Not every summer resident boasts rich harvests. Indeed, in addition to regular care, it is important to plant plants in fertile and breathable soil. And to achieve such a state of soil, you need to make a lot of effort. About how to make the land in the country fertile and loose, you will learn from this material.
Composition check
Before choosing a way to make the earth loose and fertile, it is important to know the initial state of the soil. Of course, it is better to examine the soil in an agricultural laboratory, where they will conduct a full analysis. But, alas, for most summer residents, such testing is not available.
Do not be upset, because the mechanical composition of the soil, which is responsible for the amount of moisture and air in the soil, can be found out independently. To do this, moisten the ground with water and try to roll a "sausage" out of it. Deciphering the results:
- If the "dough" does not knead and fall apart, then your soil is sandy loamy, that is, too light.
- If you managed to make a "sausage", but it breaks, then you have light loam - the best type of soil.
- If you turned the “sausage” into a ring, then you have heavy clay soil.
For owners of light loam, it is enough to fertilize the site to get a good harvest. The owners of sites with heavy clay soil will have to fix its composition, because in such a soil the plants take root poorly and their roots are difficult to develop. But too light soil - sandy loam, badly affects the crop. In such a soil, moisture and minerals are quickly washed away, so crops require more care.
We change the mechanical composition of the soil
To begin with, we will figure out how to make the earth loose if it is too clay. In this case, river sand in the amount of 21 kg per square meter will help you. This is approximately 1.5 buckets of 10 liters. Distribute the sand evenly over the surface of the soil, and then dig a plot to a depth of 20–25 cm, or a full bayonet of shovels. If you want to fix the sandy loam, then add clay to it. In addition, use black soil or humus for these purposes.
Even if you corrected the mechanical composition of the soil, then it did not become more fertile, because you still need to make fertilizing in the ground. You will learn more about how to do this later.
Fertilize with manure
The introduction of animal waste into the soil is an effective way to make the land fertile and loose on the site. Indeed, in such "products" contains a full range of vitamins and nutrients necessary for plant growth. Moreover, as fertilizer, you can use pork, horse or cow manure.
Remember that fresh manure is quite aggressive and dangerous for plants. Therefore, apply this product at least 6 months before planting. For example, in the autumn after digging, but only on an empty site. During this time, the aggressiveness of manure will decrease, while all nutrients will dissolve in the soil. In addition, the product will serve as an excellent baking powder.
If the manure is overcrowded, then it can be brought in during spring planting. Fertilizer rate:
- Fresh horse - 5-6 kg, rotted - 2.5-3 kg per 1 square. m landing.
- Fresh cow - 4-5 kg, rotted - 2-2.5 kg per 1 square. m landing.
In no case do not bring in fresh pig manure even during autumn planting. Such a product contains a large amount of nitrogen in ammonia form. Therefore, withstand it for at least a year until completely decaying. In addition, try to mix such fertilizer with cow or horse manure.
Humus
Fertilizing made from rotted manure and peat is the best method of making the land fertile and loose. Moreover, such a composition is suitable for continuous application and spot application. And if you add nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers to it, then significantly increase its effectiveness.
The main thing is to properly prepare humus. To do this, lay fresh manure and peat in layers in a compost box in a ratio of 1 to 1. The thickness of each layer should be 25-30 cm. To reduce the acidity of fertilizers, add phosphorite or lime flour to them. Moisten the heap as necessary, preventing it from drying out. Soak humus from 6 months to 1 year.
How to fertilize the earth with composition? Add 20 kg of humus per 10 square meters. m plot. Fill fertilizer into clay soil to a depth of 15–20 cm. If you have sandy soil, dig in the composition 30 cm.
Mulch mowed grass
A similar method of making the earth fertile and soft is quite effective. Moreover, it is safe. True, the effect of mulching the soil with grass occurs a little later than with manure fertilizer. But at the same time, the layer perfectly retains moisture in the soil, besides it makes the earth loose and soft and will protect plants from pests and diseases.
How to mulch a surface? Spread mowed grass on the plot in a layer of 7-8 cm. For 20 square meters of planting you will need 1 standard bale of straw.
Owners of light loam and sandy loam can resort to such fertilizers at any time of the year. If you have heavy clay soil, then mulch the surface from the beginning of June. Otherwise, the soil will not warm up and will not dry in early spring. Leave mowed grass until the next season, and after a few years the clay will gradually turn into loose and light loam.
Siderata - assistant summer residents
If you are looking for a way to make the land fertile without manure, then pay attention to useful plants, such as:
- lupine;
- peas;
- alfalfa;
- legumes;
- oats.
The roots of these plants contain nodule bacteria that can draw and bind nitrogen from the air. Therefore, thanks to the sowing of green manure, the soil is naturally filled with nutrients and nutrients. In addition, crops have a powerful root system that loosens the soil, making it more breathable. And it is very useful for peaty or clay soil.
Green manure
It is not necessary to buy expensive top dressing to make the soil fertile and light. After all, you can prepare an effective fertilizer yourself. Moreover, any plant material that you will find on the site is suitable for its creation. And this is mowed grass, wilted leaves and flowers, shoots left after pruning and even weed weeds. The main thing is that the plant residues are not sick, affected by pests or treated with herbicides.
How to prepare fertilizer:
- Fill the barrel with chopped plant parts in 2/3 of the volume.
- Fill the mass with water to the top and cover with a film. At the same time, make 2-3 holes for gas exchange in it.
- Insist on fertilizer for 7-10 days, remembering to stir daily.
Strain the resulting solution and dilute with water in a ratio of 1 to 10. After that, water the beds. This fertilizer is good because it is instantly absorbed by plants, in addition, it reduces the acidity of the soil and protects the roots of crops from pests and diseases.
We influence soil acidity
By reaction, the soil is alkaline, acidic, and neutral. Moreover, the latter option is most preferred for plants. And worst of all, crops take root on acid soil. How to fix this situation? Add calcium-containing substances to the soil:
- dolomite flour;
- a piece of chalk;
- slaked lime.
The amount of such fertilizers depends on the level of acidity. To find out, buy a special device that shows the pH level. With strong acidity (less than 3.5), add 300 g of the substance per 1 sq. m, medium (3.6-4.3) - 200 g, weak (4.4-4.9) - 100 g.
Now you know how to make the land on a personal plot soft, loose and fertile. Apply these simple rules and a good harvest is guaranteed.