Humus: what is it and how to increase its content in the soil

You've probably heard that humus is an important part of garden soil. However, few summer residents know what it is and why it is so important.

Today, there are many myths and misconceptions about soil humus that need to be debunked.

In fact, humus is the most important component of garden soil - more important than earthworms and organic matter. However, it receives relatively little attention in the horticultural literature. In this article I will try to explain the basic principles of gardening that help increase this element in the soil.

Humus: what is it?

Before defining the concept of “humus” itself, let’s look at similar terms that bring even more confusion into the minds of gardeners.

Humus layer of soil

This is what they usually say about the top fertile layer of soil, which is deep brown in color and rich in nutrients. Despite the fact that it is humus that gives the soil its dark color, it itself is not a layer in the soil.

Humus soil

This concept is often found on the Internet, but it is not clear what is meant by it. In the end, any soil contains some percentage of humus, but we don’t call it “humus”... Thus, this phrase is meaningless.

Humus = compost

Gardeners often call well-ripened compost humus. Even in gardening centers you can often see packages of fertilizer labeled “humus” (but this is the most common compost!). In fact, even the oldest compost is just half-decomposed remains of organic materials, and in order for them to turn into true humus, soil microorganisms must work on them for several years.

How to preserve humus in the soil?

The basis for maintaining a fertile soil layer of humus is the use of organic fertilizers, primarily compost or green manure. However, compost alone is often not enough.

Mainly because the harvest from the garden is used for food purposes and is therefore contained in vegetables and fruits and the nutrients are not returned to the soil.

In addition, plant residues affected by diseases and pests are not suitable for composting.

This is another reason why only part of the organic matter resulting from plant cultivation and growth is returned to the soil. Therefore, it is obvious that this loss must be compensated somehow.

With the development of the market for biological products for plant care and protection, humic preparations appear, which are otherwise called improvers or soil fertilizers.

They contain mainly humic acids, as well as macro- and microelements.

Such preparations are especially useful when planting young plants, intensive plant cultivation, poor soil and anywhere where organic fertilizer has been ignored for many years. Soil amendments in liquid form can be applied by watering or spraying, while soil amendments in loose form are spread over the surface of the soil and then mixed into it by raking. Some of them can be applied along with fertilizers.

It is important to note that the introduction of humic preparations into the soil, which improve structure and permeability, makes it easier for plants to absorb nutrients from the soil, and, as a result, significantly reduces the use of mineral fertilizers.

This has important economic implications because often the amount saved on fertilizers is many times the cost of using them.

Therefore, the use of drugs to increase the humus layer in the soil increases profits, even if agricultural structures are grown in small areas exclusively for home use!

How is it different from humus?

If we turn to scientific sources, the humus layer can be characterized as a system consisting of nitrogenous formations . The latter are the result of the process of mineralization of vegetation residues.

It is worth considering that the course of this very mineralization directly depends on the enzymatic influence created due to the vital activity of microorganisms. By the way, they represent one of the main components of the substrate. In a simplified version, we are talking about the results of humus, which can be obtained on any site.

If we literally translate the term “Humus” from Latin, we get “Earth,” that is, the main component, which consists primarily of nutrients. Humus and humus are completely different concepts, since they mean significant differences in the processes of creating one and the other substance. Thus, the first concept implies a substrate in the processing of which earthworms do not take part. Moreover, in the situation with humus formation, they play a key role. As a result, it turns out that humus is one of the stages of creating humus.

How is humus formed?

In nature, it is so customary that all living things, when they die, fall to the ground and enter the nutrient cycle. Organic residues, accumulating, form a surface layer, which is the source of energy for all representatives of the flora growing on the earth.

Due to their structural features, neither trees, shrubs, nor grasses are able to absorb organic matter directly. For growth and development, they require “processed food” - useful substances in the form of tiny particles that can be absorbed into the root system along with moisture. An innumerable number of little helpers are involved in the process of preparing a nutrient medium for plants. The fertile component is formed as a result of the activity of all living creatures living in the soil.

A huge variety of organisms live in the natural soil layer:

• bacteria
• mushrooms
• protozoa
• lichens
• insects
• invertebrates

According to scientists, in one year microorganisms with a total weight of about a ton are formed in every hectare of fertile soil layer! Each of these creatures has its own role. Each species chooses food based on its taste preferences, ultimately processing dead organic matter and turning it into new chemical compounds.

The smallest microorganisms begin the food chain by processing the most easily decomposed particles. Larger elements are consumed by bacteria and fungi, producing acids necessary for the process of forming more complex and more nutritious compounds.

The formation of a fertile layer nutritious for plants is a dynamic process. Complex organic compounds are constantly synthesized and decomposed, so the accumulation of the humus layer occurs unevenly and is highly dependent on environmental factors.

In warm and humid climates, the decomposition and processing of dying vegetation occurs very quickly and the humus layer does not have time to accumulate. In cold, harsh conditions, on the contrary, the formation of a nutrient medium is greatly slowed down, and the amount of raw materials in the form of dying organic matter is extremely small.

Optimal for the accumulation of biologically rich and fertile humus is a temperate climate without excess moisture. It is under such conditions that the most active accumulation of a massive layer of fertile soil occurs.

Earthworms: vermicompost factory

Earthworms are of great importance to maintain healthy soil.
This is an old, but centuries-tested method of increasing soil fertility on a site and is incredibly effective. Passing through the body of the worm, the soil fluffs up and is enriched with bioactive substances. In addition, the result of the life activity of these soil inhabitants is the acceleration of the decomposition of organic matter and its transformation into excellent humus.

Earthworms make the soil more water- and breathable, and also serve as a reliable indicator of its environmental cleanliness (it has been noticed that with the annual and excessive use of mineral fertilizers, the number of worms in the soil decreases sharply).

So be friends with these little workers and drive away the moles from your plots!

Precise definition and confusion of terms

As a matter of fact, the word humus itself is translated as “soil” or “soil”. However, these concepts are not identical. The most fertile layer of soil, the top layer, is often called humus. It is dark, loose, moist. Sometimes summer residents confuse the concepts of humus, compost and humus. The following theses will help you understand the features and differences between these terms:

1. The most fertile part of the soil is called humus. But humus is not a separate layer, but one of the components of the earth. In some soils there is more of it, in others there is less.
2. Compost is formed by the decomposition of organic matter. It is a product of decay and requires further processing by living microorganisms (worms, microbes, etc.). In this case, within a few years the compost will turn into humus.

Attention! Humates can be found in specialized stores. This is also not humus, but only one of its parts. Humates are sold as organic fertilizer

Humus is not just one substance, but a whole complex of different compounds. This is a kind of supply of nutritional components. They accumulate as a result of the work of fungi, microbes, earthworms and other living organisms. The process of formation of a substance is called humification.

Humification is the process of creating humus

Compost and manure are NOT humus, but their addition to the soil is a prerequisite for its fertility.

The best way to understand what humus is is to study how it is created.

The remains of plants and animals consist of organic matter. Organic matter includes a wide range of molecules, including starches, proteins, sugars, carbohydrates, amino acids, and so on.

When organic matter begins to decompose, microorganisms (mostly bacteria and fungi) break these molecules into smaller and smaller parts. In general, this process is very complex, and there is no point in describing it in detail.

It is more important to know that the overwhelming majority of nutrients are extracted from organic matter due to the vital activity of these same microorganisms. And only after this the nutrients are absorbed by the plants.

