The delicacy of clay crystals Soil crumb structure Do not abuse clay Add plenty of organic matter Avoid overcultivation especially rotary cultivation Use lime of gypsum to improve structure Use green manure or mulch to cover the surface ID: 645629
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Slide1
Soil textureSlide2
The soil textural triangleSlide3
The delicacy of clay crystalsSlide4
Soil crumb structureSlide5
Do not abuse clay!
Add plenty of organic matter
Avoid over-cultivation especially rotary cultivation
Use lime of gypsum to improve structure
Use green manure or mulch to cover the surface
Encourage earthwormsSlide6Slide7
Why soil pH is importantSlide8
A simple soil pH test kitSlide9
Looks impressive but less reliableSlide10
Accurate but can be expensiveSlide11
Iron deficiencySlide12
Magnesium deficiencySlide13
Lowering pH
This may be necessary when growing acid loving plants such as Rhododendrons on neutral or alkaline soils.
Treatment usually has a limited effect and must be repeated.
Acidifying materials include Ammonium sulphate, Sulphur and pine needles.Slide14
Raising pH
This may be necessary to achieve the optimal pH so that fertilisers work effectively.
May help to discourage club root of
brassicas
Hydrated lime and ground limestone commonly used.
Always modify pH after testing the soil pH using reliable test equipment. Slide15
Phosphorus
Associated with promoting root growth and seed germination but also has a vital role in processes involving energy exchange.
Bone meal and superphosphate of lime are popular sources.
Concern has been raised about the sustainability of Phosphorus fertilisers.Slide16
Nitrogen
Promotes leaf and shoot growth
Excess can cause frost damage and susceptibility to disease
Usually does not last long in the soil and is washed out by rain
Taken up as Nitrate but supplied as Ammonia and Urea as wellSlide17
Potassium (K)
Promotes flowering and fruiting
Can increase hardiness and disease resistance such as rose
blackspot
.
Excess can prevent the uptake of MagnesiumSlide18
Micronutrients or trace elements
Needed in small amounts but perform vital functions.
Include Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Molybdenum, Boron and Copper. Slide19
Types of fertiliser
Organic
Synthetic
Fast, slow and controlled release
Solid
Liquid
Foliar
General purpose
Specialist