Tips on Soil Preparation and Fertilization from Hundred Years Ago
Beware of Furrows that Shine after Ploughing
Furrows that shine after ploughing indicate that the soil is dirty and prevents oxygen to enter the soil which is crucial for decomposition of manure and fertility of the soil. Furrows that shine after spring ploughing therefore imply low yield. Shinning of furrows after autumn ploughing is not problematic because the frost crushes the furrows allowing the oxygen into the soil.
How Wide Furrows Should Be
How wide furrows should be depends on soil type and the purpose of ploughing. Light soil commonly requires wider furrows than heavy soil. The optimal soil aeration is achieved if deepness and wideness of furrows are in ratio 2:3 or 1:1 1/2 which means that a furrow should be about one half as wide as deep. For example, if the furrow is 6 inches deep it should be 9 inches wide. The furrows should be wider if ploughing in manure or stubble as well as if ploughing more shallow.
Deep Vs. Shallow Manuring
Manure that is dug shallow into the soil degrades faster than if dug in deep because the air reaches it earlier. For immediate results and high yield do not dig manure too deep into the soil.
About Chicken Manure
Chicken manure is very powerful fertilizer and for that reason it should not be applied to soil in thick layers. It is best to let it dry, crush it and scatter it on the field or garden. In summer, chicken manure mixed with water can be used for watering.
Liquid Animal Waste as Fertilizer
Liquid animal waste is very powerful fertilizer and therefore it should be mixed with water. It should be applied to the soil or plants during rainy or cloudy weather only. If applied to extremely moist soil or surface covered with snow, liquid animal waste should be mixed with little or no water. When used as fertilizer for plants, liquid animal waste should be always mixed with water and left to stand for one day otherwise it burns the plants.
About Compost
Compost is used as fertilizer instead or with manure. Landowners who posses small amount of livestock and have little animal waste should therefore make sure that they make large amounts of compost.
Compost is made of various household, garden, field, forest and other organic wastes from leaves and weeds to tree branches and all materials with at least small amounts of nutrient content but are not appropriate for immediate application to the soil. For example, if weeds are thrown to the animal waste they may not decompose early enough and can infest the field or garden.
An ideal place for a compost is a shady area in the corner of a garden. Compost should be turned over at least twice a year to accelerate decomposition. Since compost generally contains inadequate amounts of nitrogen it should be mixed with liquid animal waste before use.
Wood Soot as Fertilizer
Wood soot can be used as fertilizer and can be added to salad, spinach, cabbage and fruit trees as well as to pot plants. It also helps improve lawn but should be applied to the lawn during the winter. It is recommendable to add some wood soot to the compost as well.
How to Determine the Amount of Lime Content in the Soil
To determine the amount of lime in the soil pour some salt acid or heated vinegar on the soil. If the soil “rustles” it contains high amounts of lime but if it does not there is no lime.