At some stage, everything useful from organic matter is absorbed by plants, as a result of which some part of the molecules remains that cannot be used by either microorganisms or plants. This substance is called humus . It consists mainly of carbons, so it continues to be considered organic, but microorganisms are no longer able to process such a substance. Humus is so stable that it can remain unchanged in the soil for hundreds and hundreds of years.

Thus, humus includes very large and complex carbon molecules. Recent studies have shown that it may also consist of more compact molecules assembled into complex complexes. In short, scientists continue to study this mysterious substance.

However, today it is reliably known that the quality of the soil on the site directly depends on the humus content in it, so the task of every summer resident is to increase its percentage in the garden soil.

Functions

It is important to consider the properties and functions of the fertile layer.

Among the properties of humus are:

• saturation of the substrate with useful elements,
• influence on the permeability of the soil, increasing its friability and looseness,
• transformation of soil structure,
• absorption of radionuclides, salts of aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals.

The functional series usually includes the following categories:

• Physical, which ensures the formation of a soil structure of enhanced strength, promotes favorable water circulation and stable air temperature. Thanks to it, good root growth is achieved, the cohesion of light soil structures is enhanced while simultaneously loosening excessively dense layers.
• Chemical: guarantees the accumulation and long-term storage of nutrients, ensures the preservation of elements until the onset of the mineralization process. After mineralization, previously accumulated elements (potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, etc.) are released.
• Biological – promotes the favorable development and existence of microorganisms in the substrate.

This is interesting! Stages of dissimilation: what is it in biology.

Beneficial features

Today the following benefits of the substance have been scientifically proven:

• maintains the moisture of the earth, since it itself, like a sponge, contains water;
• retains essential nutrients and prevents them from being washed out of the soil;
• loosens the soil, improves its structure;
• helps plants form powerful roots, improves their immunity;
• heals the earth;
• decomposes harmful substances into safe compounds, etc.

You can “help” soil microorganisms improve soil fertility. Regularly fertilize the area with organic matter, compost, grow green manure, and maintain crop rotation. But traditional deep digging of the garden harms microorganisms. Because of this, soil humus forms much more slowly.

Soil classification

Depending on the content of such organic substrate in the soil, four types of soil are usually distinguished:

• Low-humus.
• Moderately humus.
• Medium humus.
• Humus soils.

The first type of soil contains a humus layer with no more than 1% of such a nutrient substrate. But in humus soils, the amount of such processed humus can reach 5%, which makes it possible to ensure excellent yields of grown garden crops. Note that in chernozem the amount of nutrient substrate reaches 15 percent.

The role of humus in nature

The importance of humus in the ecosystem is difficult to overestimate. In fact, this element is one of the main means of replenishing the planet’s biological resources.

• The most important component of humus, humic acid, promotes the rapid growth and development of the root system of plants.
• The decomposition of organic components is accompanied by the release of carbon dioxide, which is necessary for plant respiration.
• Formation of structurally stable, moist and oxygenated soil. Humus helps loosen excessively dense soils, while at the same time holding together excessively loose substrates, thereby preventing soil erosion.
• It is a habitat for microorganisms and bacteria that contribute to the process of processing and formation of useful substances and organic compounds.
• Binds toxic substances into inactive compounds, thereby limiting their distribution.
• The dark color of the soil is due to the high content of black humus pigment. This contributes to high absorption of solar heat and warming of the fertile layer.
• High content of chemical elements. During the processing of the organic component, phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium and a host of other useful elements are released in a form suitable for plant nutrition.

Organic part of the soil

Together with organic substances, nitrogen-containing compounds enter the soil - amino acids, proteins, alkaloids, as well as lignin, tannins, resins, organic acids (oxalic, citric, tartaric.

The elemental composition of organic matter entering the soil is characterized by the fact that it is approximately 5% (in terms of dry matter) represented by carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen; the remaining 5% is a large group of ash elements - calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, silicon, phosphorus, iron, sulfur, as well as trace elements - copper, boron, manganese, zinc, etc.

Organic residues entering the soil undergo various biochemical and physicochemical transformations.

The rise of enzymes secreted by microorganisms changes the anatomical structure of the residues, and complex organic compounds break down into simpler ones - they are called intermediate products of the transformation of organic residues.

As a result of protein hydrolysis, peptones, peptides, and free amino acids are formed. When complex proteins are hydrolyzed, carbohydrates, phosphoric acid, and nitrogen-containing heterocyclic bases are formed together with acids.

The decomposition of fats is accompanied by the formation of lignin and fatty acids.

The products of lignin breakdown are phenols.

Many intermediate compounds are formed during the decomposition of carbohydrates - monosaccharides, organic acids, aldehydes, etc.

The process of synthesis of organic substances occurs under conditions of biocatalysis, the action of enzymes secreted by microorganisms. The essence of this process comes down to the fact that intermediate products of the decomposition of organic matter, falling under the influence of reactions of biochemical oxidation, polycondensation, polymerization, give qualitatively new organic compounds, which are called humus, or humus, and the process of their formation is humification.

Usually, humus is understood as a group of dark-colored, high-molecular nitrogen-containing organic substances of an acidic nature, most of which are colloids.

Humic substances themselves make up 85–90% of the total amount of organic compounds in the soil. The greatest quantity and quality of humus is provided by herbaceous vegetation and its root system. The formation of humus involves the simplest animal soils and microorganisms that destroy complex organic substances. This process is called biochemical. As a result, two main groups of compounds are formed:

• nonspecific humus (lignin, cellulose, waxes, resins and other dilapidated compounds),

• specific humus (humic and fulvic acids, humin).

The structure of humus is very complex and not entirely understood. Humic substances are a heterogeneous, polydisperse system of high molecular weight, nitrogen-containing, aromatic organic compounds of an acidic nature.

They consist of three groups:

• humic acids,
• fulvic acids,
• humin, or non-hydrolysable residue.

The qualitative ratio of these groups characterizes the group composition of humus. Within the groups, fractions are distinguished that differ from each other in certain properties (solubility, molecular weight, elemental composition, etc.).

The quantitative ratio of fractions characterizes the fractional composition of humus.

Humic acids are a group of dark-colored (from brown to black) humic acids (brown, gray, hematomelanic), which are readily soluble in alkaline solutions, but insoluble in mineral acids and water.

The best humus is one in which humin with humic acid predominates, as in our turf soils or chernozem soils. In most land soils, the fulvate composition of humus predominates.

Chernozems have the largest amount of benign humus (4–15%). Therefore, these soils are the most fertile.

Numerous plant nutrients accumulate in humus - N, P, S, K, Ca, microelements, which are released during its decomposition by heterotrophs.

The decomposition processes of humic substances are accompanied by the release of carbon dioxide, which is necessary for green plants for photosynthesis. In addition, humus is a source of biologically active substances in the soil (enzymes, vitamins, growth substances), which have a positive effect on the growth and development of plants and the mobilization of elements.

Compound

In the context of structure, the soil layer in question represents a whole complex of chemical elements and substances. Two main components can be distinguished, namely:

• the organic part, which accounts for up to 90%, contains fulvic acids, humic acids and humates;
• inorganic components (the remaining 10% are, as a rule, minerals related to fulvates).

Humic acids

In this case we are talking about high-molecular compounds, one of the main characteristics of which is the presence of nitrogen. In addition, they have a so-called cyclic structure. It is important to take into account the lack of solubility in water of this category of organic acids and solubility in a slightly alkaline environment. Their structure includes the following components:

• carbon – 50%;
• oxygen – 40%;
• hydrogen – 5%;
• nitrogen – 5%.

