Growing mustard to improve the soil скачать в хорошем качестве

Growing mustard to improve the soil

Cultivating mustard in a vegetable garden can enrich depleted soil and determine which cultivation areas are the least fertile. Sowing Mustard Between Two Crops In a vegetable garden designed for a family of four, it is essential to utilize every available space with a green manure. Mustard serves as an excellent green manure. What is Green Manure? Green manure refers to a plant that enhances the composition and structure of the soil similarly to compost. The soil is enriched both on the surface and in deeper layers, depending on the type of plant used. Green manure is typically sown between two crop cycles. How to Sow Mustard? Mustard has an extensive root system that seeks minerals deep in the soil, which are then brought up to the surface as the plant decomposes. Mustard combats nitrate pollution and reduces harmful soil insects, such as wireworms that attack potato crops. Family of Brassicaceae or Cruciferae Mustard belongs to the Brassicaceae or Cruciferae family and should not be sown after cabbages, radishes, or turnips, which are part of the same family. How to Sow Mustard After Melons and Cucumbers? In this plot, mustard is sown following the harvest of fruit vegetables like melons and cucumbers: 1. Pull out the cucurbit plants. 2. Remove any undesirable weeds. 3. Loosen the soil surface to a depth of 10 to 15 cm, but no deeper. 4. Finely level the soil. 5. Broadcast the mustard seeds. 6. Rake the soil to cover the seeds. When to Cut Mustard? Mustard grows rapidly, maturing in one to two months, depending on moisture and temperature. It should be cut at flowering when it contains the most minerals. For a nitrogen-rich manure, it should be cut earlier, during its growth phase before flowering. Mustard can be either incorporated into the soil or left on the surface as mulch. Testing Soil Fertility with Mustard In a vegetable garden, a small hedge around the plot helps to block drafts, protect crops from cold, and provide some shade during extreme heat. However, it competes with garden vegetables for nutrients through its roots. Lavender Depletes Soil Despite its reputation for being low-maintenance, lavender's roots do extract nutrients from the garden soil. Sowing Mustard to Analyze Soil Fertility Sowing mustard after a demanding crop like melons can visually indicate soil fertility. Mustard plants near the hedge grow less vigorously, suggesting nutrient-poor soil in those areas. The competition between lavender and mustard is minimal as long as you add extra compost around the hedge to ensure adequate nutrition for all plants. For an effective and free soil fertility test, sow mustard and adjust fertilization based on the results by adding organic fertilizers or compost as needed.