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Article: IN THE GARDEN IN PRAISE OF PLANTS THAT MAKE THEIR OWN FERTILIZER.(U)
- Article from:
- Daily News (Los Angeles, CA)
- Article date:
- November 6, 2004
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Daily News. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: JOSHUA SISKIN
As if their fragrant blue flowers were not enough of an attraction, California lilacs (Ceanothus) have another attribute that makes them a sure choice for Valley slopes and gardens: the ability to manufacture their own nitrate fertilizer, albeit with the assistance of soil-dwelling aerobic bacteria.
Nitrate is the most important ingredient in the mineral nutrition of plants. Virtually every fertilizer formulation you will find in a bag, box or bottle contains nitrate.
Legumes, including every type of pea and bean, as well as carob, acacia, mesquite, silk (Albizia) and coral (Erythrina) trees, are the most famous partners ...