Humates

Humates are the result of the interaction of the above-described acids and minerals contained in the soil. They are divided into calcium, magnesium and alkali humates. Moreover, the latter are characterized by increased solubility in water, as well as the ability to form colloidal solutions. For the other two varieties, solubility is unusual due to the characteristics of their structure.

Soil organic matter system

Soil organic matter is divided into two groups: organic residues and humus (according to D.S. Orlov, 1985) (Fig.).

Undecomposed residues , which are visible to the naked eye or under a magnifying glass, make up 5-10% of the total soil organic matter content. The organic components included in their composition are a source of humus formation, which in most mineral soils accounts for up to 90-99% of the total organic matter content.

Humus is a complex dynamic complex of organic compounds formed during the decomposition and humification of organic residues and waste products of living organisms. The composition of humus includes intermediate products of decomposition and humification, nonspecific organic compounds and specific humic substances.

Nonspecific organic or individual compounds are a large group of organic substances entering the soil from decomposing plant and animal residues, with intravital secretions of roots, macro- and microorganisms.

This includes lignin, cellulose, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and other compounds well known in biochemistry

With their further transformation, intermediate products of decomposition and humification .

They constitute a group of diverse and poorly studied soil organic compounds. This system of substances can be divided into two categories: 1) high molecular weight decomposition products

, 2)
low molecular weight compounds
.

On the nature of high-molecular compounds

we actually do not have reliable materials.

Presumably, this may include products of partial hydrolysis, oxidation and demethoxylation of lignin, proteins, carbohydrates, etc., which cannot yet be considered specific humic substances, but are also no longer identified as individual organic compounds characteristic of living organisms.

To low molecular weight organic

compounds include various amino acids, monosaccharides, and phenolic compounds.

A common component among the compounds of this group are low molecular weight organic acids of the aliphatic series: oxalic, succinic, malic, formic, etc. In most cases, organic acids are present in the soil in the form of salts, as they actively interact with the mineral part. Their content can reach 30-40% of the total amount of water-soluble organic substances. Low-molecular organic acids are especially actively formed during the decomposition of forest litter and under anaerobic conditions.

Nonspecific compounds are individual organic compounds and intermediate products of decomposition and humification.

The fate of substances of this group in the soil may be different. Some of them are absorbed by microorganisms, some of them decompose into final products, and some of them, when included in the humification process, are transformed into specific humic substances.

The need to isolate specific humic substances and nonspecific organic compounds in humus is due to the fact that humic substances accumulate primarily in soils and are a specific product of soil formation, while nonspecific compounds are synthesized in living organisms and enter the soil as part of plant and other organic residues.

Only in the composition of humus are humic substances completely dominant, accounting for up to 90-95% of its mass.

Specific humic substances are represented by humic acids, non-hydrolyzable residue and prohumic substances. Prohumic substances are “young” humic-like products that are in many ways similar to intermediate products of the decomposition of organic residues. They are discovered during detailed fractionation of humus compounds isolated from soils and have been studied very poorly.

Non-hydrolyzable residue (humin) is that part of soil humus that cannot be extracted with dilute solutions of alkalis, acids or organic solvents.

It includes: humic acids, firmly associated with the mineral part, primarily with clay minerals, and decarboxylated humic substances that have lost their ability to dissolve in alkalis. In addition, the non-hydrolyzable residue contained lignin, cellulose, polysaccharides, carbonaceous particles, plant residues at various stages of decomposition, and fragments of the chitinous cover of insects.

Types of soils containing humus

For ease of perception and assessment of soil from the point of view of practical gardening, soils containing a fertile humus layer can be divided into three types:

1. Chernozem is formed in favorable conditions, a temperate climate with sufficient humidity. It is characterized by high biological activity of microorganisms at low acidity of the environment. Contains a high percentage of useful minerals. Chernozem is favorable for the growth and development of plants.
2. Podzolic soil - the most striking example is coniferous forest. The humus layer consists mainly of coarse organic residues. This is due to the high leaching of useful organic compounds and minerals moving into the deeper layers of the soil. The remaining depleted layer is characterized by weak biological activity and high acidity, which is unfavorable for plant growth.
3. Peat soil forms in wetlands, often forming thick humus layers. However, in its original form, the peat layer is of little use for growing plants. The problem lies in excessive humidity, which prevents the development of humus-processing organisms, and excessive acidity of the environment. However, peat is a kind of storage of valuable organic raw materials. When deficiencies are eliminated, microorganisms actively develop in such soil, facilitating the release of plant nutrients.

Chernozem, podzolic soil, peat soil

How to increase the humus content?

Knowing what humus is, you can understand how to increase its amount - for example, in your garden. To do this you should:

• do not throw away, but compost or bury plant residues - food for microorganisms and worms;
• use organic fertilizers - peat, manure, humus and others;
• maintain the number of soil bacteria. To do this, you can use special biological preparations (EM-preparations) available on the market, and also “feed” the microorganisms well by introducing plant residues into the ground;
• attract earthworms. These workers love loose, moist soil. They also need organic matter for nutrition;
• use ready-made industrial humus. It is called vermicomposting and is a product of vermicomposting with the participation of worms and microorganisms.

On ordinary soils, humus is quickly absorbed by plants and destroyed, which leads to a decrease in fertility. In order for the earth to be “alive”, with a large content of valuable humus, we need to constantly take care of it, adding organic matter and supporting the life of our “helpers” - microorganisms and worms.

Map of humus reserves

In areas where the climate is very harsh, the process of soil formation is catastrophically slow. Due to weak heating of the top layer, plants and microorganisms are deprived of favorable conditions for a full existence.

Tundra

Here you can see huge areas consisting of coniferous trees and shrubs. The slopes are mostly covered with moss. In the tundra, the humus content is 73-80 t/ha in a one-meter layer. These areas are so wet that it leads to the accumulation of clay rocks. As a result, tundra soils have the following structure:

• top covering - litter consisting of undecomposed plant remains;
• humus layer, which is very weakly expressed;
• helium layer (comes with a bluish tint);
• permafrost.

Oxygen almost does not penetrate into such soils. The presence of air is essential for the microbiological activity of organisms. Without it, they die or freeze.

Taiga

Broad-leaved trees are found in this area. They form dense mixed forests. In the steppe zones, not only moss grows, but also herbal plants. Spring (often melted snow) and autumn rainy seasons excessively moisten the soil. Such flows wash away reserves of the humus horizon.

Here it forms and lies under the forest floor. Many sources provide different indicators of humus content in the taiga. For the following soil types they are as follows (per 1 m², t/ha):

• pod-golden (strong, medium and weak) - from 50 to 120;
• gray forest - 76 or 84;
• soddy-podgold - no more than 128, and no less than 74;
• taiga-permafrost contain a very low percentage.

To grow crops on such lands, the beds should be regularly fertilized with high-quality substances. Only in this case can high yields be achieved.

Chernozem

All known varieties of black soil are considered the leader and favorite in this fertility ranking. Organic humus in them reaches a depth of 80 cm or 1.2 meters. They can rightfully be called the most fertile lands. This is favorable soil for the growth of cereals (wheat), sugar beets, corn or sunflowers. From the following list you can see the variation in humus content in different types of chernozem (t/ha, per 100 cm):

• typical (500-600);
• greened (up to 400);
• leached (within 550);
• powerful (more than 800);
• southern West Caucasian (390);
• degraded (up to 512).

It is worth understanding that the indicators for virgin, arable and developed types of land are different. To familiarize yourself with the composition of each of these groups, a table is provided. In steppe and arid regions, chestnut soils are common, which contain no more than 100-230 t/ha of humus. For desert (brown and gray types of soil cover) regions, this figure is about 70 t/ha. As a result, farmers constantly have to deal with salinization of their fields.

