Hobby gardeners and professional agronomists are constantly looking for new ways to improve the health and productivity of fruit trees.
Among the many methods, there is one that may seem strange and even harmful at first glance – hammering rusty nails into tree trunks.
However, this practice, rooted in ancient gardening traditions, has a scientific basis and can bring unexpected positive results for the garden.
Historical retrospective
The use of metal objects to improve plant growth has been known since ancient times.
Even our ancestors noticed that trees growing near metal objects often look healthier and produce a better harvest. With the development of science, these observations received an explanation related to the influence of iron on the physiological processes of plants.
Scientific substantiation of the method
The essence of the method of hammering rusty nails into fruit trees is to enrich the plant with iron.
Iron is an essential microelement necessary for normal plant growth and development. It plays a key role in the process of photosynthesis, participates in the formation of chlorophyll and affects the metabolism of plant cells. With iron deficiency, trees can develop chlorosis - a disease in which the leaves turn yellow and lose the ability to photosynthesis.
The mechanism of action of rusty nails
When a rusty nail is driven into a tree trunk, a slow process of iron oxidation begins. The resulting iron compounds gradually dissolve in the tree sap and spread throughout the plant.
Thus, the tree receives an additional dose of the necessary microelement, which can have a positive effect on its growth and fruiting.
Advantages of the method
One of the main advantages of this method is its simplicity and availability. Rusty nails can be found in almost every household, and the procedure for hammering them in does not require special skills or tools.
In addition, this method of fertilizing trees is environmentally friendly and does not lead to soil pollution with chemical fertilizers.
Correct application of the method
To achieve the best results, it is important to use this method correctly. Nails should be driven into the lower part of the trunk or into large roots protruding above the ground.
The number of nails depends on the size of the tree – usually 3-5 pieces are enough for an adult tree. It is important not to overdo it, as excess iron can be harmful to the plant.
Potential risks and precautions
Despite its apparent harmlessness, the method of hammering nails into trees has its risks.
Incorrect execution of the procedure can damage important tree tissues or create a gateway for infection. Therefore, before using this method, it is recommended to consult a specialist and carefully study the technique.
Alternative methods of iron supplementation
For gardeners who are unsure about the effectiveness or safety of the nail method, there are alternative ways to enrich the soil with iron.
This can be done by adding special fertilizers containing iron, or by using natural sources of this element, such as compost from pine needles or oak leaves.
Observations and results
Many gardeners who use the rusty nail method report improved overall tree health, increased yields, and increased disease resistance.
However, it is important to remember that results may vary depending on a number of factors, including soil type, climate conditions, and the overall condition of the tree.
Earlier we talked about whether it is possible to determine the harvest by the size of the potato tops.
