Organic materials and mulches Flashcards
name 4 organic materials most commonly used as a mulch
FYM, Garden compost, Mushroom Compost, Composted waste from municipal sources
Name 4 bulkier materials used as surface mulches, or can be worked into the soil.
chipped and shredded bark
leaf mould
cocoa shell
composted straw
what can FYM be made from, and when should it be used?
Mainly horse, cattle or poultry manure.
Often mixed with straw and stable bedding
Allow it to stand for a period of months, as excess ammonia will cause root scorch which is fatal to many plants.
Why do garden compost heaps need to be stacked properly?
so it can rot down effectively and destroy any weed roots/seeds present
What does mushroom compost consist of?
it is the waste from professional growers.
Very alkaline
Avoid on/near Rhododendrons and Heathers
what/where is composted waste from municipal growers used for?
Local authorities sell to allotment holders.
usually a good source free from weeds
Good water retaining properties
Origin is uncertain so may have plastic in it.
Describe chipped and shredded bark
weed free
excellent mulch/soil conditioner
Medium shredded conifer bark is a good mulch - slow to rot down and heavy enough to not be blown away.
Describe leaf mould
a mix of fallen deciduous leaves - works well if given time to decompose
Pine needles and needles from conifers are slow to decompose
What are the benefits of compost?
makes minerals available
helps glue soil particles together
raises soil temps
Improves water retention
assists drainage
how do you make compost?
make sure materials are well shredded - break down faster (aerobic method)
Put material in a box and keep covered
Turn material every 6 weeks so all the material heats up high enough to kill weed seeds.
Why should there be a ratio of 50:50 to green:brown compost material?
grass clippings are fast to break down
woody, dry material is slow to break down
a mix of both is a good combination - add ground limestone to raise pH so worm activity is encouraged.
describe a standard compost bin
1; a wooden box 1.2m deep with a detachable section at base to access finished product.
2; can get heavy duty plastic bins - again needs a detachable section at front.
Always have two, so it is easier to turn material and speed up decomposition process.
Describe anaerobic composting
decaying leaves and grass to form compost without air.
cover a mound with veg waste and a layer of soil - repeat this.
The added soil introduces soil bacteria and worms
Describe green manures
it is grown specifically to be dug into the ground to improve the OM content/structure.
It helps reduce the loss of nutrients in winter damage and the roots help protect the soil structure
A disadvantage is it does take up space in the garden where a crop could have been grown.
