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What plants are sensitive to ash: features and recommendations
31.05.2024 19:00
Ash has long been used in gardening as a natural fertilizer due to its high content of potassium, calcium and microelements.
It helps improve the structure of the soil, reduces its acidity and protects plants from pests.
However, not all plants respond positively to the addition of ash, informs the expert of the online publication BelNovosti, agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .
Some crops may suffer from excess calcium and potassium, which leads to an imbalance of nutrients and negatively affects their growth and development.
Acidic soils and ash
Plants that prefer acidic soil do not respond well to the addition of ash.
Blueberries, cranberries, azaleas and rhododendrons all require an acidic environment to grow properly.
Ash, having alkaline properties, neutralizes the acidity of the soil, which leads to a deterioration in conditions for such plants.
Acidic soil is necessary for the absorption of important micronutrients, and the alkaline reaction of ash disrupts this process, causing nutrient deficiencies and deterioration of plant health.
Potatoes and their sensitivity
Potatoes are also among the plants that are sensitive to ash.
Excess calcium contained in ash can lead to the development of scab, a disease that affects tubers.
Scab reduces the quality of the harvest and worsens the marketable appearance of potatoes.
To prevent these problems, it is recommended to refrain from using ash on potato beds or use it in minimal quantities.
Instead of ash, you can use other types of fertilizers that are more suitable for this crop.
Beans and peas
Legumes such as beans and peas can also suffer from excess ash in the soil.
Ash, by increasing alkalinity, can interfere with the absorption of nitrogen, which is especially important for legumes, as they fix nitrogen from the air with the help of symbiotic bacteria.
When this process is disrupted, plants experience nitrogen deficiency, which leads to slower growth and reduced yields.
For legumes, it is better to use fertilizers that do not affect soil acidity.
Onion and garlic
Onions and garlic do not tolerate excessive amounts of ash.
High levels of potassium and calcium can cause nutrient imbalances, resulting in slow growth and poor crop quality.
Onions and garlic prefer neutral or slightly acidic soils, and adding ash can change their chemical composition, making the environment less favorable for these crops.
For successful cultivation of onions and garlic, it is recommended to use organic fertilizers and compost.
Petunias and other flowers
Some flower crops, such as petunias, may also react negatively to ash.
Excess calcium can cause iron deficiency, which leads to chlorosis, a disease that causes yellowing of the leaves.
Chlorosis slows down photosynthesis and worsens the general condition of plants.
For flower crops, it is better to use specialized fertilizers that provide balanced nutrition and do not disturb the acidity of the soil.
Recommendations for the use of ash
To avoid negative consequences from the use of ash, it is necessary to take into account the needs of each plant and the condition of the soil.
Before applying ash, it is recommended to conduct soil tests to determine its acidity and microelement levels.
Ash should be added in moderate quantities and thoroughly mixed with the soil.
It is also useful to combine it with other organic materials such as compost and humus to provide comprehensive nutrition for plants.
Earlier we talked about why you should put potato peelings under currants.
