Useful tips for improving the soil on your property
Fertile soil requires special care. Many gardeners overuse it, using toxic chemicals and mineral fertilizers that kill all life. Without proper crop rotation, the soil becomes depleted, requiring lengthy restoration. This article describes in detail how to improve soil fertility and presents helpful tips from professional gardeners.
Content
What is soil?
Soil is considered a natural object formed by the formation of the Earth's natural layers through the influence of soil-forming factors. It contains five active components:
- minerals;
- organic matter;
- living organisms;
- gases;
- water.
Soil structure varies depending on the amount and type of minerals. For example, if the soil contains a large amount of clay, it will swell when wet. Organic matter determines the quality and condition of the soil.
What problems can the soil on the site have?
A decrease in yield directly depends on the quality of the soil on your plot. Problems that may be detected in the soil include:
- soil infections (anthrax, tetanus and others);
- fungus and the presence of pathogenic microorganisms;
- the presence of small insect pests;
- soil depletion;
- disturbance of soil structure;
- abundant amount of weeds.
Depending on the problem that has arisen, it is necessary to treat and carry out procedures to improve the soil structure on the site.
Signs Your Soil Needs Improvement
The easiest way to determine whether your soil needs improvement is to conduct a laboratory test, but such tests are expensive, so it's recommended to take a closer look at your soil. Assess your soil visually, first by color; if the soil has a dense brown tint, it contains a high amount of humus. The presence of white inclusions indicates the presence of carbonic acid salts. When hydrochloric acid is added to the soil, the increased acidity will cause a chemical reaction and a characteristic hissing sound. Clay soil will have poor moisture permeability, indicating poor oxygen permeability. Loamy soil, which has poor moisture permeability and requires improvement, requires simple tilling.
Carrying out annual plowing of the soil helps to increase the air permeability of the soil.
A reduction in yield compared to previous seasons may indicate significant disturbances in the soil condition.
Top 10 tips for improving your garden soil
Experienced gardeners shared their helpful tips on how to create good soil for a bountiful harvest every year.
Weed control
Most gardeners are unaware that an abundance of weeds in their garden can negatively impact the soil structure. Harmful weeds disturb the soil structure, so they must be removed promptly. This can be done using both mechanical tools and specialized solutions, such as herbicides.
Recommendations from experts
If you can afford a soil analysis, laboratory tests can determine the acidity level and identify key problems. Experts can provide helpful recommendations and advise on soil treatment options and any missing elements that need to be added.
Replacing the top layer
Regularly refresh the soil layer before planting new plants. To do this, remove the top layer and add new soil on top.
Proper application of organic matter
As plants grow, the soil releases beneficial components, so it is crucial to add the necessary substances and organic matter in a timely manner to enrich the soil structure.
Planting green manure plants
Green manure crops are green manures specifically grown in soil to improve and restore it after the growing season. These plants enrich the soil with nitrogen and essential micronutrients.
The use of green manure has a positive effect on the destruction of weeds and their further reproduction.
Add natural ingredients to the soil
There is no need to exclude plant components that also have a positive effect on the soil:
- coconut fiber helps retain water in the soil;
- Lime increases the pH level and helps loosen clay soil;
- tree bark improves soil structure;
- Leaf humus nourishes the soil and improves its structure.
Equipment of raised beds
Raising the beds will allow the soil to warm up faster, allowing for faster recovery from cold weather. It's recommended to install additional paths and trails to avoid unnecessary soil compaction.
Use of special drugs
Don't rule out store-bought products that can improve soil health. One such product is Baikal EM1. It can be applied during fall tillage and reapplied when planting new seeds.
Getting rid of pests
Don't forget to treat the soil regularly to prevent the appearance of various pests. They typically lay their eggs in the soil, which increases the pest population. It is recommended to treat the area with insecticides within the soil where insects are present.
Soil liming
If your soil has become highly acidic due to sensitive vegetable crops, liming the soil can help. For this, use chalk, dolomite flour, or wood ash according to the recommended nutrient chart.
