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Pros and Cons of Digging the Soil: What You Need to Know
20.09.2024 04:10
Digging the soil is used to improve the structure of the soil and increase its fertility.
However, like any other method, digging has both its advantages and disadvantages.
In this article we will look at them in more detail.
Benefits of Digging
1. Improving Soil Structure: Digging up the soil helps improve its structure, which allows plants to more easily penetrate the soil and get the nutrients they need.
2. Increasing soil fertility. Allows mixing of the fertile topsoil with the deeper layer, which contributes to more efficient use of nutrients, their better distribution and improved access of plants to them.
3. Weed control. Weeds are forced to move to the surface and usually dry out, which reduces the number of weeds and reduces their competition with crops for nutrients and moisture.
4. Eliminate pests: Digging can help eliminate pests as they may be in the top layer of soil which will be moved deeper.
Disadvantages of Digging
1. Destruction of the microbiological ecosystem. It can destroy the microbiological ecosystem, which is an important part of the soil, contributing to its fertility and sustainability.
2. Damage to plant roots. Digging can damage the roots of cultivated plants, which can lead to a decrease in yield or even its complete loss.
3. Decreased water holding capacity of the soil. Decreased water holding capacity, as this can lead to the formation of larger soil particles and a decrease in the capacity of the soil to retain moisture.
4. Soil wear and tear. Damage to the structure and contribute to its wear, especially if this method is used frequently.
5. Risk of soil erosion. Greater exposure to wind and rain.
6. Negative impact on the environment. May result in the release of carbon dioxide, which is one of the main gases contributing to climate change.
What methods exist for improving soil without digging?
1. Use compost and manure. These organic fertilizers can help improve fertility without destroying the soil structure.
2. Use green manures. Plants that are grown to improve the soil can help add nutrients to the soil and improve its structure.
3. Mulching. This involves applying a layer of organic material to the soil surface, which helps retain moisture and improve structure.
4. Improve the microbiological ecosystem. Adding microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi can help improve fertility and sustainability.
Conclusion
Digging up the soil is a long-used method of improving soil fertility. However, it can have negative consequences, such as damaging plant roots and reducing the soil's water-holding capacity.
