Siderata: when to sow, when to bury siderata, what is it and what is better

After each season, the soil in the garden is depleted, its fertility decreases. Many different methods are used to restore it. One of them, which is very effective, is the sowing of green manure. We will talk about who these siderates are and how they improve the properties of the soil today in our article.

What are siderates?

Plants that help improve the properties of the soil, enrich it with microelements, thereby making it fertile, are referred to as siderates. In addition, they help to fight against pathogens, insect larvae.

Pros and cons of using green manure.

Pros:

1. Siderata are plants, therefore fertilizers made from them are environmentally friendly.

2. They restore soil fertility in just a few months.

3. They saturate the soil with substances that quickly decompose microorganisms, freeing easily digestible nutrients for plants.

4. Prevention of soil erosion.

5. The roots of green manure, as a rule, go very deep, making the soil airy, saturating it with oxygen and water.

6. They free the soil from bacteria, fungal spores, larvae and adult insects.

7. They are grown and immediately sealed, so they do not waste time and energy collecting and carrying.

Minuses:

1. Some green manures are perennial plants, and therefore you need to wait a long time for their germination. Before planting them, carefully read all the information about them.

2. It is imperative to observe the timing of harvesting, since if the plants outgrow, the benefits from them are reduced several times. It is best to cut green manures during flowering, then they contain a maximum of nutrients.

Siderata: types. Oil radish

It is used as a green fertilizer, enriching the soil with organic matter and humus. In addition, it contains essential oils that repel pests. Helps in the fight against wireworms and nematodes.

They are planted from spring to autumn. Grows slowly on acidic soils. Cut for embedding in the ground, 6-8 weeks after the start of the growing season. In autumn, you need to have time to collect before frost. Details about siderat here.

Annual rye

One of the most common cultures. It can grow on any kind of soil. Drought resistant. Rye helps fight weeds, loosens even dense soils with its roots, suppresses diseases, gets rid of nematodes. Sow August-September. It grows very quickly. You need to cut it when the plant is 15-20 cm high.

Phacelia

This type of green manure gets along well with all types of vegetables. Therefore, after it, you can plant anything. It grows even on poorly nutritious stony substrates. It helps oxygenate heavy, dense soils. Protects soil from erosion. When decomposed, it increases useful trace elements in the soil. You can sow it in the spring, after harvesting, and even before winter. The phacelia is cut before the flowering period.

Winter and Spring Rapeseed

Suppresses weeds, improves soil properties and fertility. The spring species is planted in March-early April. Cut 30-50 days after planting. The winter species is planted from August to October. Mowed before it blooms. If you plant rapeseed with carrots, then its yield and quality will increase.

Siderata: Mustard

This green manure grows on any soil. Cleans the soil from late blight, scab, black leg. Its essential oils protect the soil from nematodes and click beetle larvae.When embedded in soil, it enriches it with phosphorus and sulfur. They plant her at any time. Harvest before the pods begin to form.

Oats

Siderat suppresses weeds, improves the soil, enriches it. Oats are cold-resistant plants, so they can be planted from March to November. Cut it off one and a half months after planting. Improves its properties if other types of green manure are planted at the same time.

Siderata: Lupine

This is a leguminous plant, which means it increases the content of nitrogen and other nutrients in the soil. Also, thanks to its powerful root system, it makes the soil more airy. Reduces soil acidity. Ideal for planting cabbage, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes. He collects it one and a half months after planting.

Winter wheat

Excellent for soil health. Strong roots loosen the soil, saturating it with air. When decomposed, it enriches the soil with nitrogen and calcium. Better to plant with other siderates, as wheat has a drying effect on the soil. Sown in the fall.

Siderates: Comparison table of siderates