Drought is the main enemy of such types of land. Therefore, plantations may require abundant irrigation.

How and when to use humus. What is compost

In the natural environment, the process of formation of the fertile layer occurs naturally: dying grass, fruits and tree leaves fall to the ground and form a nutrient medium. When growing crops on a personal plot, the renewal of humus is limited; most of the fruits and plants are excluded from the natural cycle, ending up on our table. Moreover, natural enrichment of the soil with humus is impossible when growing indoor flowers at home.

Humus is a food needed by plants. Over time, the amount of useful substances contained in the soil decreases, and green pets will begin to wither or even die - it is necessary to restore fertility. Regular feeding is required to maintain a consistently fertile environment.

Compost, manure, and bird droppings can be used as materials used to increase the humus content in the soil. Depending on the type of feeding, the effect it produces differs.

For example, bird droppings, almost always used diluted with water, are quickly decomposing organic matter. This means that useful elements immediately enter the soil and are absorbed by plants.

The high nitrogen content in bird droppings has an excellent effect on plant growth, especially when gaining green mass. This property of this type of feeding is often used by experienced gardeners when growing table greens.

[!] When using bird droppings, you should be very careful; the composition of the material is toxic and can cause severe burns if it gets on the leaves, stems and roots of plants. The negative effect can be avoided if you apply fertilizer in the fall, after harvesting, or use fertilizer highly diluted with water, in a ratio of 1:10.

Manure and compost, on the contrary, are processed slowly, but create a constant favorable environment for the habitat and development of microorganisms, ultimately significantly enriching the soil with useful minerals and compounds for a long time.

In most cases, cattle waste is used. Of the various options, cow dung is the most popular. It is easily accessible, although in terms of its richness in nutrients and efficiency of use, it is quite inferior to horse milk.

Sheep, pig and even rabbit droppings are also used as fertilizers. The use of this type of fertilizer in its original form is undesirable; before applying it to the soil, it would be more correct to let the raw material rest. The most aggressive reactions will end, and the chemical environment in the fertilizer will become safe for plants.

Of course, the most natural and suitable medium for plant nutrition and humus formation is compost. Especially considering the fact that almost every gardener is able to produce this most useful fertilizer right on his own plot.

Compost is rotted organic plant residues. Almost all dying greenery is suitable for compost production. The main value of this type of fertilizer is that the remains of the flora contain exactly the set of useful substances that living, developing plants need.

All types of organic fertilizers have one thing in common - they are absolutely harmless to humans, which allows you to obtain completely environmentally friendly products.

You can use organic fertilizers to enrich the soil and nourish plants at almost all stages of growth of green pets:

• soaking seeds and cuttings in a nutrient solution,
• adding humus when forcing seedlings,
• fertilizer when planting in the ground,
• watering adult plants with organic fertilizers dissolved in water,
• spraying garden crops to prepare for winter.

Soil humus and its properties

Under natural conditions, the humification of plant residues in the soil is carried out not only by microbes and earthworms, but also by many other phytosaprophages. They create fine earthiness and looseness, affect the physical properties and structure, chemical processes, lead to the mixing of chemical elements, their accumulation and stabilization in the form of humic substances, which determine soil fertility. The more humus in the soil, the better the water, air and thermal conditions of the fertile layer, the better the nutrition of plants, the more active the formation of nitrates and carbon dioxide, necessary for photosynthesis and fixation of atmospheric nitrogen by free-living microorganisms in the root horizon. The physicochemical interaction of newly formed humic acids with minerals protects them from rapid involvement in the biochemical cycle and promotes the fixation of humus in the soil.

Organic substances from plant residues are converted into humic acids and fulvic acids with the help of bacteria and worms. Plant residues also contain so-called ash elements - various metals, silicon, etc. Humic acids and fulvic acids interact with metals and form salts - humates and fulvates. Lithium, potassium, and sodium humates are soluble and easily washed out with water. They also represent the most valuable part of humus, easily accessible to plants. Humates of calcium, magnesium, silicon and heavy metals are insoluble and make up that part of humus that can be called preserves of soil fertility. They accumulated in chernozems throughout the post-glacial period. These humates are able to dissolve under the influence of enzymes of the plant root system, but in quantities that satisfy only their needs. They are not subject to hydrolysis, but have a great influence on the creation of an agronomically valuable, cohesive, water-resistant and porous structure that is not affected by erosion.

It should be especially emphasized that heavy metal humates are even more resistant to hydrolysis by enzymes of the plant root system and are practically not absorbed by them. This is the main ecological property of humus - binding heavy metals in the soil and protecting all life on Earth from their toxic effects, including heavy radionuclides! This protective property is as important for all living things as the protective property of the ozone layer around the Earth. The more humus there is in the soil, the more pronounced this buffer property of soils is: food and feed products grown on high-humus soils are environmentally friendly.

The buffering property of humus soils can be illustrated by the following data. According to calculations by Academician V.A. Yagodin (1990), with the annual combustion of 33 billion tons of coal in the world, up to 220 thousand tons of uranium and 280 thousand tons of arsenic are dispersed (for comparison: the world production of these two metals is 30 and 40 thousand tons per year). In addition, metallurgical enterprises annually emit to the surface of the earth (with fumes) more than 150 thousand tons of copper, 120 thousand tons of zinc, 90 thousand tons of lead, 30 tons of mercury, a lot of other metals and many millions of tons of sulfur, salt, nitric, phosphoric and other acids. More than 250 thousand tons of lead reach the soil surface with exhaust gases. The industry producing mineral fertilizers, in particular phosphorus fertilizers, also makes a “contribution” to the process of technogenic environmental pollution (R. E. Elshev, A. L. Ivanov, M. Shahadzhakhan, 1991). In this case, all other elements of D.I. Mendeleev’s table, including cadmium, strontium, selenium, fluorine, etc., enter the soil. and so on. It is difficult to imagine the mass of these and other elements that got into the soil at least during the post-war period. But a universal catastrophe and death of living things did not occur; only local diseases of forests, lakes, and only in the northern regions of Canada, Scandinavia, and Siberia, where there is little humus in the soils, were noted. Regions with a high content of humus in the soil suffered less, and in countries where the production of humus fertilizers has been developed quite widely, the soil, animals and people quickly improved (USA, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, South Asian countries and others).

Humus is “bread for plants”. It contains 98% of soil nitrogen reserves, 60% phosphorus, 80% potassium and contains all other mineral plant nutrients in a balanced state using natural technology. The inert humus of the arable layer contains up to 87.5% of energy.

The richest in humus are chernozems, where rich herbaceous vegetation and the active activity of microorganisms and earthworms contribute to the abundant formation of humic substances, and the high content of clay minerals ensures their fixation in the soil. This is how the humus fund of the soil was formed - the final result of long-term (decades and centuries) and various processes of decomposition and conservation of substances of plant and microbial origin.

Humus reserves in the soil cover of the earth are distributed unevenly: most of it is in the chernozems of meadow steppes - from 400 to 700 t/ha, less in the soils of tundras and deserts - only 0.6...0.7 t/ha.

Humus not only participates in supplying plants with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other important macro- and micronutrients, its role is undeniable in other important processes of soil formation and ensuring soil fertility, such as protecting soils from weathering, creating their granular structure, supplying plants carbon dioxide necessary for photosynthesis, biologically active growth substances. Therefore, preserving and increasing humus reserves is one of the primary tasks of farmers.

