Several methods can be used to increase crop yields. Particular attention should be paid to soil quality when growing plants. The easiest way to disinfect beds is to treat the soil with potassium permanganate. The solution is a powerful antiseptic that kills various pathogens. To achieve the desired effect, it is important to prepare and apply the solution correctly.
Reasons for treating soil with potassium permanganate
One of the factors that contributes to proper plant growth and development is soil disinfection. There are several reasons to cultivate the soil:
- Soil-borne pathogens causing fungal diseases and various infections are destroyed. Fungi that infect the above-ground parts of plant crops can migrate into the soil, where they thrive, causing harm to the plants;
- Restoring the balance of soil microflora. Without proper soil treatment, pathogenic microorganisms (mold, fungi) can predominate in the soil, negatively affecting plant development;
- protection of root crops from wireworms and various types of flies.
Plants in beds with soil treated with potassium permanganate take root faster and absorb nutrients more actively. This increases crop yields.
Dosage and how to prepare a working solution
Potassium permanganate is a natural substance that dilutes well not only with water but also with other liquids. In gardening, potassium permanganate solutions of varying concentrations (1-5%) are used to disinfect soil, treat seeds, and treat garden tools.
To obtain a 1% concentration, dissolve a level teaspoon of granules in 600 ml of water. You can use liquid in which the granules are completely dissolved. For complete and rapid dissolution of the crystals, it is recommended to use hot or room-temperature water. Garden beds are typically treated with a diluted solution (a pink-tinted liquid).
Terms of Use
Potassium permanganate can be used in the garden throughout the growing season.
It is also used to disinfect soil when growing potted plants. Common soil treatment methods include:
Take a look Also
- To treat the soil in greenhouses, it is watered with a hot solution (5 grams per 10 liters of water);
- When growing plants in open ground, it is advisable to pour the working solution into the holes before planting the crops (a liter of liquid with a concentration of 2 g per 10 liters of water is poured into the hole);
- Indoors, the soil substrate is generously watered with a concentrated solution (3 grams of potassium permanganate is completely dissolved in a liter of hot water). Plants or seeds can be planted 2-3 hours after the liquid has been completely absorbed.
Even if no pest activity was observed in the greenhouse during the season, it is recommended to treat the entire soil with a hot solution of potassium permanganate (3-5 g per 10 liters) in the fall as a preventative measure.
Precautionary measures
When using potassium permanganate, be aware that a highly concentrated solution or even just the crystals can cause severe burns if they come into contact with the skin. Therefore, observe the following safety precautions:
- personal protective equipment is used (rubber gloves, safety glasses, respirator);
- During the soil disinfection process, you must not remove personal protective equipment, drink, smoke, or eat.
If the product gets into your eyes, rinse the mucous membranes thoroughly with clean water. If the concentrated product is accidentally swallowed, drink plenty of fluids and seek medical attention.
Shelf life of the prepared solution
To treat soil, potassium permanganate is diluted in water immediately before use. Dissolved crystals oxidize the liquid, gradually losing their effectiveness. Depending on the required concentration, the solution takes on a shade ranging from light pink to deep pink.
At room temperature, the dissolved crystals retain their disinfectant properties for 1.5-2 hours. If the solution is poured into an airtight container and refrigerated, its disinfectant properties will last for 45-48 hours. Only glass containers should be used. If the solution is stored in a metal container, its disinfectant properties will be lost within a few minutes.
When using potassium permanganate to disinfect soil in garden beds, keep in mind that the solution only disinfects the top layer of soil. It does not kill some pests. Therefore, experienced gardeners recommend additionally using fungicides.