Harvesting garlic is an important step in the gardening season. Once the aromatic heads have been pulled from the ground, the question of restoring soil fertility arises.
The correct choice of fertilizers and approach to site cultivation will determine the success of future plantings in this place.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, reminded summer residents of the most important thing.
Organic fertilizers
Compost is one of the best options for restoring soil after garlic.
Adding well-rotted compost enriches the soil with organic matter, improves its structure and promotes the development of beneficial microorganisms.
It is recommended to add 3-5 kg of compost per square meter, evenly distributing it over the surface and incorporating it into the top layer of soil.
Manure also effectively restores soil fertility. However, only rotted manure should be used to avoid "burning" the roots of future plants and the spread of weeds. The application rate is 4-6 kg per square meter.
It is better to work manure into the soil to a depth of 10-15 cm.
Green manures
Sowing green manure after harvesting garlic is an excellent way to improve the soil structure and enrich it with nitrogen.
Mustard, phacelia or vetch quickly grow green mass, which is then incorporated into the soil.
Green manure not only enriches the soil with nutrients, but also suppresses the growth of weeds and prevents the development of pests and diseases.
Mineral fertilizers
Phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied in the fall to replenish the elements used up by garlic. Superphosphate (30-40 g/m3) and potassium sulfate (20-25 g/m3) improve the soil structure and increase its fertility. These fertilizers can be applied both separately and as part of complex fall mixtures.
Wood ash
Ash is a valuable source of potassium, phosphorus and microelements. After harvesting garlic, you can add 100-150 g of ash per square meter.
In addition to enriching the soil with nutrients, ash helps deoxidize the soil, which is especially important for areas with high acidity.
Soil liming
Garlic prefers slightly acidic soils, so liming may be required after harvesting.
Dolomite flour or slaked lime applied in the fall will help to normalize the soil pH. The application rate depends on the initial acidity and ranges from 300 to 500 g per square meter.
Mulching
Mulching the soil after applying fertilizer helps retain moisture, prevent weed growth and protect soil microorganisms.
Mown grass, straw or fallen leaves can be used as mulch. A 5-7 cm thick layer of mulch is evenly distributed over the soil surface.
Crop rotation
It is important to remember about crop rotation. It is not recommended to plant onion family crops after garlic.
The best predecessors are legumes, pumpkins or cruciferous crops. Proper rotation of plants helps prevent soil depletion and reduces the risk of disease.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