The agronomic value of humus is largely determined by the ratio of humic acids and fulvic acids it contains. With the predominant synthesis of humic acids in soils, a clearly defined humus horizon with high fertility is formed. Such soils are characterized by a water-resistant, water-intensive structure and hydrophilicity, rich in organic forms of nitrogen, phosphorus and other plant nutrients. With the intensive formation of fulvic humus, soils are easily depleted of alkaline cations and other elements, become acidic, and become destructured. The increase in fertility of these soils is associated with long-term cultivation and the introduction of large doses of vermicompost (up to 100 t/ha).

Humus contains a huge amount of energy. When calculating its calorific value of humus for all types of soils, it is conventionally assumed to be equal to 4000 calories per 1 g. Of the studied soils, chernozem stands out sharply in terms of humus energy - 20,000 calories in a prism with a cross section of 1 cm2 and a thickness of up to 300 cm. Humus of other types of soils is characterized by significantly smaller reserves energy - 4000...8000 calories in the same volume of soil. If we compare the energy content on 1 hectare of land, which has an energy reserve in the prism of 4000 small calories, then its total reserve is comparable to 50,000 liters of gasoline, and on black soil - 250,000 liters.

The huge reserves of energy accumulated in humus play an extremely important role in a wide variety of soil processes;

Humus is the main source of energy for the processes of transformation of mineral compounds in the soil, biosynthetic reactions, vital activity of microorganisms, growth and formation of plants, etc. Chernozems, as noted, are characterized by a predominant accumulation of energy in humus (88% of the sum of energy in humus and plant matter), which is in good agreement with the outstanding and stable fertility of chernozems.

The fertility of fields and vegetable gardens is directly related to the quantity and quality of humus in the soil. Chernozems are the richest in it. The famous chernozems of the Central and North Caucasus regions contained 10...14% humus, and the thickness of the chernozem layer was up to 1 m.

The important role of humic substances as physiologically active compounds for plants has been well studied. Highly humus soils have a higher content of physiologically active substances. Humus activates biochemical and physiological processes, increases metabolism and the overall energy level of processes in the plant body, promotes an increased supply of nutrients to it, which is accompanied by an increase in yield and improvement in its quality.

The literature has accumulated a wealth of experimental material showing the close dependence of yield on the level of humus content in soils. The correlation coefficient between the humus content in the soil and the yield is 0.7...0.8 (data from VNIPTIOU, 1989). Thus, in studies of the Belarusian Research Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry (BelNIIPA), an increase in the amount of humus in soddy-podzolic soils by 1% (within the range of its change from 1.5 to 2.5...3%) increases the grain yield of winter rye and barley by 10...15 c/ha. On collective farms and state farms of the Vladimir region, with a humus content in the soil of up to 1%, the grain yield in the period 1976-1980. did not exceed 10 c/ha, at 1.6...2% it was 15 c/ha, 3.5...4% - 35 c/ha. In the Kirov region, an increase in humus by 1% pays off by obtaining an additional 3...6 centners of grain, in the Voronezh region - 2 centners, in the Krasnodar Territory - 3...4 centners / ha.

The role of humus in increasing the yield of skillful use of chemical fertilizers is even more significant; its effectiveness increases by 1.5...2 times. However, it must be remembered that chemical fertilizers applied to the soil cause increased decomposition of humus, which leads to a decrease in its content.

The practice of modern agricultural production shows that increasing the humus content in soils is one of the main indicators of their cultivation. At a low level of humus reserves, the application of mineral fertilizers alone does not lead to a stable increase in soil fertility. Moreover, the use of high doses of mineral fertilizers on soils poor in organic matter is often accompanied by an unfavorable effect on soil micro- and macroflora, the accumulation of nitrates and other harmful compounds in plants, and in many cases a decrease in crop yields.

Why do you need unrotted organic matter and how is it better than ready-made humus?

However, what a paradox, nothing will grow on pure humus. For example, peat and brown coal are pure humus, but what grows on them? (The famous Voronezh and Ukrainian chernozems contained up to 10% humus! During the war, the Germans exported soil from Ukraine in whole trainloads. But after some time they stopped doing this. Because, contrary to expectation, this did not bring a significant increase in yields and turned out to be economically unprofitable.)

In nature, there is a natural process of humus restoration due to the rotting of fallen leaves and dying roots, but we persistently disrupt this natural process by raking and carrying away their fallen leaves and plant remains of annual plants from under the plants. But the plants grew them for their own needs, in order to feed themselves with the help of microorganisms for the next season.

The question arises: why do plants not want to grow on pure humus? What are they missing? They lack their true breadwinners, living soil microorganisms. And they need food that gives them energy for life - unrotted organic matter and the enormous energy of the sun stored in its chlorophyll nuclei, which in humus is no more than 20%, since soil microorganisms and earthworms have already used 80% of this energy, eating and processing unrotted organic matter .

Humus is energetically almost inert. Humus can accumulate food reserves, but it itself does not release them. Many experiments have long shown: humus is more a witness of fertility than its cause. Its biochemical activity is very low, it is almost not decomposed by microbes, it practically does not participate in the organic cycle and does not directly affect the yield.

The decomposition of organic matter is hundreds of times faster than the mineralization of humus. And the plants continuously receive all the necessary nutrition directly from rotting organic matter. Therefore, organic matter that rots right in the beds is much more beneficial for plants than already rotted organic matter - that is, humus.

It is the very process of this decomposition of organic matter that is the best conditions for the growth and productivity of plants. But we are firmly entrenched in the erroneous opinion that we first need to let the manure and organic matter rot for about three years, and then apply this inert mass to the beds under the plants.

Ways to increase productivity

By understanding how the organic layer of soil is formed, the gardener will be able to increase the humus content in podzolic soils that suffer from excess moisture. In the fight for the fertility of such zones, the following actions are used:

• fertilize the garden with manure, peat or humus;
• use/create compost;
• constantly loosen the soil so that oxygen reaches the roots and earthworms;
• To take care of a sufficient number of soil bacteria, you can use special biological products or scatter weeds and organic matter around the garden.

Plant waste can be buried in your garden beds, thereby taking care of the nutrition of ground dwellers.

Such measures of caring for their land holdings will help the farmer keep the soil “alive.” At the same time, the yield will increase several times.

Formation of humus in soil from mulch - video

Vermicompost production technology - video

How to make your own compost at home?

Making compost yourself is a simple process, although labor-intensive and slow. To do this you will need various organic waste:

• leaves and branches;
• vegetable and fruit peelings;
• paper waste;
• grass;
• straw.

Next, you should decide on the type of fermentation of the material - cold or hot?

The cold method is as simple as possible: fold all the prepared materials in layers or simply dump them together in a heap, pit, or container and wait about a year - during this time the material will rot and the output will be high-quality compost.

The hot method speeds up the process - the fertilizer will be ready within 1-3 months (in warm weather). To do this, you need to accumulate a certain amount of suitable material - so that the compost heap is at least 80 cm high. Having collected the required amount of organic matter, you need to ensure uniform fermentation of the material. To do this, you should fold the ingredients in layers, alternating green and brown shades. Green conventionally refers to waste after cleaning the garden and vegetable garden, cleaning and pruning trees, eggshells, coffee grounds, grass - these components will be the main source of nitrogen. Carbon will be provided by brown ingredients: dry leaves and paper waste, wood chips, straw, hay, sawdust.

Compost requires a warm environment and periodic moisture, but you can’t be too zealous with watering - flooding will interfere with thermoregulation. To monitor the process, you can periodically measure the temperature with a thermometer or by immersing your hand in the compost heap.

