Spring has started. Before we start sprinkling fertilizers, it is worth checking the condition of the soil in our garden. By improving the condition of the soil, we can make life easier for our plants and make them use the supplied minerals for even better growth and development.
Unfortunately, the condition of soils in Poland is systematically deteriorating. Soil fertility is declining for several reasons, including due to lack of crop rotation (continuous cultivation of the same plants in the same place), lack of organic fertilization, and also due to the use of chemicals. This problem affects not only agricultural areas but also home and allotment gardens.Therefore, it is worth looking at the factors influencing soil fertility, because they determine the growth strength and he alth of our plants, as well as the effectiveness of fertilization.
Difference between a strawberry grown in tired soil and fertilized with humic acids
Factors determining soil fertility
We can indicate 3 factors that determine the fertility of the soil and the effectiveness of fertilization, and as a result, the yields obtained. These are: soil pH, humus content and soil structure. Poor pH level, lack of humus and bad water-air ratios lead to blocking the availability of many nutrients.
Soil reaction
The pH of the soil has an extremely significant impact on the availability of nutrients, the development of the root system and plant growth. On acidic soils, the concentration of easily accessible manganese and aluminum increases very rapidly, which in large amounts are toxic to plants and reduce the quality of the crop. However, let's also remember that there are plants that are more or less acidophilic. The approximate plant requirements are described in the table below.
How to test soil pH
The easiest way to do this is to use a Hellig acid meter. We put a small sample of soil on a plate with a measuring scale and then mix it with Hellig's liquid. After a while the sample will change color, which will indicate its reaction.
How to regulate soil pH
Most of the soils in Poland are acidified or less. Therefore, liming the soil is a very important agrotechnical procedure. It improves the physicochemical properties of the soil, the availability of nutrients and the structure of the soil. By supplying lime, we neutralize the pH of the soil that is too acidic. The best date for liming is autumn.In the case of soil with too alkaline pH, acidification of the soil is carried out using peat with a low pH or with a mineral fertilizer such as e.g.ammonium sulfate.
Humus content
The content of humus in soil is one of the most important factors determining its fertility and affecting plant growth, yield and its quality. Humus affects the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, determines its structure as well as sorption and buffering properties. The direct stimulating effect on plant development is also very important.
Soil humus is a very complex compound, it consists of many fractions of various colors, solubility in water and ease of mineralization. The main component of humus are humic acids. The formation and decomposition of humus is a continuous but slow process.Humus, as a natural binder, causes soil particles to stick together into larger and more durable soil aggregates. Thanks to this, the soil obtains a durable lumpy structure, which is the basis of fertility.
How do humic acids work?
Humic acids positively affect soil fertility and plant growth due to high cation exchange sorption, oxygen content and high water capacity. There is a long list of their advantages:
- Increase the water capacity of light soils (and as a result reduce the risk of drought),
- Increase the availability of nutrients (reduce their leaching and keep them in the root zone),
- They stimulate the development of the root system,
- They stimulate the development of beneficial microorganisms (e.g. Azotobacter, Nitrosomonas).
The diagram below illustrates the effect of humic acids.
Lack of humic acids causes that water and minerals are washed away into the soil
How to fertilize with humic acids?
"Fertilization with humic acids is a key treatment in maintaining the good condition of the soil in the garden. We have a choice of several sources of humic acids.
Basic fertilization with compost and manure. However, the content of humic acids in them is not very high, and moreover, there is a rapid process of mineralization, which causes the organic substances to mineralize before reaching the soil.
The most effective source of humic acids are organic-mineral fertilizers based on leonardites. It is a mineral that is an intermediate form between peat and lignite. The leonardite deposits are the result of tens of millions of years of humification of organic matter. By using it, we provide the soil with bioactive humic acids, which start working very quickly in the soil.An example of a fertilizer based on leonardites is Rosahumus. One kilogram of Rosahumus contains as much humic acids as as much as 30 tons of manure. This fertilizer dissolves well in water and is used when watering or spraying the soil. "
Soil structure
The third factor influencing soil fertility is its structure. The problems that we usually encounter on plots and gardens are too sandy or too loamy soil. An effective solution to both problems is the supply of humic acids, from which humus is formed, creating a lumpy structure of the soil.
The figure on the right shows how abnormal structure inhibits plant growth.
Impact on sandy soils
" The lack of humic acids in sandy soil results in poor retention of water and minerals - they flow down into the soil, which is why they are beyond the reach of plant roots. By using fertilizers such as Rosahumus, we provide active humic acids, which make the soil structure more sticky and retain more valuable ingredients. So moistened and nourished the soil is a much better environment for plants. "
Impact on clay soils
Clay soil is usually compact and hard - neither air, water, nor minerals can penetrate it. In such soil, plants are deprived not only of nutrients, but also deprived of space for growth. We often encounter a similar problem in areas after building a house, where clay from the deeper layers of soil has been dug up and scattered on the surface.Humic acids supplied to such soil by the Rosahumus fertilizer have an airing effect - water and air can reach deeper, and plants gain space for development.
