Environmental Sciences, asked by chisomagahegbuka, 9 months ago

which soil can you mold but breaks after molding

Answers

Answered by mysticaldimples59
0

When sampling molds, always consider the environment from which they are taken. Mold and mildew can be a troublesome in a greenhouse, but fungal ...

Answered by sayyedtaj1970
3

Explanation:

Saprophytic microbes are therefore very important to composting, as they break down the organic material added to compost piles to turn it into rich soil. They essentially eat garbage and poop out gold.

Note: Not literal gold. Lol.

Compost fungi that result in mold are most often actinomycetes. Now, we’re not expecting you to remember that fancy word, but just know that these guys are naturally occurring in soil and that their presence is a GOOD THING.

Why Is There Mold On My Soil?

We’ve learned that the fungi which results in this type of mold (or “fruiting bodies” of fungi) is naturally-occuring. But not all soils have visible proof that these fungi are indeed present. Why, then, are you seeing mold?

Indoor plants are unfortunately (or fortunately, depending whether you’re looking at this scenario from the soil’s perspective) nearly a perfect environment for saprophytic fungi to develop fruiting bodies - mold.

The soil is closed-in, regularly dampened, and is not usually turned or aerated by either bugs, animals or gardeners.

1. Not Enough Aeration

There could be multiple reasons for seeing mold. Actinomycetes thrive in anaerobic (no air) conditions. If you’re seeing white mold on your soil, this could mean that there is an excess of anaerobic conditions - too little aeration - and actinomycetes are taking advantage.

2. Not Enough Sunlight

Not allowing your indoor plants to bask in the sun will limit the nutrients made available to these plants through photosynthesis. Insufficient natural light will also encourage the dark-and-damp conditions that mold loves so much.

3. Poor Drainage/Over-Watering

The same could be said for poor drainage in your soil. Fungi generate spores which float on any small air current and land nearby (for the most part). However, if the environment is not comfortable for them - lacking sufficient moisture - they will not propagate and develop into mold.

4. Organic Fertilizers

If you add an organic fertilizer to your soil just before planting or after you’ve already planted, you are increasing the risk of seeing that white mold on the top of your soil.

Fertilizer produced by an electric composter, or a material such as PittMoss, is a regular suspect for feeding the existing bacteria in your soil.

Because the powerful biomatter introduced into your soil is still in the process of decomposing, it is providing all the necessary nutrients for these bacteria (and your soil) to thrive.

Now, remember, this is a GOOD THING. You absolutely want to encourage the health and diversity of these bacteria and fungi.

However, just know that mold is often a symptom of this natural and positive phenomenon. Seeing mold from actinomycetes in your compost is fairly normal.

Once the compost has broken down into soil, it has been digested by fungi to such an extent that these bacteria are unlikely to produce mold after being added to your soil. However, it’s not impossible.

Because electric composters essentially reverse and speed up the process of traditional composting, the by-product (or fertilizer) produced by the compost machines requires a curing period in the soil before being equally broken down.

So, to reiterate: if you see white mold on the top of your garden/potted plant soil - this is just the next step of the natural decomposition process going on in your soil as the organic fertilizer releases its nutrients to the soil and your plant roots.

What Should I Do About the Mold?

Well, that’s entirely up to you. Do you care if there’s a bit of white fuzz on top of your soil? If not, then go ahead and let Mother Nature get on with it. Once the biomatter is completely decomposed in your soil, that mold will eventually disappear!

But if it bothers you, or you’re concerned about the spores potentially irritating an existing asthma or bronchial sensitivity, then fixing the issue is fairly straightforward.

SD.COM

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