The period of active decay in the harvested material occurs during the warm season; during this period it is necessary to saturate the material with oxygen, systematically turning it over with a pitchfork. The optimal temperature for shifting layers is 55-65 degrees inside the mass. Saturation will speed up the processing process and prevent unnecessary compaction of the material and the formation of a musty odor.

For a proper process, it is undesirable to use the following components in compost:

• dairy products;
• weeds with ripened seeds;
• feces of cats and dogs;
• pressed sawdust;
• particles of diseased plants;
• any waste particles that contain metal or fats.

Properly organizing your compost heap is also important. It is not recommended to use a pit for preparing fertilizers due to the inconvenience of mixing, high humidity and insufficient supply of air and heat. It would be most convenient to make 3 walls up to 1 m high and a lattice bottom. The place must be covered: in the warm season - with opaque material, in the cold - with film.

Replenishing the amount of humus in the soil allows not only to avoid depletion of the soil, but also to increase productivity, improve the organoleptic properties of grown fruits and achieve flowering and ripening 5-10 days earlier than in the case of insufficient fertilizers.

Is it possible to spoil it?

The excrement of animals or birds is food for many microorganisms, and the metabolism of many of them is not compatible with the metabolism of plants, which means that as a result of their vital activity, substances other than humus will be obtained.

The most common causes of mold are poor ventilation of the substrate at high humidity and frequent condensation on the inner surface of the covering material.

To prevent the appearance of mold, you need to stir the substrate at least once a month, make a lot of ventilation holes and properly insulate the box, hole or pile. Humus with mold can be used as mulch and even fertilizer, filling fields with it, but it is not suitable for soil mixture or filling into holes before planting seedlings.

What is the difference between vermicompost and compost?

Compost is an organic fertilizer obtained as a result of the natural decomposition of organic matter of plant or animal origin.

Unlike vermicompost, compost is obtained as a result of chemical processes of biodegradation, under the influence of physical factors and various microorganisms. Vermicompost is obtained from a compost mixture processed by the food system of special dung worms.

Vermicompost production occurs much faster. Vermicompost is more enriched with mineralized substances that are easy for plants to absorb, while in compost many substances are difficult for the root system to absorb. It does not contain pathogenic microflora, which may initially be present in the compost mixture, or weed seeds.

Vermicompost is also enriched with enzymes from the gastrointestinal tract of worms, which have the effect of phytohormones, enhancing plant growth processes.

From the point of view of fertilizer, vermicompost is the best option, since it is enriched with simpler substances and also has a richer mineral and enzymatic composition.

Assessment of humus content in arable soils in Russia

According to L.N. Aleksandrova (1980) in podzolic soils, the share of non-humic substances in the composition of humin can account for up to 60%. Therefore, the non-hydrolyzable residue should be classified as a group of specific humic substances with a certain degree of convention.

An assessment of the humus content in mineral soils of Russia is given, based on theoretical, calculated and expert approaches. A review is presented and an analysis of soil gradations based on humus content developed by the Soil Institute named after.

V.V. Dokuchaeva (1977, 1985, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2004) and D.S. Orlov et al. (1978, 2004). A theoretical justification is given and a scale of Russian soils according to the degree of humus content is proposed, where the values ​​of the minimum humus content are presented as a reference point, and the objective intervals of the scale of humus content values ​​are based on the values ​​of interlaboratory permissible differences.

The concept of a global assessment has been introduced, covering a wide range of soils in Russia and reflecting differences between soil types in humus content, and a differentiated assessment, characterizing differences within a soil type (subtype) in terms of the values ​​of this indicator. Methodological techniques for determining the minimum permissible, optimal and maximum permissible values ​​of humus content in arable soil horizons are outlined.

The chemical composition of soils is represented by three groups of components.

These are substances that were previously part of the parent rocks; substances entering the soil with atmospheric and dust precipitation and, finally, organic substances belonging to various classes of compounds and accumulating primarily due to the remains of higher plants and microorganisms, and in soils converted into humus.

The most relevant is the third group, which is almost the only source of a wide variety of organic compounds, which theoretically and practically determine both the formation of humus horizons in virtually any soil and the formation and accumulation of specific organic compounds in soils - humic substances.

It is these substances that give soils their unique appearance and properties that distinguish them from other natural bodies [16].

According to Alexandrova, humus formation, that is, the formation of humus, is a process specific to soils, in contrast to humification, which occurs in many natural environments - peats, silts, sapropels, coals, etc. (including in soils) and leads to formation of humic substances.

The Great Russian Encyclopedia [3] gives the following definition of humus: “Humus is a dynamic system consisting of a collection of plant and animal residues that have lost the features of their anatomical structure and undergo various stages of decomposition and synthesis; the main and most important constituent of soil organic matter.”

The US Dictionary of Soil Terms [25] provides a different definition: “Humus is a more or less stable fraction of soil organic matter that remains after the main part of plant or animal residues in the soil has decomposed.”

Humus is one of the most important indicators that determine the genesis and fertility of soils.

In “Classification and Diagnostics of Soils of the USSR,” the humus content is considered at the species level.

Species characteristics in terms of humus content correspond to certain types of soils (Table 1).

In “Classification of Soils of Russia” [11], “Classification and Diagnostics of Soils of Russia” [10], in contrast to the previous classification system, more general criteria for identifying soils by humus content at the species level are proposed:

Types by humus content in the accumulative-humus horizon, % of the soil mass (according to [11]).

For soils with dark-humus and agro-dark-humus horizons

Type of Humus, %

1. Slightly humus <3 2. Low humus 3-5 3. Medium humus 5-7 4. Highly humus 7-9 5. Fat >9

Table 1. Division of soil types in the USSR into types based on humus content

The system of indicators by Grishina and Orlov [5] shows gradations of humus content generalized for all types of soil (Table 2). In their opinion, a small number of indicator levels are allocated to facilitate soil groupings. The same goal is pursued by integer limits for each Level.

According to the authors, although this approach somewhat simplifies the characterization of the natural situation, each level nevertheless corresponds to some approximation to the real properties of specific soil types. Thus, a high humus content of 6–10% is indeed characteristic of chernozems, and low and very low (2–4 and <2%) are characteristic of soddy-podzolic soils and podzols.

In 2004, Orlov and co-authors proposed the system “Additional indicators of the humus status of soils and their genetic horizons” [16]. The authors believe that the previously given degrees of gradation of humus content are clearly insufficient if we take into account the characteristics of similar soils with relatively close levels of accumulation of organic matter. For the “humus content” indicator, five gradations were previously used, which is clearly insufficient.

Especially when it comes to describing soils of similar genesis. They proposed introducing a more detailed gradation that more accurately covers real soil types. These estimated levels of various humus contents are presented in Table. 3. According to the authors, they significantly exceed and even expand the previously given levels, but are more consistent with the real properties of soils and seem to be much more convenient for most Russian, and perhaps many world soils.

It should be noted that the qualifiers for organic carbon content proposed in the World Correlative Soil Resources Base (WRB) for soil units - humic and hyperhumic - are based only on expert assessment.

Table 2. Humus content levels for soil groups

The rating scales of Grishina, Orlov [5], Orlov et al. [16] and those given in “Classification and Diagnostics of Russian Soils” [10] for the degree of humus content of soils can be considered global, reflecting to a certain extent the genetic affiliation of soils.

