant decomposition of the Biosol granules before the lawn is covered by snow. Because the nitrogen is organically bound, it remains largely unavailable while soils are frozen and microbial activity is limited. As the soil warms in spring, decomposition resumes and nutrients become available during early turf growth. Lawns fertilized in late fall usually green more quickly, recover faster after snowmelt and require less additional fertilization during the following growing season.
Core aeration before fertilization may be beneficial on compacted lawns and may improve movement of water, air, nutrient, and organic particles into the root zone.
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Winter Vole Observations
Gardeners and landscape managers in the Truckee–Tahoe region have repeatedly observed less winter vole damage on lawns treated with Biosol Forte in late fall. The cause is unknown. Possible explanations include the persistent fermentation odor, changes in turf or soil odor, microbial activity, or improved early lawn recovery.

Odor, Pets and Environmental Use
Biosol Forte has a characteristic earthy, fungal or fermentation-related odor that normally diminishes after several irrigations.
Dogs may be strongly attracted to the smell and may attempt to eat the pellets. Biosol was originally used as a cattle feed supplement and as fish-food for aquiculture. Although Biosol Forte is considered a low-toxicity organic fertilizer, and is within tolerance limits for animal feed, pets should not be allowed to consume it. Biosol Forte does not contain any animal waste, animal by-products or any chemicals. Store bags securely and water the product into the soil where practical. The fertilizer should not be deliberately applied to water or allowed to wash into storm drains, lakes or streams. Organic nitrogen and phosphorus can still contribute to water-quality problems when applied excessively or allowed to enter waterways.

Principal Benefits
Stimulate native soil microbial activity
Support soil aggregation and humus formation
Encourage root development and sustained plant color
Increase the soil’s ability to hold moisture and nutrients
Supply nitrogen steadily through much of the growing season
Improve plant recovery following drought, traffic or winter stress
Reduce the rapid nutrient losses associated with highly soluble fertilizers
Increase the organic component and nutrient availability in poor mineral soils
Biosol’s product’s low soluble-salt content makes it very useful for dry climates and for many salt-sensitive plants.

Application and Handling
Biosol Forte may be:
Mixed evenly into planting backfill
Broadcast broadly over the soil surface
Incorporated into potting and soil mixes
Incorporated into the upper few inches of soil
Applied through suitable hydroseeding equipment
Mixed with seed and compost for wildflower seeding
For garden bed preparation and planting of young vegetables or tender plants, apply and incorporate the fertilizer approximately two weeks before planting when possible.

Always distribute it broadly on or through the soil. Do not leave concentrated aggregations of biosol directly beside the trunk or stems, or below the root ball. Maintain approximately 1–2 inches of separation between visible fertilizer granules and tender stems, crowns or roots.
Water after application during the growing season for the best response. The granules gradually soften and disperse after repeated irrigation. Always store Biosol Forte in a dry location. Moisture in storage can cause clumping, odor, and premature decompositionVillager Products:

50 lb Bag: 2000 sq. ft
12 lb Bucket: 480 sq. ft. (or 24, #5 “gal” or 12, #15 trees or shrubs)
2 lb BAG: 80 sq. ft. (or 4, #5 trees or shrubs)