Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Buying Plants
Bigger are not necessarily better. better Pot or root bound. Color and texture. texture Compact size. Check the underside of the leaf.
Watering
Deep. Deep Infrequent. 1 to 2 inches of water each week. Use a small can to measure watering amount. t
Be Consistent.
Work only when dry to avoid compaction compaction. Add organic matter. Good drainage is a must.
Soil
Promote Growth Soil aeration Compost Fertilizer Balanced irrigation Erosion control Mulching Inhibit Growth Pesticides Soil erosion Monoculture Fertilizer Compaction Excess tillage
Soil pH
The pH of a soil is a measure of its alkalinity or acidity, a scale of 1 to 14. 7i is neutral. t l 1-<7 is acid, >7 to 14 is alkaline. Examples: lye 13., ammonia 11., g soda 8.5., , milk 6.6., , wine 4.0., , baking lemon juice 2.0.
Soil Salinity
Measured in electrical conductivity (EC), or mmhos cm. Non-saline N li 02 0-2 Very slightly saline 2-4 Slightly saline 4-8 Moderately saline 8-16 8 16
Soil Microorganisms
Microorganisms g are found in large g numbers in soil. Plaster (1992) estimates that one teaspoon of a fertile f til soil il (about ( b t one ml.) l ) contains: t i 50 nematodes 62,000 62 000 algae l 72,000 protozoa 111,000 111 000 fungi 2,920,000 actinomycetes 25,280,000 25 280 000 bacteria
Soil Microorganism
Transformation of organic materials materials. Release nutrients. Enhance nutrient uptake uptake. Almost every chemical transformation taking place in soil involves active contributions from soil microorganisms. microorganisms Play an active role in soil fertility (carbon and nitrogen). nitrogen)
Soil Microorganism
Without microorganisms nutrients stay in cover crops and compost. Soils S il would ld lose l their th i porosity it and d water holding capacity, soil erosion would ld increase. i
Soil Microorganism
Some produce compounds that stimulate the natural defense mechanisms of the plant. Improve the plants resistance to pathogens. Termed 'bio-pesticides. Some soil microorganisms detoxify pesticides before they can control the pest. These microorganisms become adapted to using the pesticide as a carbon or energy source and they y can g grow on it.
http://www.ucc.ie/impact/agri2f.html
Soil Bacteria
Switch hitter of the soil: enzymatic transformers, oxidize or reduce. Used U d for f salt lt remediation, di ti natural t l growth hormones, stress relievers, b kd breakdown of f petroleum t l based b d products in the soil. Rhizobium, Azobacter, Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter...
Fungi are responsible for most of soil fertility. Decompose just about anything and release the nutrients contained within the materials t i l back b k to t the th plant. l t Workhorse: bind soil particles, soil tilth.
Mycorrhizae
Live in and around the root zone of plants, p , extending g far out from the p plant's roots with their own network of threadlike filaments known as hyphae. Evolve in association with plants. plants Increase the ability of plants to take up water and certain nutrients. nutrients Protect associated plants from pests and diseases.
Mycorrhizae
Cannot survive long in barebare soil conditions. Cannot C thrive h i in i conditions di i where soluble fertilizers have b been used d continually i ll for f many years.
Mycorrhizae
Strategies for improving mycorrhizae activity on your site. Use green manures and mulch. g chemical Refrain from using fertilizers, w/high levels of phosphorus. If the th soils il are degraded, d d d consider id adding quality compost. For degraded sites, sites inoculate with commercially-available mycorrhizae.
Agroforestry Net, Inc. P.O. Box 428 Holualoa, Hawaii 96725 USA
Soil Donts
NEVER USE:
Lime (calcium). Wood ash, fireplace ash, barbeque ash. Lawn fertilizer in your vegetable garden. Raw or fresh manures.
Soil
Soil
Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogennitrogen oxygen chemical units, which combine with various organic and inorganic compounds. Very V soluble l bl and d does d not t bind bi d to t soils. Has a high potential to migrate to ground water.
Soil
D Does not t evaporate, t nitrates/nitrites it t / it it are likely to remain in water until consumed b plants by l t or other th organisms. i Once taken into the body, nitrates are converted into nitrites. Can interfere with the oxygen-carrying yg y g capacity of the blood. Babies, young children and older adults most at risk. The greatest use of nitrates is as a fertilizer.