At the same time, the work of Stokozov et al. showed that the Grishina and Orlov system [5] cannot be used for an objective assessment of the humus status of arable soils, since the proposed gradations were not linked to a specific soil type and its granulometric composition. Based on bulk material, VNIPTIKHIM developed preliminary gradations for arable soils in Russia according to the degree of humus content, which are based on the soil type (subtype) and three groups according to the granulometric composition.

It should be noted that earlier in the “Classification and Diagnostics of Soils of the USSR” [9], three subtypes of chestnut soils were divided into two groups based on humus content, taking into account their granulometric composition. In the above-mentioned “Temporary recommendations for the selection of soil samples for the determination of humus during agrochemical survey of arable lands in Russia” [4], proposed by a team of authors from VNIPTIKHIM, the Soil Institute named after.

V.V. Dokuchaeva, VPNO “Rosselkhoz-Khimiya”, soils are divided into five groups according to the degree of humus content: very low, low, medium, high, high. For chernozem soils, groups are distinguished in steps of 1% in humus content, and for other soils, with some exceptions, in the first groups the interval is 0.5%, and in the last (three) - 1%.

In our opinion, despite the available indirect express methods for establishing C min values, for a more accurate assessment of the minimum humus content, it should be determined in long-term experiments with permanent clean fallows.

What is the difference between manure and vermicompost?

Manure, or humus, is the organic remains of animal waste products that have gone through the stages of decay. Fresh manure is dangerous for plants, since it may contain weed seeds, helminth eggs, and infectious reagents.

A high concentration of organic matter when using fresh manure can cause organic burns of the root system. In addition, humus has a poorer mineral composition.

Vermicompost is an already processed product, the raw material of which is not only manure, but also plant residues. Therefore, it has a more attractive chemical composition and has less risk of harming plants. It also decomposes faster, gives a longer lasting effect, which occurs faster compared to manure or humus.

Growing crops on poor soils

It is probably known to everyone that the soils in most of Russia are far from black soil. In most cases, Russian gardeners have to deal with a maximum of moderately humus or medium humus soils. Of course, to successfully grow tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage and other crops, such land must be improved.

Mineral fertilizers in this case, of course, will also be useful. But only if you use them in combination with organic matter. Therefore, before planting seeds or seedlings, you should add manure or compost to the soil. You can also use humus itself. We found out what it is. This is a very useful substrate, the presence of which in the soil determines its fertility. It is significantly more effective than manure and compost.

Why you need to use vermicompost

The main advantage of vermicompost over other types of fertilizers is its environmental friendliness . This is a product of completely natural origin and does not contain chemical structures of synthetic origin. The effect of using such a fertilizer occurs many times faster than all others, and the duration lasts for 4-5 years .

Vermicompost is generally richer in nutrients, that is, it is complex in nature and does not require the additional use of mineral or other fertilizers on top. Also, this fertilizer is almost universal and is suitable for most plants, with rare exceptions (those for whom large amounts of organic matter may be contraindicated).

Vermicompost does not contain infectious reagents of a viral, bacterial or fungal nature, does not contaminate the soil with weed seeds that can be found in manure or compost, and also practically does not change the acid-base reaction of the soil.

Education process

The formation of the humus layer is preceded by the process of humification. This process is based on the transformation of animal and plant organic residues into nutrients. The result of what is formed during humus accumulation helps to increase land fertility.

It should be noted that organic substances are formed not only under the influence of third-party intervention. Independent accumulation of organic matter is also expected. This occurs due to the death and decomposition of plant parts. Both underground and above-ground areas of plants are taken into account.

When assessing the qualitative composition of organic matter, the density of plant growth and its age are taken into account. Depending on the values ​​of these criteria, the quantitative parameter of organic matter will differ significantly.

The completion of the decomposition stage is accompanied by a humification process. As a result of humification, the humus layer becomes dark brown. This stage in the formation of humus is accompanied by a number of chemical processes. A significant role is played by the activities of annelids.

Note! To successfully complete humification, a high level of humidity and minimal access of oxygen are required. The basis for obtaining fertile soil is the presence of carbon dioxide. It is formed as a result of the decomposition of microbes, animals and plants as a result of interaction with worms, insects, and microorganisms.

Types of vermicompost: which one to choose

Biohumus is available in two forms - solid , dry in the form of granules or crumbly substances and in a concentrated liquid extract .

Each of the types can be used for all plants and soils, but the form of release itself suggests a certain direction of application to various crops. This increases the efficiency and convenience of fertilizing.

Dry

Granular fertilizer in dry form is most conveniently used in open ground as a top dressing during digging and during the growing season as a root top dressing.
It is convenient to scatter and add a thin layer; unlike liquid, it does not create concentration points. Pros:

• convenient packaging;
• convenient to weigh;
• can be distributed over the entire soil surface;
• convenient to use as root feeding during plant growth.

Minuses:

• not very convenient for indoor plants;
• not very suitable for foliar feeding.

Recommended consumption of dry vermicompost:

CultureConsumption

Liquid

Liquid vermicompost, or vermicompost tea, is a concentrated aqueous solution of vermicompost, an extract from dry matter. It is more concentrated, suitable for foliar feeding, and easy to use for indoor plants .
Pros:

• convenient for root and foliar feeding;
• easy to prepare working concentrations;
• convenient for soaking and germinating seeds;
• can be used for seedlings;
• more economical;
• Convenient to use with indoor plants.

Minuses:

• not very convenient to use as a root fertilizer for open ground;
• concentration and caution must be observed when applying;
• Infusing time is required for greater effectiveness.

What is vermicompost used for and what are the benefits of it?

Vermicompost is a complex mixture of natural compounds and natural growth stimulants. They increase soil fertility in general, improve the yield and taste of crops, and lead to increased adaptive characteristics and resistance to stress.

And also, the use of vermicompost increases the overall resistance of plants to diseases and improves the health of the soil, since it contains natural antibiotics that have a detrimental effect on the pathogenic microflora of the soil.

Taken together, vermicompost produces the following effects:

• stimulation of seed germination;
• activation of root formation;
• soil enrichment and improvement of its structure;
• fight against pathogenic microflora;
• increasing plant immunity;
• acceleration of regenerative processes of crops;
• increasing the yield and taste of plant parts and their fruits;
• stimulation of flowering;
• acceleration of fruit ripening.

Vermicompost is an environmentally friendly product; all substances in its composition are easily absorbed by plants, since they are in mineralized form.

There is virtually no harm from vermicompost to plants, but it is not recommended to use it in its pure form - due to its high concentration, the pure substance can cause burns to the vegetative and generative parts of plants.

How to properly use dry and liquid vermicompost in the greenhouse and garden

Vermicompost is used as a fertilizer in both dry and liquid form. The choice of consistency of fertilizer depends on the purpose of its use. Liquid fertilizer is a concentrated solution with a strong bactericidal effect, so it is actively used to disinfect seeds.

Regardless of the form in which vermicompost is produced, it is absolutely safe and suitable for all types of soil. However, if dry biological humus can be used as a plant fertilizer at any time of the year, then liquid humus is better to fertilize crops that are in the vegetative phase, which in most cases occurs in early spring - early summer. The solution is also more suitable for crops growing indoors, since dry exhaust is an ideal environment for the development of larvae of various insects.

Dry fertilizer can be added to the soil during the process of digging up a site, planting seedlings, and also sprinkled between rows during the period of active plant growth. No additional manipulations are required, unlike the solution, which should be diluted in warm water before use, according to the instructions on the package. For this reason, it is not recommended to use more than 10 liters of solution per 1 square meter for watering. m of land. The amount of fertilizer depends on its consistency and the type of crop being grown.

