Mullein is the best fertilizer for fruit trees and other plants: composition, solutions, feeding rules

Cow's milk is often used as organic food for garden plants and trees. manureIn addition to being a natural growth stimulant, it's also inexpensive. However, improper use can not only ruin crops but also render the soil infertile for several years. Before using mullein as a fertilizer, it's important to study its quality and properties.

What is mullein?

Mullein is cow manure, the excrement of cattle, with a distinctive odor. It is a natural organic fertilizer, containing all the necessary nutrients for plant growth and development, as well as for enhancing disease resistance and significantly increasing yields. During fermentation, it forms humic compounds, which significantly enhance the natural fertility of the soil.

Chemical composition and beneficial properties

Cow dung contains:

NOTE: Water content in manure ranges from 72% to 98% of the total volume, depending on the cattle's diet and living conditions.

Types of cow manure and its uses

Cow manure is divided into several types according to the degree of decomposition, each of which should be applied at a certain time.

Fresh manure without bedding

Fresh, unbedding manure is thick excrement without any additives or water. It has the consistency of thick sour cream and contains all the essential nutrients in a concentrated form. It is not recommended to use it as a fertilizer in its pure form. for the following reasons:

• high concentrations of nitrogen can cause burns and death of the plant;
• unprocessed seeds or the roots of weeds take root well and grow in the soil;
• Live parasite eggs continue to develop and negatively impact the soil and crops.

To reduce the negative impact, fresh manure should be kept on a separate area of ​​soil for 3-5 days To evaporate and absorb some of the contained moisture. This prepared material is used for plant fertilizer in several ways:

1. Liquid solution (slurry)It has a lower ammonia concentration and contains all the necessary nutrients. To prepare it, follow these steps:

• prepare a basic solution: mix 1 part manure with 10 parts water, cover the container with a lid and leave to ferment for 5–7 days until a swampy smell appears;
• prepare a secondary solution - for this, dilute the prepared main solution with water in a ratio of 1:10;
• For enrichment, you can add 100 g of phosphorus fertilizer or 300–500 g of wood ash.

Apply for top dressing after glaze or spraying plants and trees.

The fertilizer can be stored for 10-14 days in a closed container and in a cool room at a temperature not exceeding +12 ^OWITH.

2. Creating a "warm bed". Recommended for growing heat-loving crops - cucumbers, melons and othersIts production takes place in early spring and consists of several stages:

• install a wooden frame 0.8–1.0 m high;
• cover the bottom with fine river sand to a height of 3–5 cm;
• lay straw mixed with compost (rotted grass) in a layer of 0.5–0.6 m;
• lay out a layer of fresh manure of 1–2 cm;
• fill the bed to the top with fertile soil.

Such a bed warms up on its own due to the rotting of fresh manure up to +50 ^OWITH.

3. Underground soil heating. Applies for planting crops in a greenhouse or under cover in early springThis is accomplished using the heat generated by the rotting manure. To achieve this heating, you should:

• dig a trench of the required length and depth of 0.5–0.6 m;
• fill the trench with fresh manure in a layer of 0.1–0.15 m;
• fill the bed with fertile soil.

You can begin planting seedlings or sowing seeds 7–10 days after formation.

4. Application to individual areas left fallow. Applies on poor soilsThe effect of saturating the soil with nutrients and improving its structure is achieved in several stages:

• in the fall, fresh, litter-free cow manure should be spread over the entire surface of the area or dug in with the soil to a depth of no more than 10–20 cm;
• Snow-covered manure does not rot, and therefore the product contains a high concentration of ammonia, which, when warm weather sets in, affects all weeds and their seeds;
• to increase the number of bacteria and to speed up the process of rotting in the spring, the soil can be treated with any bacterial preparation (Bitoxibacillin, Siyanie-3, Baikal-M);
• During the summer, under the influence of sunlight and moisture, the manure gradually decomposes;
• Spring plowing of the plot is used to evenly distribute the prepared nutrient soil.

The fertility of such soil is maintained for 5–6 years.