Soil
Urea 46-0-0
Produced through the reaction of ammonia (NH3)and carbon dioxide (CO2) +CO(NH 2) 2. The Th area around d a dissolved di l d urea particle ti l becomes a zone of high pH and ammonia. This area is toxic to seed and seedling roots by the free ammonia that has formed. Lost to the atmosphere if it remains on the soil surface.
Curtis J. Overdahl, George W. Rehm and Harvey L. Meredith U of M
Phosphorus P205:
An essential ingredient of all cell protoplasm. Important in fruit, flowers, and root growth. Needs nitrogen to work best, pH of 6-7. Moves from old leaves to new. new Soil moisture and temperature dependent. Will increase i the h soil il pH H over time. i
Rock Phosphate
25 to 30 % phosphate phosphate, but only about 3 % is available to plants. Depends upon how finely ground the material is, the pH and the biological activity y of the soil. It is less effective in soils that are too alkaline or have a low level of biological activity. Colloidal phosphate, obtained from rock phosphate, has similar properties.
Kelp
All-natural, All natural provides more than 70 minerals, plant growth regulators, l t vitamins, it i hormones, h and enzymes. Provides P id a supply l of f naturally t ll chelated nutrients. 1 - 0.1 0 1 - 2. 2 Work 1 lb. of kelp meal into each 100 sq. sq ft. ft
Analysis of Dry Kelp Feed Grade Aseophyllum Nodosum Specs Provided By A.M.P.I.(Canada) Moisture Content 12.93+or0.27% Copper ( ppm ) 3.00 Mineral Coateat 16.75+or0 51% 0.51% Iron ( ppm ) 102.26 Oil Content 5.46+or-0.25% Fat 5.42% Crude Protein 5.93+or-0.19% Ash 24.71% Carbohydrate 58.93% VitaminE (mgl00g) 6 6.40 40 Alginic Acid ~14.0% VitaminA (IU/100g) +10 Total Nitrogen 1% Ascorbic Acid 10.70(mg/100g ) Phosphoric Acid 1% Cyanocbaiamin B12 0 0.02 02 (mg/kg) Soluble Potash 4% Pyridoxine B6 +0.03(mg/100g) Crude Fibre 3.70% Niacin B3 (mg/kg) 8.40 8 40 Calcium 1.32% Riboflavin B2 0.04(mg/100g) Phosphorus 0.13% Thiamine B1 0 0.06(mg/100g) 06(mg/100g) Potassium 2.58% Iodine (mg/kg) 730.00 Magnesium 1.00% Chromium (ppm) 1 1.49 49 Sodium 3.80% Fluoride(mg/kg) 22.00 Zinc (ppm) 35.40 Manganese(ppm) 4.00 4 00
Whats in Kelp
Coffee Grounds pH of 6.9. C:N 20:1. Add directly to the garden soil, filter too. For composting purposes, consider coffee grounds "green" material similar to grass clippings. 1.5%N, 0%P, .5%K.
Bob Smith, WSU Master Gardener Program g , Thurston County y Manager,
Soil Sulfur
Essential element in supporting protein, protein enzymes, vitamins, and chlorophyll in plants, and nodule development in legumes. Soil that is cold and wet or sandy can produce sulfur deficiencies. Is needed by plants in about the same quantities as phosphorus. Sulfur is quite soluble and moves in the soil.
Soil Sulfur
25# per 1,000 square feet to drop the pH by half a percent. To much can be toxic to the soil c o e 1 - 4 lbs bs pe per 100 00 sq ft. t micro-life. Sulfur sources: ammonium sulfate gypsum, sulfate, gypsum soil sulfur sulfur.
Cottonseed Meal
By-product from the extraction of oil from whole cottonseed cottonseed. 6-2-1 Slow Sl release l of f nutrients. t i t Used as an all-purpose fertilizer for plants that req ire a lo require lower er soil pH. pH Potatoes and roses, any acid loving plants. Use approximately 10 - 15 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.
Peat Moss
pH of 3 3.5 5 to 4.5. 45 In a garden, work 2" of peat into the top 6" of f soil. il Aerates plant roots by loosening heavy clay soil. Adds body y to sandy y soil. Saves water by absorbing and holding moisture moisture.
Humates
Humates are developed from decomposed prehistoric deposits found in the western United States States. Natural compost piles first become peat, then humate, then lignite and eventually coal.
