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Without healthy soil, plants will not flourish. Farmers will experience soil degradation because of heavy tilling. In this case, the soil’s structure becomes damaged. Also, it does not have enough nutrients to give to the plants. It is the sad truth, but another solution has emerged, which is the use of winter crops or green manure.
Hundreds of years ago, farmers used the technique of land rest as a solution to the problem. In this practice, there is no cropping or tilling done on the land. In short, the ground takes a rest, but other studies suggest otherwise. Despite the land’s rest, organic matter in the soil continues to decrease.
Green manuring is a practice where plants serve as an organic matter to the soil.
If you worry about your soil’s condition during winter, grow winter crops. Some winter crops die and serve as mulch, while other crops live through winter. Unlike land resting, winter crops and green manuring have loads of benefits.
1. It improves the soil’s fertility.
Green manure adds nutrients to the soil. Also, as it breaks down, it attracts beneficial micro-organisms to the ground. Such organisms add other essential nutrients to the soil.
2. It increases nitrogen in the soil.
Green manure legumes like sweet clover, soybean, and chickpea are nitrogen fixers. They do not put direct nitrogen into the soil, but they work with the bacteria “rhizobia.” The bacteria get nutrients and energy from the legume. While the bacteria live, it also collects nitrogen from the air. Also, in return gives nutrients to the plant.
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3. It shades the soil from direct sunlight.
Aside from drying up your soil, sunlight will encourage weed growth. Shielding the soil from the sun will not support seed germination. So, you do not have to worry about weeds growing in the soil.
4. It prevents soil erosion.
As the green manure adds organic matter, the soil forms up and improves its ability to hold water.
5. Improve Soil
It caters to soil organisms that improve soil’s structure and aeration. Hence, making the soil healthy and ready for planting.
6. Prevent Soil Pollution
It prevents leaching and water pollution. Excess nutrients stay in the soil and do not contaminate waterways.
7. Controls pests.
These crops serve as a home for natural enemies of insect pests. Natural enemies include beetles, bugs, birds, and spiders. Upon doing that, you will help the environment by not using pesticides.
8. Reduces carbon dioxide
It serves the main purpose of plants, and this is to clean the air. Plants get carbon dioxide and, in turn, give us oxygen. Aside from the benefits above for a healthy garden, it can save the mother earth.
9. Lessens fertilizer use
Synthetic fertilizers are not the best option for improving the soil. Besides, they are one of the causes of water pollution. The production of fertilizers and other gardening chemicals causes air pollution.
10. Readies your soil for the next planting
Your future plant will thank you and show good results. It is through all the efforts done, not only by you but by the plants and bacteria.
Extra info:
- You can choose from undercutting, mowing, and tilling the green manure. Undercutting is when you cut the cover crop underneath the soil. Mowing allows you to chop off the plant and let it become mulch. You can also use a lawnmower to flatten the crops and wait for them to decompose while serving as a mulch.
- After tilling the green manure into the soil, the next crop planting should not go beyond 2-3 weeks. It is to ensure that the crop will enjoy the nutrients from the manure.
- Plow the green manure after flowering. Also, younger ones will be easier to decompose. At the same time, an older one will need a longer time to decompose.
- Till the manure according to the soil structure. For heavy or clay soils, till 5-15 cm deep. For sandy or light soil, till it, 10-20 cm deep.
- In a warm environment, leave some tilled manure to serve as mulch to the soil.
What makes up good green manure?
- Fixes nitrogen in the air
- Grows in poor soil
- Easy to plant
- Serves as a ground cover
- Adapts to local conditions
- Is not hungry for main crop’s nutrient needs
Examples of green manure and winter crop are
- Clover
- Beans
- Peas
- Vetch
- Winter wheat
- Winter rye
- Annual ryegrass
- Buckwheat
If the process of using green manures looks heavy to you, go back to the help it gives humans and the environment. Improving your soil’s structure does not mean skipping planting. Thus, find a plant that will be a perfect partner to your soil.
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