Fresh bedding manure

The basis of the bedding mullein is fresh excrement with grass, straw, hay or sawdustIt holds its shape well and doesn't crumble. The concentration of organic matter is approximately half that of litterless litter. It is used:

• for the preparation of a liquid solution; in this case, the primary solution should be prepared at a ratio of 1:10, and the secondary solution at a ratio of 1:5;
• to create a “warm” bed or warm the soil, while its quantity should be increased by 1.5–2 times;
• To nourish fruit trees after harvesting to increase frost resistance, apply a small amount to the tree trunk circle and dig to a depth of 5–10 cm.

Partially rotted manure

Partial rotting of manure occurs exposed to sunlight and rain moisture for 4–6 monthsDuring this period, the mullein dries out, and the straw and grass turn dark brown, but are clearly distinguishable in the mixture. It tears and crumbles easily. The toxic content is reduced by 2-3 times, while the nutrients are retained in full. This fertilizer is used in the following cases:

1. For winter mulching fruit trees, including apple trees. Fertilization should be performed 3-5 weeks before the onset of sustained frost. The fertilization effect occurs in several stages:

• autumn temperature fluctuations contribute to the loosening of the mullein;
• in early spring the rotting process will resume, but there are practically no toxic substances in such material;
• The release of organic matter during the summer rotting process is continuous, so the soil and tree are nourished after each watering or rain.

The thickness of the mulch layer is 3–5 cm, while it is important to retreat 15–30 cm from the trunk to avoid burning the bark.

2. Mulching areas left fallowThe layer thickness should be 8–10 cm.
3. Making organic liquid fertilizerThe process is similar to preparing an infusion from fresh manure, but to obtain a secondary solution, the main one should be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:2.
4. Production of organic solid fertilizers. At 1 m² 3-5 kg ​​of manure should be added to the soil of the area, while it is necessary to retreat 15-20 cm from the trunks of trees and shrubs.

Humus, or rotted cow dung

Humus - fully rotted cow dungIt is a homogeneous, loose material, black or dark brown in color, free of inclusions. It is dry, does not hold its shape, and easily crumbles into powder. It has a slight, earthy odor or none at all. It matures in 1.5–2 years.

Compared to fresh mullein, the nutrient content is reduced by 2-3 times, but it is completely free of toxic substances and parasites.

How to prepare humus

You can make compost yourself. This process consists of several steps:

• prepare a metal or plastic container or dig a hole in the ground measuring 1.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 m;
• fill the container with alternating layers 10–15 cm high: fresh manure and plant waste (straw, plant tops, leaves);
• each layer should be watered with a liquid solution of mullein or hot (70–80 ^OWith water;
• cover with a thick material that completely protects against moisture;
• periodically ventilate and stir the composition;
• To speed up fermentation, you can add "Baikal-M" or "Siyanie-3" to the mixture.

The maturation period is 2 years. The readiness of the humus is determined by its physical properties and the absence of moisture.

Granulated mullein

Cow manure granules manufactured at chemical industry plantsThis product contains the same beneficial and nutritional properties as natural fertilizer. The granules are used according to the included instructions for:

• preparation of a liquid solution;
• direct fertilization of plants;
• application to soil;
• making "warm" beds;
• fertilization of fallow areas.

Seasonal use of mullein

Depending on the time of year, cow manure fertilizer is used for various purposes. However, each season has its own contraindications.

Which crops should not be fed with cow manure?

Using natural organic fertilizer is not only effective but also a safe way to achieve high yields. However, there are several crops that are harmed by the use of mullein:

• legumes - increase green mass, yield and quality of fruits are significantly reduced;
• cabbage - voids form inside the heads of cabbage, the leaves become tough and dry;
• root vegetables (beets, carrots, radishes, turnips) – accumulate nitrates, the fruits become deformed, dry and hard, and lose their taste;
• onions, garlic – lose immunity to diseases, yield decreases;
• tomatoes, potatoes – lose immunity to late blight;
• bulbous flowers - acquire an unpleasant odor;
• Asters and marigolds grow excessive green mass, do not bloom, and are susceptible to disease.

Advantages and disadvantages of use

Conclusion

Mullein is an indispensable organic fertilizer that, when used correctly and within the recommended timeframes, will not only increase garden and vegetable yields but also improve soil quality. Natural soil fertility is the key to an environmentally friendly and healthy harvest.