In August, we can (and should) sow catch crops, one of the goals of which is to prevent a phenomenon called soil fatigue. It is best to use the so-called phytosanitary plants. Thanks to their root secretions, they favorably improve the condition of the soil environment.They influence the development of the biological life of the soil, which in turn reduces the perpetrators of plant diseases and pests.
Mustard seed, and especially the nematode killing varieties (e.g. 'Metex' or 'Bardena'), change the sexual composition of the population of nematodes - plant pests, which limits their number. Alfalfa, rye and the forgotten, unfortunately, esparceta work in a similar way.
Underestimated by hobbyists and gardeners, oats is a highly valued phytosanitary plant.Breaks the so-called the germ line of pathogens and, thanks to its wide leaves, limits the growth of weeds. Growing phytosanitary plants has a positive effect on soil fertility. The standards for sowing phytosanitary plants in catch crops are: rye (18 g seeds / m²), oats (15-20 g seeds / m²), lupins (20 g seeds / m²), vetch (15-20 g seeds / m²), white clover (1-3 g seeds / m²), horse bean (15-20 g seeds / m²) and mustard (2-3 g seeds / m²).
Phytosanitary plants can be grown in mixtures, which further enhances their effect, eg oats with seradella (3: 1 ratio) or rye and clover (4: 1 ratio).In soils showing symptoms of fatigue or in places that have not been cultivated for a long time (e.g. abandoned plots, neglected gardens), phytosanitary plants should be cultivated for one or two years before growing the planned plant.
When choosing phytosanitary plants, remember not to introduce species that are related to the plants planned for cultivation, as this will lead to soil fatigue. Phytosanitary plants can either be dug in the fall or left in the beds until spring.
