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Different Methods Of Enriching Soil
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Many of us who do even a
little gardening are aware that soil alone is not enough for giving
us healthy plants. A little extra something added to plants gives
them the extra nutrition that is required for them to be able to
reach its full potential bloom.
Many methods and various
substances have been put to use for this purpose. Compost, peat,
liming and sludge are a few examples of commonly used soil enriching
products. Phosphorus, sulphur, nitrogen, calcium, iron, magnesium
and a few other elements are very important for plant nutrition.
Areas that have been left undisturbed by agriculture or soil erosion
have naturally balanced soil. This balance is achieved by the
natural decay of plant and animal bodies. If there has been a
disturbance, then proper care needs to be taken to restore balance
and have healthy plants. |
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Compost
The source matter for compost is organic waste.
Organic waste matter is decomposed and if during
preparation nitrogen is added, it makes for a better end
product. Compost contains nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium. Their ratio will differ, depending upon what
has been added during the making of compost. The main
advantages of adding compost are that there is water
storage and the soil becomes more porous.
An improvement
in soil structure, texture, aeration and the soil’s
ability to retain water can be noticed when compost is
added to garden soil. When it is added to clayey soils,
the difference that can be noticed is that the dense soil
becomes light; and when compost is added to sandy soils,
it is able to retain water better. When compost is mixed
with the soil, there also results control of soil erosion,
enhanced soil fertility, proper pH balance, and healthy
root development in plants. |
Compost |
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Peat
Airless conditions acting on prehistoric plant remains
in bog result in the formation of what is known as peat.
Peat moss, the remains of the sphagnum plants, is a widely
used variety. One main advantage with the use of peat that
has been noticed is a substantial improvement in the
water's storage capability. Peat moss is used for
nurturing specialty plants and also lawn and garden grass. |
Peat is cut from the peat bogs |
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Sludge
Sludge is the solid material that remains after sewage
is treated. Whether or not it can be used for soil
enrichment depends upon the way the sewage has been
treated. If the sewage has been give aerobic treatment it
contains nitrogen and phosphorus. It is processed and sold
for the purpose of soil enrichment. Sludge is, however,
never used in farming but in places like lawns, golf
courses and the like. |
Liming
In areas where humidity is high, the amount of calcium and
magnesium found in soil reduces. In order to restore the
balance, ground limestone is added to the soil. Calcium
carbonate that is present in the limestone reacts with the soil
and as a result the soil’s acidity reduces and calcium is made
available to the plants growing in the soil. Ground limestone
also contains magnesium carbonate. Therefore the natural balance
of the soil is restored by ground limestone.
The most commonly
used liming material is dolomite. A by-product of steel
manufacture known as slag is also used for this purpose. Other
materials used for liming soil are marl, chalk and oyster
shells. The use of calcium sulphate and calcium chloride is
however discouraged, as they leave behind harmful residues. |
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