Good day, dear readers! Today we will talk about the benefits of sowing green manure when growing potatoes. This natural green fertilizer can effectively improve the composition of the soil on the site and positively affect the yield and immunity of cultivated crops.
Below I will tell you which green manure is best to plant and when is the best time to do it.
The main rules for growing potatoes
Before talking directly about green manure, I would like to recall a few important features of growing potatoes:
- The most favorable soils for potatoes are those with a high acidity index. This eliminates the need for liming on the site.
- Potatoes need organic matter for healthy growth and development. However, organic fertilizers (especially manure) should never be applied fresh, because plants can be seriously damaged. On my site, I use manure only in a rotted form.
- When planting potatoes, it is necessary to adhere to the rules of crop rotation. Do not grow potatoes in the same beds for several years in a row. You can re-plant potatoes no earlier than three years later. This approach will minimize the risk of accumulation of dangerous pathogenic microorganisms in the soil.
- Potatoes need nitrogen to develop a strong root system. As an effective nitrogen supplement, I use urea. I fertilize in the spring.
- In addition to fertilizing with nitrogen, potatoes need potassium and phosphorus.
What green manure for potatoes is better to plant?
The most effective types of green manure for potatoes can be divided into four large groups:
- Legumes and lupins. This group includes annual herbs. They are able to accumulate nitrogen from the air and soil. On their roots, a large number of beneficial microorganisms that can fight putrefactive bacteria grow and develop. Such green manures serve as a good means of preventing common potato diseases.
- Cereals. Among the most popular representatives of this group are winter rye and wheat. To improve the composition of the soil, start sowing these green manure immediately after harvesting potatoes. As a result, the soil becomes looser and lighter.
- Cruciferous. This includes mustard, rapeseed and colza. It is worth starting sowing such crops in late autumn. Also, plants of this group are suitable for inter-row cultivation. When cruciferous plants enter the flowering stage, they are able to attract beneficial insects that provide pollination.
- Other siderates. As a representative of this group, I use phacelia. This plant is absolutely devoid of disadvantages and has the advantages of representatives of the previous groups. Phacelia is a honey plant with excellent frost resistance.
For sowing on your site, you can choose plants from a specific group or combine them with each other. The latter option is considered preferable, because in this way a whole mixture of useful properties can be obtained.
The best time to sow green manure
Green manure seeds can be sown from early spring to late autumn.
In spring, green manure can be sown between the rows. This approach will ensure the protection of potatoes from pests, and also helps to attract beneficial pollinating insects. Legumes can be planted between rows.
Autumn planting has a slightly different goal. Siderates sown in autumn significantly improve the characteristics of the soil, allowing you to prepare the beds in advance for spring planting. In autumn, winter-hardy crops should be preferred. These include rye and rapeseed. You can start the autumn planting of green manure from the end of August, after you have harvested the main crops.
Now you know what to plant next to potatoes for protection. Good luck and good harvest!
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