The problem of increasing soil fertility for planting potatoes can be solved by sowing siderates - green fertilizers cultivated for the purpose of embedding them directly into the soil. This operation is usually carried out before the flowering stage or immediately after the appearance of the buds. The list of such herbs is quite extensive, which allows you to make a choice.
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The benefits of green manure
The increasingly widespread distribution of plants called green manure is explained by the variety of their useful characteristics, which appear after plowing green fertilizers into the ground:
- improving soil structure;
- soil enrichment with nitrogen and other nutrients;
- inhibition of the development and growth of weeds;
- increasing the permeability of soil layers;
- creating a compost layer after rotting green fertilizers;
- decrease in the increased acidity of the soil mixture;
- protection of the site from soil erosion and blowing;
- oxygen enrichment of heavy types of loam and overly dense clayey soils.
The rhizomes of the green manure contribute to the loosening of the soil, the delivery of useful elements to the top from the deeper soil layers. After the roots die off, a favorable breeding ground is created for earthworms, which significantly improve the earth's structure.
The best green manure for potatoes
Green fertilizers are also useful in distracting many harmful insects. Some plants, due to their strong aroma, repel pests. Among them, one can note the radish, which suppresses the development of nematodes, allowing you to gradually cleanse the area of these dangerous pests. Mustard is popular for its anti-scab, wireworm and nematode prevention. Other crops are also sown:
- Vika (mouse peas). Saturates the soil with phosphorus, nitrogen.
- Rape. Serves as a source of sulfur, phosphorus.
- Sunflower. Improves the structure of dense, heavy soil.
- Wheat, rye. The soil is enriched with potassium and nitrogen.
- Oats. Loosens the earth, saturates it with potassium.
- Buckwheat. Greatly improves the structure of heavy soil. Saturates it with potassium, phosphorus.
- Phacelia. Serves as a source of nitrogen.
- Donnik. Helps fight nematodes and wireworms, loosens the soil, enriches it with nitrogen.
- Lupine. Thanks to the developed root system, it significantly improves the structure of different types of soil.
Timing, rules for sowing siderates
For the autumn sowing of siderates, the time is chosen 40-45 days before frost. This is important, since the plants must develop sufficient green mass, which, after being overheated under the snow, turns into organic fertilizer.
Suppose sowing green manure in April, when the soil warms up enough. Young greens are mowed, then embedded in the soil during digging 13-15 days before the planned planting of potatoes.
After the emergence of potato seedlings in the aisles, mustard can be sown to protect against diseases and pests. When the plants reach a height of 25-35 cm, they are mowed and placed in rows.
After planting the potatoes, mustard can be sown in the aisles. This plant will scare away pests and help retain moisture. As soon as the greens grow to 20-30 cm, the plants are cut and laid in rows.
When buying seeds, take into account that the seedlings of green manure should be dense. An average of 2 kg of seed will be required per 100 sq. meters. Distribute them evenly over a weed-free area previously dug up and leveled with a rake.
Siderata are gradually able to completely replace mineral varieties of fertilizers. Experienced gardeners use specific plants to solve identified problems. In one area, green manures alternate.
Do you plant green manure in the garden?
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