Fertilizing the soil in autumn increases its fertility and allows perennial plants to withstand winter frosts more easily. How to apply fertilizers correctly and why is it necessary to do it? This is what will be discussed in our article.
For normal and active growth, plants must receive all the nutrients and trace elements that they take from the soil. Some substances necessary for plants are in the soil, while others get into it along with mineral and organic fertilizers. But regular rainfall, wind and the plants themselves constantly take nutrients from the soil. Therefore, they need to be constantly replenished.
Why is it recommended to apply fertilizers in the fall
It is recommended to apply fertilizers of organic and mineral origin to the soil in the autumn period for the following reasons:
- at this time of the year, there is enough moisture in the soil to interact with fertilizers, which allows them to dissolve faster in the ground;
- in heated soil, fertilizers are absorbed faster;
- before planting in spring time, all substances harmful to plants have time to evaporate and wash out of the soil;
- perennial plants enter a dormant period in the fall and therefore absorb nutrients from the soil to the maximum.
Experienced summer residents know that all fertilizers are applied to the soil before the onset of night frosts. Depending on the region of residence, this must be done from late August to November.
The benefits of fertilizing in autumn include not only saving free time in spring, but also that most organic and mineral dressings take a certain time to assimilate into soil. Therefore, gardeners always apply top dressing to the ground in the fall, and in the spring they simply loosen the beds and plant various crops on them.
Features of the introduction of mineral fertilizers in the autumn
In autumn, most plants need phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, which increase their immunity, help them to winter safely and resist various diseases. And it is worth giving up nitrogen fertilizing at this time of the year, as they provoke active growth of plants and do not allow them to fall into a state of dormancy.
Mineral additives are deepened into the soil to a depth of one shovel bayonet. If you bury them deeper, they will no longer be as effective.
Phosphorus fertilization
Phosphorus is poorly absorbed by plants, therefore, such dressings must be introduced into the soil only in autumn. Since chemical reactions will occur during the winter, and the fertilizer will be more easily absorbed by the planted plants in the spring.
Phosphorus fertilizing includes:
- superphosphate;
- phosphate rock;
- potassium metaphosphate.
They are introduced in the autumn season at the same time as digging the beds. It is best to add phosphate fertilizers along with organic fertilizers, such as compost or humus. This will greatly increase their effectiveness.
Potash fertilizers
All plants need a large amount of potassium, since photosynthesis depends on it, and plants better tolerate drought, low temperatures, and diseases. In the absence of potassium in the soil, the buds on the flowers either become small or do not tie at all.
Potash fertilizers are applied to the soil in the fall, as they contain chlorine, which has a bad effect on most plants. And over a long winter period, it manages to evaporate from the soil, and top dressing becomes completely safe.
Potash fertilizers are divided into:
- chloride. They can only be used in the autumn season;
- sulfate. They can be used in small quantities at any time of the year.
Organic fertilizers for autumn
It is best to saturate the earth with organic compounds in the autumn. Since the earth is resting at this moment, and the resulting microorganisms in it are perfectly processed. Organic matter dissolves in the ground at a rather slow rate. If it is introduced into the soil every year, then after a few years its quality will become higher.
Manure as organic fertilizer
When digging a garden in autumn, manure can be applied both fresh and rotted. But in the spring, only rotted manure can be buried in the ground. The very process of introducing mullein into the ground looks quite simple. It is scattered over the surface of future beds and dug up along with the ground.
Compost
This is the most readily available fertilizer, which saturates the soil with nutrients, increases the resistance of plants to diseases and pests. When compost is used on light soil, it retains moisture in the soil longer, and on heavy soil it increases its permeability.
Bird droppings
Refers to concentrated organic fertilizer, so it is recommended to use it only in autumn. It is best used diluted so as not to damage the roots of perennial plants.
Ash
It is recommended to use ash on clay and heavy soils. It is an ideal fertilizer for crops such as onions, dill and strawberries. Ash not only increases the air and moisture permeability of the soil, but also protects the planted plants from root rot infection.
As you can see, in the fall, you can apply any fertilizers to the soil, both mineral and organic. If you do this correctly and regularly, you can significantly increase the yield in the beds.
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