2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Wood ash is a residual substance that forms during combustion. In agrotechnical activities, the product is in demand as an effective natural fertilizer. The presence of a large amount of mineral substances that are in a compound available to plants is noted
Regardless of the type of initial plant material, potassium prevails in ash, which is the formula of carbonic acid and potassium salts. The substance is highly soluble and contains no toxins. High levels of calcium carbonate are used to improve soil composition and reduce acidity.
Ash and different types of soil
The chemical characteristics of ash, regardless of the type of fuel, cause an alkaline reaction. Agricultural technicians argue that ash should not be used for work on land with a high alkaline environment. Moreover, when using it, additional alkalization occurs, which adversely affects the condition of the plants: nutrition becomes difficult, growth stops.
The beneficial effect is manifested on loams, podzolic, clayey and heavy soils. The introduction of half a bucket per square meter significantly improves the structure and increases fertility. This dose is enough for 3-4 years. On acidic soil, the ash additive restores the acid-base balance, which has a positive effect on vegetation and fruiting. The exception is acid-loving plants: radishes, potatoes, zucchini.
Each site has compost - this is the soil that is formed in the process of decay, decomposition of plant residues. This process is accompanied by an abundant release of ammonia, the soil acquires the characteristics of increased acidity. This phenomenon adversely affects the life of worms, bacteria and other microorganisms involved in production, and acidic organic matter decomposes more slowly. To obtain high-quality compost, layers are periodically sprinkled with ash, using a total of 2 kg per cubic meter.
Methods for using ash
Ash, as a fertilizer, is used in different ways: it is mulched in the near-trunk circles, it is introduced under the digging of the beds, it is added to the planting holes. Aqueous solutions for dressing, spraying are relevant. Dry spraying in the aisles, under the berry stands is allowed. It is useful to know that it is better to apply it to the soil in the spring in order to exclude the autumn-winter leaching from the arable layer.
An important point: cannot be combined with water-soluble forms of fertilizers. As a result of the interaction, the reaction of changing the forms of the state of substances "retrogradation" occurs - soluble phosphorus becomes inaccessible for extraction. Not recommended for use with manure, droppings. When mixing ash with ammonia substances, the effect of ammonia is neutralized.
The ideal combination is ash and urea (urea). Together, these components form a complete fertilizer for the soil. One matchbox of urea is enough for a glass of ash. The mixture is diluted in a watering can (10 l) and used for watering. This top dressing contains all the main components and is used for vegetable and berry crops. Cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, strawberries respond especially well to it.
Practical advice for farmers
Ash helps almost all plants develop normally. Knowing the norms and methods of use, you can always get a good cultivation result. Eggplants, tomatoes, peppers grow well if you add three tablespoons of ash when planting seedlings. For root crops, they are usually distributed over the entire planting area before digging - a glass per sq. meter. The lawn will have juicy greens, a developed root system when applied before sowing 300 g per sq. meter.
Cucumbers and cabbage love to be watered with ash infusion. You will need a glass of ash for the solution per bucket. In a day, 0.5 liters are used per object. Two or three top dressing of vegetables over the summer is enough. For cabbage, this procedure takes place at intervals of 10-12 days throughout the season.
Trees respond to the introduction of ash with abundant fruiting and the formation of growth. Feeding activities are carried out once every 3 years, 2 kg per adult tree. The laboriousness of digging the entire projection of the crown can be replaced by creating a shallow groove around the circumference. Ash powder is embedded to a depth of 10 cm. For a seedling 1 kg - in a planting pit. A rooted tree is recommended to be additionally shed with water infusion, 2-3 times per summer is enough. For this solution for 12 liters, 1.5 kg of ash is taken.
How to get good ash
Those who use any material for the production of ash are mistaken. Coal, polystyrene, rubber, newsprint, polyethylene will not do any good for plants. Only ash from natural plant material is a source of nutrients.
Without a stove, experienced gardeners use an old barrel to obtain high-quality fertilizer. The bottom is removed, installed on stones, the gap from the ground should be 15-30 cm - this will provide traction for combustion. In a safe device, wood waste, plant residues, branches, dry foliage, grass, tops are burned. As a result, the area is cleared of debris and an ideal fertilizer is obtained.
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