Soil and Plant Food (Steiner)

Question 1

What are the needs of TREES and SHRUBS for root system

Answer 1

Prepared holes with sufficient LEAFMOLD and HUMUS

Question 2

To improve SANDY SOIL

Answer 2

Adding sufficient LEAFMOLD and ORGANIC FERTILIZERS, such as HORSE and CHICKEN MANURE

Question 3

LIME USES/INFOS.

Answer 3

• Remedies heavy structure of clay and renders it more porous and airy
• During DRY/RAINY SEASON, apply LIME (pH is 2-5.5)
• Aids in liberation of plant food
• Activation of biological activities
• for VERY ACID and HEAVY soil, use the CAUSTIC form of lime which gives rapid effect; GROUND LIME STONE or SLAKED and BURNT LIME for LIGHT SANDY and GRAVELLY LOAM
• DON’T APPLY lime when the soil is WET
• NEVER APPLY lime with NITROGEN

Question 4

Detrimental Kind of Soil

Answer 4

Sour Soil (Very HEAVY CLAY, and Very STICKY LOAM)

Question 5

URINE as FERTILIZER (USES/INFOS.)

Answer 5

• URINE as source of NITROGEN (only from CHILDREN and PREGNANT WOMEN) Application is 1(urine) : 4(water)
• Once or Twice a month application - Frequent use leads to soil acidity

Question 6

CHEMICAL FERTILIZER

Answer 6

-Easily absorbed by roots within hours

Question 7

Plants with Flower

Answer 7

-Should be FERTILIZED at once a month

Question 8

NITROGEN

Answer 8

• Most important element often lacking in soils
• Increases LEAF and STEM growth
• Promotes rich green coloring and healthy lush leaves
• Vegetables such as SPINACH, CABBAGE, and other LEAFY benefit by nitrogen fertilizers such as AMMONIUM SULPHATE
• Excessive amount delays MATURITY, IMPAIR QUALITY of fruits, WEAKEN SYSTEMS,SOFTEN FOLIAGE, INCREASE SUSCEPTIBILITY TO DISEASES

Question 9

PHOSPHORUS

Answer 9

• Promotes ROOT and FLOWER development
• Excessive amount is HARMFUL
• Important to SEED PRODUCTION

Question 10

POTASSIUM

Answer 10

• 3rd essential element

- Most VITAL where large contents of STARCH are wanted

Question 11

FRESH MANURE

Answer 11

• Easily BURNS the LEAVES of tender plants such as BEGONIAS
• Use OLD/RIPE manure
• Don’t apply when soil is DRY

Question 12

PLANTS THAT GROW IN PURE WATER

Answer 12

Waterplant, Dieffenbachia and Papua

Question 13

IF YOUR PLANTS DON’T GROW PROPERLY

Answer 13

• Check ACIDITY and ALKALINITY of WATER called pH

- ORDINARY PLANTS need a pH of 5 which is SLIGHTLY ACID

Question 14

pH Levels

Answer 14

pH ranges from 0-14
7 is NEUTRAL (Water and Blood)
BELOW 7 is ACID
ABOVE is ALKALINE