List some of the ways of replenish in the soil by covering crops
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Answer:
Organic Material
Organic material is the vital binding agent that ensures that soil minerals are available for plants to absorb through their roots. Alive and rich in carbon and other vital nutrients, organic materials such as compost and other decaying matter adds structure to the soil, improves drainage, and helps plants fight off disease and pests.
Many amendments and techniques are available for gardeners to use to introduce healthy organic material back into depleted soil. Tilling or layering compost, and planting cover crops are all popular choices. Keep in mind, however, that rejuvenating the soil is a process that can take anywhere from weeks to years. Staying consistent and understanding the soil’s composition is important to ensuring success.
Compost
Nothing introduces living organic matter to the soil easier or more effectively than compost. In essence, compost is simply decomposed organic material. The decomposition process that creates compost is driven by a vast array of insects and microorganisms—creatures lacking in nutrient-poor soils. Compost is beneficial to soil and plants in several ways. It reintroduces living organisms ranging from centipedes to bacteria, improves soil structure, adds nutrients, and provides a healthy environment for plant roots. Households can vastly improve their soil by turning waste into black gold, virtually eliminating the need to depend on commercial fertilizers.
Many composting techniques are in use today, and many involve only a bucket and shovel. Compost can be tilled or layered on the soil, and can take anywhere from several days to several years to make, depending on the climate and technique used.
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Compost Tea
Compost tea is simply compost soaked in water for 3-7 days. Although low in macronutrients, compost tea is rich in micronutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Compost tea can be watered into the soil or used as a foliar spray for a quick plant boost. It is very effective in preventing diseases, as the microorganisms out-compete disease-causing bacteria, and is especially popular in organic gardens around the world.
Bokashi
Bokashi is the technique of inoculation to create compost. Nearly odorless and effective within days, bokashi is especially popular in making compost from kitchen scraps. It relies on effective microorganisms (EMs) to decompose the material. These EMs are introduced as a living culture, usually with wheat bran, and work to break down waste through fermentation. Developed in Japan, bokashi is gaining in popularity. For depleted soils, bokashi composts can speed up the process of rejuvenation.
Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is a planned order of planting throughout several growing seasons. When applied, crop rotation can prevent further soil depletion and help ensure a lasting healthy soil environment. Crop rotation is also an effective technique to dramatically increase yields and prevent crop loss due to pests or disease. The idea is to plant crops of different genera each season, and to never plant one crop in the same place two seasons in a row.
Cover Crops
The use of cover crops is a technique that uses certain plants in between growing seasons to rejuvenate the soil. Although traditionally used on large-scale farms, these special crops can benefit any size farm or garden. Cover crops, also known as “green manure” or “green mulch,” prevent erosion and mineral leeching, fix soil nitrogen, increase living organic matter, and control pests and diseases.
Cover crops are usually planted in late fall after harvest, and then cut down and tilled into the soil before planting in spring. However, they can also be planted right next to food crops in the middle of their growing season in order to suppress weeds and attract beneficial insects. Because these crops grow rapidly to out-compete weeds, it’s important to cut down and kill them before they set seeds and spread. Once their dead leaves and stems turn brown, they can be tilled into the soil. Be sure to wait a few weeks before planting anything in these beds, so the green mulch completely decomposes.
Useful Cover Crops
Mustard: Contains high levels of glucosinolate, compounds that are naturally toxic to pests. Very effective against soil nematodes. Mustard’s vigorous growth also introduces plenty of organic material into the soil.
Legumes: A group that includes alfalfa, peas, and lupines. Not only do these cover crops bring nitrogen back into the soil, but they also have root nodules that house Bradyrhizobium bacteria that act as nitrogen fixers.