Table of Contents
THE green adubation is one of the management practices when it comes to opening crops. Find out what are the advantages and disadvantages and how to do it.
Although it is a practice that is becoming more popular all over the world, this way of fertilizing is still not so clear to many.
Of course, you’ve heard or read about it, but you still don’t really know what green manure is.
Considering that the technique is on the rise in Brazil, I decided to bring more data.
So, keep reading the article and learn all about the art of green fertilization.
What is Green Fertilizer? A Simple Explanation
Before talking about green manure, it is important that you know about opening crops.
Opening crops are plants that are cultivated with the intention of creating a protective layer in the soil.
This technique is known to considerably improve the level of water infiltration.
Thus, this layer formed on the ground helps in no-till, bringing greater moisture and less erosion.
In short, the species used in this type of planting are many and each one has a different function.
Now, about green manure. It refers to the sowing of plants that have great potential for the production of vegetable mass.
In addition to preventing soil erosion, these plants also act by fixing nitrogen in the soil. Therefore, they are great for growing strawberries and lettuce.
Briefly speaking, this ancient technique aims to provide nutrients to the soil.
Advantages of Green Fertilization
Undoubtedly, green manure is very beneficial to the soils where it is used. Among the advantages, I can mention:
- It decompresses the soil and also the nutrient cycling;
- Control of nematodes, reduction of pests and diseases;
- Soil protection against erosion and increase in soil microbiological population;
- It also helps phosphorus absorption, reduces infestation and controls weeds;
- It makes the production system more sustainable, improves the physical and chemical part of the soils;
- Increases use of water and nutrients;
- It also increases the structure and level of porosity of the soil;
- Finally, it increases the organic matter content of the soils;
Disadvantages
- The cost to implement the planting technique is higher.
- However, if you have capital to invest, it is possible to dissolve the expenses for the quality of production;
- It takes a lot of planning. Every cultivation project needs to be, but in this case, care should be greater.
- Thus, starting green manure may take longer than you think;
How to make green manure?
Check out the step-by-step instructions on how to make green manure:
- Area analysis: The first step is to find out what the soil’s problems are.
Therefore, make a record of all operations carried out in the area. Write down everything!
- Choice of plants: then you need to know which plants can help solve the problems.
The ideal is to make a mixture containing at least 5 different species.
Plants native to the region are the best, as they already grow easily in the environment.
- Time course: know that it is the period without culture on your property and see if it is possible to cultivate the chosen plants;
- Knife: finally, make the adunanção and wait for all the benefits watching closely.
