With the onset of warm days, many people are faced with the problem of green soil in greenhouses.
Green plaque not only spoils the appearance of the beds, but also signals a violation of the conditions for growing plants.
By eliminating this problem, you can ensure a healthy environment for crops to grow.
Causes of green plaque
Greening of the soil is caused by algae and moss, which actively reproduce in a humid environment.
Excessive watering, poor ventilation, lack of light and accumulation of organic matter create ideal conditions for their development. The plaque can also appear due to high soil acidity or excessive fertilization.
What is the danger of green soil?
The plaque disrupts the air permeability of the soil and makes it difficult for oxygen to reach the roots of plants.
This leads to inhibition of crop growth, reduced yields, and sometimes even death of plants. Algae can also cause soil acidification, which negatively affects the nutritional properties of the soil.
Effective ways to treat green soil
1. Mechanical cleaning. The first stage is the careful removal of the top layer of soil, which contains green plaque.
To do this, use a garden tool, trying not to damage the roots of the plants. It is better to dispose of the removed soil or use it for mulching outside the greenhouse.
2. Boiling water treatment. Hot water destroys moss and algae spores. The soil is treated with boiling water and then loosened to restore the structure. This method is especially effective for small areas.
3. Use a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Potassium permanganate disinfects the soil and prevents the development of pathogenic microflora. The solution is prepared at a rate of 3-5 crystals per liter of water. The soil is watered carefully so as not to burn the roots.
4. Soil liming. If the cause of greening is increased acidity, then the pH can be normalized by adding lime or dolomite flour.
These substances are distributed over the surface and then carefully mixed with the top layer of soil.
5. Using wood ash. Ash not only reduces acidity, but also enriches the soil with microelements. It is evenly scattered over the beds, and then the soil is loosened.
6. Biopreparations. Modern products based on bacteria or fungi suppress the development of mosses and algae. They are safe for plants and humans, and also help restore the soil microflora.
Preventive measures to prevent greening
Once plaque has been removed, it is important to create conditions that prevent it from reappearing.
Regular ventilation helps to reduce the humidity of the air and soil, which deprives the algae of a comfortable environment.
Controlling watering will help avoid water stagnation. The soil should be moderately moist, but not over-watered.
Mulching with organic materials such as straw or peat protects the soil from the formation of plaque.
Using quality fertilizers with moderate nitrogen content prevents the soil from becoming oversaturated with substances that promote algae growth.
Regular loosening improves air circulation in the soil and prevents compaction of the top layer, which reduces the likelihood of moss appearing.
Maintaining optimal pH levels through soil tests and amendments will help create unfavorable conditions for algae.
