Fertilize with ashes
Fertilize with ashes
Ash, obtained by combustion of plants, branches, etc., is one of the most incredible existing fertilizers and, in a concept of eco-sustainable agriculture, its reuse and use is fundamental. In fact, the ash gives the soil the right amount of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. In particular, in the ash, we have a composition of 20 – 45% of calcium, 5 – 30% of potassium and 2 – 18% of phosphorus. In addition, in different proportions, depending on the origin of the burnt vegetables, the ash contains other elements such as: magnesium, boron, copper, iron; all very useful for the development of plants that will grow on our soil (A very important precaution to keep under control is to use pure wood, it does not deal with paints or chemicals).
Fertilizing with the ash brings another important benefit to our soil, in fact, the ash itself can increase the pH of the soil, making the soil more predisposed to the development of those plants that are called basophils. Moreover, this fertilizer is zero km and therefore, in addition to being of natural origin, it does not involve the emission of CO2 that is always present and in large quantities in the transport of chemical fertilizers.
The ash is mostly used for plants that need a large amount of potassium and is therefore particularly suitable for ex. for the potato. The ash is also used for all plantations that need phosphorus.
The use of ash, on the other hand, should be limited to acidophilous plants, that is to say all those plants that love acid soils.
When we go to sprinkle the ash on the ground, the amount of product must correspond to about 150 grams per square meter, obviously these doses refer to those who have a small vegetable garden or small crops in the garden; while for larger crops it is good to know that for about 100 square meters of land need minimum 15 kg of dry ash, to reach a maximum of 25 kg. Obviously these quantities must always be weighted as a result of an analysis of our land.
Ash can also be used when the crops have already started. The right amount of ash in this case can correspond to 50 grams per square meter, having the foresight to spread it evenly over the whole area of ​​interest.
The ash is allowed in organic farming and in combination with it, it is allowed to add also manure or pollen.
Besides the fertilizing function, the ash plays another important role in agriculture. Ash is often sprayed on crops or plant varieties with the aim of creating an antiparasitic function. When the powders come into contact with the crop, in fact, they block the respiratory system of the insects that are attacking the plant, causing it to die.
With the ash, you can keep away snails, snails, ants that often annoy and ruin our plants.