Humates
Humic acids are found in humus. humus Without humus and humic acids plants l t cannot t grow and d survive. i
Humates
The humic Th h i acids id (humic, (h i ulmic l i and d fulvic) f l i ) are essential to plants in three basic ways: 1. Humic acid enables plants to extract nutrients from the soil. 2. Ulmic acid stimulates and increases root growth. 3. Fulvic acid helps plants overcome stress, enhances the bio-availability of important trace minerals and their uptake. t k
Fish
Fi Fish h emulsion l i is i a concentrated t t d liquid made from fish scraps. The content may vary with the manufacturer. A source of slow-release (water) nitrogen g and trace insoluble) elements. It can be used as a foliar fertilizer.
Contains dried and ground fish scraps, crab meal and fish manure.
It contains about 6 to 10 % nitrogen, 4 to 10 % phosphate and about 1% potash.
Fish bone meal also supplies other minor and micronutrients important for plant growth.
Blood Meal
Obtained from slaughterhouses. g Contains 12 % nitrogen, 2 % phosphate p p and 0.6 % potash p
12-2-.6.
It is very y soluble, , excessive amounts will burn plant foliage. Use 5 lbs, , per p 100 sq. q ft .
Bone Meal
A white p powder obtained from ground, raw, or steamed animal bones. About 22 % phosphate. 0-22-0. Raw bone meal will release nutrients more slowly than steamed bone meal.
Soybean Meal
N 7% -P P 2% - K1% slow releasing releasing. Best to work in prior to planting. Use from 5 - 15 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. More soybeans y are g grown in the U.S. than anywhere else in the world.
Grape Pomace
Improves alkaline soils. By-product of wine. wine Very acidic, pH 3.0. N 3%- P 1%- K2%. Reduction of nematode population on plant roots and in the soil? ISHS Acta Horticulturae 532: International
Symposium on Chemical and Non-Chemical Soil and Substrate Disinfectation .
Feathers
Feather meal is made of dried and ground d chicken hi k feathers f th and d contains about 11-15 % nitrogen ( l ) (only). Hydrolysed feather meal is steamtreated to make its nitrogen more soluble. 10-15 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa pellets, pellets available as an animal feed from farm suppliers. 2 7 % nitrogen 2.7 it 0.5 % phosphate 2.8 % potash
Iron Additives
Mill Miller's ' FerriPlus F iPl (distributed (di t ib t d by b Jirdon's $15 a lb.+/-). KEREX Sequestrine 138 Fe Super Iron concentrate. Becker Underwood Sequestrine 138. Sequestar 6% iron chelate WDG. Ferrous sulfate is 30% to 20% Fe.
S lP M Sul-Po-Mag
S Sulphate l h t of f potassium-magnesia t i i (Langbeinite) is a natural mined salt. 18% potassium, 11% magnesium, 23%sulfur are especially useful if the soil is low in magnesium. It is soluble without a danger g of salt build-up.
Molasses
3 types - unsulphured, sulphured and blackstrap. Blackstrap molasses is from the third boil do only y has s a co commercial e c value v ue in the e and manufacture of cattle feed and other industrial uses. Has more complex sugars which help the beneficial fungi. fungi
Molasses
Feeds fungi and/or bacteria in the soil. Better resistance to many insect pests as well as exhibit higher stress tolerances. Use rate a e from o 3-5% 3 5% so solution u o for o more o e bacteria bac e a in the soil. 5 +% for more fungi in the soil. soil Use liquid molasses, not dried feed stock grade.
Dr Elaine Ingham, Dr. Ingham Soil Food Web
Earthworms
Earthworm populations of 10/sq 10/sq. ft ft. can add:
55 pounds of nitrogen. nitrogen 64 pounds of phosphorus. 105 pounds d of f potassium. t i 38 pounds of calcium. Yearly, per acre.
Earthworms
The earthworm has no lungs and takes in oxygen through its moist skin it is a skin breather. If it dries out, it will suffocate. They cannot tolerate heat and sun and so during the summer they come up to the surface only at night. Pesticides applied pp to control turf diseases or insect pests may severely affect earthworms.
Leaves
If composted, composted one year's year s litter from a full-grown tree can be worth up to $15 as organic fertilizer and humus. humus Pound for pound, the leaves contain twice the calcium, calcium phosphorus and magnesium as manure.
