To improve the development of crops, gardeners use various fertilizers—mineral and organic. These products contain nutrients that stimulate crop growth and fruit set. A bountiful harvest without fertilizer is impossible. Using river silt in your garden can achieve a number of benefits. However, it's important to follow the instructions for its use.
Composition of sludge
Silt is a soft rock containing organic and mineral matter that accumulates at the bottom of bodies of water. When dried, this substance resembles soil, but has a looser consistency. River silt accumulates exclusively in rivers and therefore has several distinctive characteristics.
It's worth noting that lake silt is considered the most valuable for gardeners. Swamp and pond varieties have a less rich composition. River silt is considered the lowest quality.
The substance is primarily composed of organic matter with mineral impurities. Sludge contains a high amount of nitrogen. It also contains potassium, humic acids, iron, phosphorus, and manganese. It also contains boron and copper.
This type of feeding has the following advantages:
- high organic content;
- absence of weed seeds;
- minimal nitrogen losses with surface application;
- environmental safety;
- good moisture retention capacity;
- no risk of overdose;
- performing the functions of a biological filter;
- activation of beneficial microflora in the soil.
What are the beneficial properties of river and lake silt?
Pond or lake silt is significantly more beneficial than the substances that form on the bottom of flowing waters. However, in either case, the product has a complex effect on plants. The following are among the beneficial properties of the substance:
- increasing the moisture capacity and air permeability of the soil;
- formation of a fertile layer in a depleted, heavy and clayey substrate;
- activation of life processes in the soil;
- neutralization of accumulated nitrates and other harmful elements;
- destruction of pathogens causing dangerous pathologies;
- improving the survival rate of young plants;
- stimulating the development of the root system of seedlings;
- increase in flowering duration;
- acceleration of growth and development of crops;
- increasing immunity to pathologies and plant resistance to the influence of harmful weather factors.
How to get
It's recommended to prepare the fertilizer in hot weather, when the water bodies are shallow. It's important to allow the liquid at the bottom to dry out slightly. After that, it can be transferred to the garden plot.
If the pond hasn't dried out sufficiently, use a sieve with a long handle to scoop out the useful material. It's important to remember that collecting sludge near industrial facilities or sewers is prohibited. This substance contains many hazardous components that can harm plants.
Purpose
Silt can be used for poor soils. It improves the soil structure and makes it looser. This fertilizer helps activate beneficial microorganisms that inhabit the soil structure and improves its aeration. After applying the fertilizer, valuable micro- and macronutrients can be added to help improve crop yields.
Is it acceptable to throw it straight into the garden?
When purchasing fertilizer from a gardening store, you can use it immediately. This fertilizer has already undergone all the necessary processing steps. When preparing your own sludge, you need to prepare it. This is aimed at removing harmful components from it.
Features of processing and composting
To prepare sludge for use, you must adhere to the following rules:
- Spread the mixture in a thin layer on a grid and leave it outside for the winter. It's important that the silt freezes completely. When spring arrives, the fertilizer should be crushed and applied to the soil.
- When using mineral sludge, composting is performed. A layer of fertilizer should be laid on the prepared area, followed by a layer of manure. Alternating layers, create a pile approximately 2 meters high. Slops or plant residues can also be added to the compost pile. The pile can be watered and mixed occasionally. After approximately 6 months, the fertilizer can be added to the soil.
How is it used in agriculture?
River silt can achieve a wide range of effects. However, to achieve this, it must be applied correctly.
To prepare the soil
Silt is best used to improve sandy and sandy loam soils. If you plan to apply the fertilizer to clay or heavy soil, you can add peat or humus to the fertilizer.
Fertilizer should be applied when digging the soil in the area. This can be done in spring or fall. Sandy soil requires no more than 10 kilograms per 100 square meters. For heavy soil, apply half as much. First, spread the fertilizer over the surface of the area, then dig it to a depth of 25 centimeters.
To prepare the beds
Silt is ideal for preparing beds for planting. The amount of fertilizer required depends on the plant variety. For example, for potatoes and beets, apply 8 kilograms of the substance per 100 square meters, while for cucumbers and cabbage, no more than 4. Before planting peppers and tomatoes, apply 2 kilograms of sludge per 100 square meters.
For planting seedlings
Fertilizer can be used in the garden when planting fruit tree seedlings and berry bushes. To do this, mix the soil from the planting hole with silt in a 1:3 ratio.
A small amount of the resulting substrate should be poured back into the hole. After this, you can place the seedling and add the remaining soil. A 2-centimeter-thick layer of topsoil should be placed on top. This will act as a mulch.
River silt is an effective fertilizer containing many nutrients. To ensure the desired results, it's important to use it correctly. Following the recommendations for preparing and processing the nutrient mixture is also crucial.