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Sunflower: Why it is difficult to grow a good harvest after it
26.01.2025 02:20
Behind the beauty and benefits of sunflowers lies one significant nuance: after growing this crop, the soil remains noticeably depleted.
Many gardeners notice that the yield of other plants in such a place decreases. Why does this happen, and how to restore the soil fertility?
What does sunflower do to soil
Sunflower is a so-called high-removal crop. This means that it takes up a huge amount of nutrients from the soil, especially nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.
Its powerful root system goes deep into the soil, taking resources not only from the top layer, but also from deeper levels.
In addition, sunflowers release specific substances into the soil that inhibit the growth of some other plants. This helps them "take their place in the sun," but creates problems for the following crops.
Why is it hard to grow anything else after sunflowers?
After harvesting the sunflower, the soil remains depleted and impoverished. If you immediately plant other crops in this place, they simply will not have enough resources for normal growth.
The result is weak plants and poor harvests.
Some gardeners try to compensate for the situation by adding fertilizers, but this is not enough. The soil needs time to recover, as well as proper care.
How to prepare the soil after sunflower
To ensure the next harvest is successful, special attention must be paid to restoring the land. Here are some tips:
Fertilizers. After sunflower, be sure to add organic and mineral fertilizers.
It is best to use rotted manure or compost, and also add potassium and phosphorus mixtures.
Green manure. Planting green manure (such as mustard, lupine or oats) will help enrich the soil and restore its fertility. These plants not only saturate the soil with nutrients, but also improve its structure.
Rest the soil. If possible, let the soil "rest" for one season. This will help restore its natural balance.
Crop rotation. After sunflowers, you should not plant crops with similar needs, such as corn or potatoes. It is better to choose legumes that can enrich the soil with nitrogen.
What crops are best to plant after sunflowers
If the restoration work is done correctly, the following year you can plant plants that require fewer nutrients. Peas, beans, radishes or green crops such as spinach are good choices.
Crop rotation is a key tool for maintaining healthy soil. By changing crops each year, you allow the soil to regenerate and avoid the build-up of diseases and pests.
The importance of proper care
Sunflower is a useful and beautiful crop, but it requires careful attention to the soil. If you decide to plant it, be prepared for the fact that the soil will need special care after harvesting.
With proper soil restoration, you can maintain its fertility and grow a rich harvest next season. Take care of your land - it will always respond with a good harvest!