Improves:
Tilth. Condition. Condition Structure of soil. Water and nutrients holding g ability y of the soil.
Organic Matter What it Should Do Provides adequate ground cover to protect against soil erosion. Have a high rate of nitrogen fixation and good biomass production. Down side: you need 460 pounds of O Down-side: O.M. M to raise the soil O.M. by 1%.
Green Manure
What it is.. Should use as little water as possible p while still producing substantial quantities of top-growth. q pg Should out-compete out compete weeds weeds.
Green Manure Benefits The incorporated legume residues are a biological source of nitrogen that reduces the amount of fertilizer q for the following g crop. p required Increase in soil organic matter increases nutrient availability to plants. plants
Green Manures
To be effective the inoculant must cling to the seed to ensure the rhizobia are close to developing roots. Getting G tti th the i inoculant l tt to stick, ti k t try: milk ilk and/or corn syrup. This also serves to feed the rhizobia and protect them from drying on the seed.
Cover Crops buckwheat Warm season. 12 22" tall. 12-22 tall Will tolerate poor soils soils. Sow after threat of frost is gone. Flowers in 25-30 days. Plow down 10 days after. Fibrous superficial roots and a deep p taproot. Flowers are attractive to bees, wasps, parasitic flies.
Composting
- Ingredients
G Green matter, like lik grass clipping, li i kitchen ki h waste, high in nitrogen. Dry ingredients to prevent clumping, like leaves and straw, rich in carbon. Soil. Add water, compost pile should remain damp but not wet. Air: stir by turning or moving the pile occasionally. Oxygen helps the microbes y 3 to work better. Should be turned every 10 days.
Composting
Ingredients
Kitchen scraps, vegetables. Weeds and other garden debris. Straw helps air circulation, good source of carbon. Manure from cows, horses, goats, sheep, rabbits, bbit poultry, lt (never ( use dog d or cat). t) Other stuff: feathers, eggshells, shredded newspaper, hair, h i pine i needles, dl and d sawdust.
Compost
Compost
Compost
Under suitable conditions, microorganisms such as fungi, algae, bacteria, molds, and earthworms d decompose the th organic i matter. tt C Composting ti has h the th ability bilit t to sanitize iti organic matter. The microbial activity will destroy weed seeds (most) kill disease organism, and even break down most pesticides.
Temperature
As the microorganisms grow and the pile decomposes heat is generated o the t e metabolism etabo s p process. ocess from A temperature of 140 to 160 degrees pathogens, g , weed is desired to kill p seed. Above 160 degrees g the microorganisms will die off. Hard to g get 140 degrees g in our climate.
Finished Compost
Can take a couple of weeks a month or a year depending on the materials time of year materials, year, and moisture. When Wh th the compost t is i broken b k down d into a homogenous mixture and no un-decomposed d d leaves l or other th material may be seen, it is ready for use.
Finished Compost
3 Should look like a uniform potting 3. soil with little distinguishable evidence remaining of what materials were originally added to the pile pile. 4. Should be warm. 5. Should have a sweet, earthy smell.
Mulching
Conserves water water. Controls weeds. Moderates soil temperatures. Reduces compaction. p Reduces crusting of soil.
Mulch
Grass clippings, shredded leaves, peanut and rice hulls, hulls crushed corn cobs, pine needles, straw and hay wood d products d t - chips, hi bark, b k sawdust, waste wood Synthetic Mulches Plastic - black, , clear Newspaper, rock, and pebbles Landscape fabric
Soil test.
Dont over feed your plants.
Dont t over water your plants. Don HEALTHY SOIL = HEALTHY PLANT
Pest Control
Safer soap or a homemade soap mix. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Diatomaceous earth (DE). ( ) Plant based insecticides. Tobacco products products. Flowers. Garlic Garlic. Flour.
Pest Control
Pheromone traps traps. Sticky traps. Fly and yellowjacket traps. Boric acid, , borates, , borax. Horticultural oils.
Neem Oil
Derived from the Azadirachta indica tree. Flies, mosquitoes, caterpillars, true bugs, locusts, grasshoppers, aphids, weevils, moths, roaches. Rust, powdery mildew. Fertilizer 3.5 0.8 1.6 as Neem cake (g (good for root crops). p ) Vegetable and Flower Gardens: 30-50 30 50 grams per sq. meter.
Happy Gardening