Manure has been used as a fertilizer since time immemorial, and for a long time it was believed that there was nothing better for the soil.
However, modern summer residents do not think so and say that sometimes this natural additive does more harm than good. Let's figure out whether it can be replaced, and if so, with what.
Advantage
No one will argue that manure cannot harm the fruit crop, in the sense that it will make the crop dangerous to health due to the nitrate content. In addition to nutrients, it contains beneficial bacteria and organic matter, and manure also has a positive effect on the structure of the soil - sandy soil or dense soil.
Plus, it's a pretty cheap supplement.
Flaws
Things like the presence of zoonotic pathogens, disease pathogens, pest larvae and parasites cannot be ignored.
And if you constantly use this additive, the condition of the soil may change for the worse.
What to replace manure with
1. The simplest option is to mulch the soil. The protective layer prevents moisture evaporation, soil drying out, overheating, erosion and the consequences associated with these processes.
2. Another great way to avoid manure is to sow green manure. It is much easier to sow, mow and incorporate the shoots into the soil than to spread heavy manure over the area.
3. Organics are not necessarily manure or litter. They can be humates and compost. Additives are considered more accessible and are not much inferior to manure.
In addition, proper agricultural technology and crop rotation, first and foremost, help maintain soil fertility.