Application for potatoes

It is best to fertilize potatoes with vermicompost during planting, adding 200 g of dry extract to each hole. Fruitful results from such a feeding scheme will not take long to arrive. The plant will quickly grow green mass, become strong and resistant to many diseases. In addition, potatoes fed with vermicompost produce an abundant, and most importantly, tasty and environmentally friendly harvest.

For tomatoes

All nightshades, including tomatoes, respond to vermicompost with rapid growth and are distinguished by the high taste of their fruits. Such plants are more resistant to changing weather conditions, diseases and pests. To feed tomatoes, just pour 100-200 g of dry extract into each hole.

During the growing season, tomatoes can be fed with a nutrient solution in a ratio of 100 ml per 10 liters of warm water. It is not recommended to use fertilizer more than once every 7 days.

For strawberries and other berries

The amount of fertilizer that should be used for fruit and berry crops depends on the type of plant:

1. So, for strawberries, 150 g of dry vermicompost for each bush is enough.
2. But for one planting hole of berry bushes (raspberries, currants) it is recommended to take 1.5 kg of vermicompost mixed with soil.
3. For fruit trees, it is better to increase the amount of fertilizer to 5-10 kg for each seedling.

When using liquid vermicompost, it is enough to limit it to 60 ml per 10 liters of water, regardless of the type of berry crops. Recommended frequency of use is once a week.

For flowers

For garden flowers, you can use both versions of vermicompost, but for convenience, many people prefer its liquid version.

Experienced gardeners adhere to the following scheme for feeding flowers: 10-15 ml of concentrate per 1 liter of water, every 2 weeks. If there is no solution, you can use 30-40 g of dry extract mixed with soil.

How to use vermicompost to feed seedlings in spring

Young plants are especially vulnerable, therefore, in order to shorten the rooting period of seedlings, experienced farmers resort to the help of vermicompost. For such purposes, use a liquid concentrate diluted in a ratio of 1 to 50. Water the holes with the resulting fertilizer and only then lower the seedlings. A weak solution will speed up the growth of young seedlings, but will not damage their delicate roots.

For seeds

Liquid vermicompost has a bactericidal effect, so it is often used to disinfect seeds and as a catalyst for their germination.

To prepare the soaking liquid, you need to dilute the concentrate in warm water in a ratio of 1:20. The time the seeds spend in the solution depends on the type of plant to which they belong. For legumes, 4-6 hours are enough; it is better to keep the seeds of radishes, onions, garlic and salad greens in liquid for 10-12 hours. But planting material for melons and vegetables can be soaked for 24 hours.

Pros and cons of vermicompost Organic, natural and environmentally friendly fertilizer. Increases soil fertility. Structures the soil, improving its water and air permeability. Activates the vital activity of soil microorganisms. Saturates the soil with useful elements that are easily digestible for plants. Has a pleasant earthy smell. Does not contain worm larvae , seeds of wild plants and other inclusions that can harm the cultivated crop. Accelerates the process of rooting seedlings and seed germination. Strengthens and improves the health of plants, making them more resilient to external stimuli. Reduces the level of nitrates and neutralizes the effect of heavy metals. Reduces the vegetative process due to acceleration of growth. Does not oversaturate the soil, due to the absence of chemical components. Suitable for fertilization at any time of the year. Does not pose a danger to people, animals and bees. It is difficult to find “pure” vermicompost on sale. It is necessary to calculate the amount of fertilizer for each plant. Liquid vermicompost is not allowed use immediately, but only 4 hours after dilution. Using dry fertilizer in closed ground can cause the appearance of insect pests.

Storage and precautions

The fertilizer has a limited shelf life - no more than one and a half years from the date of production. When the period ends, the nutrients are no longer easily digestible. Store the product in a dry, dark place, away from direct sunlight. You can place the fertilizer in the freezer, since it does not lose its beneficial qualities during the freezing/thawing process.

The product is chemically safe as it is completely natural. The granules are packaged in plastic bags, maintaining a certain level of humidity. This meets fire safety standards: the powder preparation is difficult to ignite. However, when using vermicompost, precautions must be taken:

• protect your hands with gloves;
• after work, wash them thoroughly;
• When the skin comes into contact with the product, hold the area where the vermicompost has entered under running water.

Precautionary measures

Important details:

• Vermicompost does not contain harmful or toxic ingredients, but when using an organic product, you must follow basic rules.
• Unlike fungicides, acaricides and insecticides, when applying the natural composition there is no need to wear a respirator, but rubber gloves are required.
• If the liquid product or particles of the dry concentrate accidentally come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes, you should immediately rinse these areas with running water.
• At the end of the work, the gloves are thoroughly washed, removed, left to air dry, and hands must be washed with soap.

Consumer Reviews

Gardeners often share their feedback to share information and experiences. Here are some of them:

Olga, 32 years old

I am interested in organic farming. It is often necessary to use organic fertilizer vermicompost. I use it on all crops that grow in the garden. Plants perceive it well, grow faster, bloom well and the fruiting process occurs faster.

Ivan, 60 years old

I have been using vermicompost in my garden plot for several years now. In terms of cost, it is not cheap. You can prepare vermicompost at home, but for me it is troublesome. Seedlings and plants grow better, the quality and quantity of the harvest improves. I use fertilizers for all plants. Can also be used for bushes and young seedlings.

Maria, 41 years old

I love flowers. I grow them both in the garden and at home. Somehow they began to get sick, and I began to study what vermicompost is and what it is needed for. Now I add it to all flowers. Plants receive adequate nutrition, grow better, become lush and bloom longer. I recommend it to gardeners and flower lovers.

Vermicompost is a universal fertilizer that can be used for all types of plants. The fertilizer is completely safe to use, and the benefits of its use are very great.

Sources

• https://ogorodbezzabot.ru/potchva/gumus-chto-ehto-takoe.html
• https://stroy-podskazka.ru/pochva/chto-takoe-gumus-i-kak-ego-ispolzuyut/
• https://WikiBotanika.ru/uhod/pochva/gumus.html
• https://frutisad.ru/gumus-chto-eto-takoe-sostav-kak-obrazuetsya-klassifikatsiya-pochv-po-soderzhaniyu-gumusa-kak-ispolzovat-gumusnoe-udobrenie/
• https://KomnatnieCveti.ru/ovoshchi/gumus-foto.html
• https://znaniyaetosila.ru/chto-takoe-biogumus-i-dlya-chego-on-nuzhen-iz-chego-sostoit-kakoy-byvaet-plyusy-i-minusy/
• https://udobrenok.ru/biogumus
• https://zemeljka.ru/chto-takoe-biogumus.html
• https://ogorod-bez-hlopot.ru/chto-takoe-biogumus.html

Benefits of vermicompost

Vermicompost is a fertilizer that compares favorably with compost or humus in its composition, nutritional value and effect on vegetation. Earthworms that process agricultural organic waste ensure environmental purity and almost perfect balance of the produced humus, and also provide many other valuable qualities:

• Rich composition. Vermicompost includes many important microelements, such as nitrogen, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, etc. Moreover, the concentration of many of them is higher than in other organic fertilizers.
• It has excellent moisture capacity, holding a large amount of water (up to 70%).
• Processing with worms allows you to disinfect the original organic raw materials, in return enriching them with beneficial microorganisms.
• The components that make up vermicompost are well absorbed by plants, due to which they develop faster, produce a richer harvest and better resist diseases and pests.
• Vermicompost is environmentally friendly and safe, and it is also compatible with other types of organic fertilizers.
• Making vermicompost at home is easy and allows you to save on purchases.