Bacteria
As incredible as it may seem, the soil porosity depends on the microscopic bacteria that live there. These little gourmands feed on organic matter which they digest outside their body.
They go about it expelling enzymes in the soil that cut up large molecules until they are small enough to pass through the bacteria's wall. Some of the molecules formed remain in the soil, where they act as glue and create assemblies with fine mineral particles of clay or silt.
These aggregates facilitate air circulation.
One of the natural biofertilizers available on the market is sold under the name soil activator. It contains bacteria of strains of Bacilli and Pseudomonas, which help the bacteria naturally present in the soil in their work. They are capable of fix nitrogen gaseous and solubilize phosphorus. Also, their modes of action promote the development of plants.
The work of decomposition et ventilation is accelerated and the roots circulate more easily, assimilating much better the minerals and trace elements essential to their growth.
If the crop benefits from the presence of mycorrhizae, do not hesitate to give it to your plants at the same time as the bacteria, at the time of transplanting or sowing. The soil activator can also be added to manure or compost three to four weeks before spreading.
The seaweeds
Already in the 12th century, Breton farmers within rowing distance of a precious source of seaweed were going to harvest it to fertilize their fields.
Rich in trace elements, vitamins, amino acids and plant hormones, they have a very positive effect on growth plants, but also on their resistance fungal diseases – powdery mildew, mildew and rust – or stress – wind, cold, drought, transplantation.
In the vegetable garden, soluble or liquid products based on algae act as foliar fertilizer Extraordinarily effective supplement, which also helps prevent foliage diseases. We can also mix the seaweed flour to the garden soil in spring or add it to the compost being made.
Fish emulsions
Made from fish or fish waste, fish emulsions or hydrolysates are nutrient-rich and provide a versatile fertilizer that applies to all stages of plant development, even young seedlings.
Sold in liquid form, this fertilizer is applied as a spray to the foliage to correct foliar deficiencies throughout the season. This can absorb certain nutrients such as nitrogen, magnesium, calcium, iron and boron more easily and quickly than the roots.
Diluted in irrigation water, fish emulsions contribute to the soil health by improving the menu of bacteria, mycorrhizae and earthworms, these essential conveyors of organic matter in the soil.
They produce a very positive effect on the germination of seedlings and the vigorous recovery of transplants in spring.
Other effects of fish emulsions have been observed on plant growth:
- le slowing down of aging of the plant by delaying flowering and fruiting;
- la reduction of stress transplantation; And
- the organic acids they contain prevent and control damping off and other harmful soil microorganisms.
Fish hydrolysates are therefore perfectly suited to fertilizing varieties of leafy vegetables which tend to go to seed quickly. Because of their effect on flowering, it should only be used at the seedling stage for fruit species such as tomatoes.
