How to deal with old soil for flower cultivation
You may not know how to handle old soil for flower cultivation and the experience related to the reutilization methods and effects of green plant maintenance. Next, our site editor will introduce it to everyone.
No matter whether you are growing flowers on a balcony, terrace, or in the garden, it is actually necessary to improve the soil. If you can make compost soil at home or collect high-quality leaf mold soil, that would be better. However, most flower enthusiasts buy nutrient-rich soil online or at the flower market.
Some flower enthusiasts buy very cheap nutrient soil, much of which is sold by weight (formulated nutrient soil is generally sold by volume). Although it seems very economical, the quality of much of it cannot be guaranteed. After buying it, the flowers do not grow well and are easily burnt, possibly because it is a mixture of manure and garden soil, some of which is not fully fermented and may even have an unpleasant odor.
High-quality nutrient soil is usually expensive, using a formula matrix, which is considered soilless, meaning it does not contain traditional soil. High-quality nutrient soil can be used to improve the soil in the garden and is also very suitable for potting various plants. Since nutrient soil is so expensive, can we reuse it?
If your old soil is of poor quality or is garden soil dug from outside, it is recommended to buy some high-quality nutrient soil or dig some new leaf mold soil.
If you want to reuse nutrient soil, you need to understand the components and their functions in the soil. When using this old soil, you can mix it with some new soil and add the appropriate nutrients. After disinfection and sterilization, it can be reused.
1. Formulated nutrient soil matrix
Common high-quality nutrient soils usually contain three basic components: peat soil, pine bark, and perlite, with some using coarse coconut shell as a substitute for pine bark.
There may also be other materials, including fine coconut bran, compost soil, and granular stones (such as volcanic rocks, red jade soil), and some nutrient soils add slow-release fertilizers, which are fertilizers with a slow release rate of nutrient.
2. Function of formulated nutrient soil matrix
In formulated nutrient soil, peat soil is often used. It has many advantages, such as being very loose and breathable, and rich in humus. Its disadvantage is that it is non-renewable and will gradually become compacted over time.
Some people also believe that peat soil should not be overused because it is obtained from wetlands, which can easily damage the plants and other animals in these areas. This topic is still being discussed by scientists worldwide.
How to deal with old soil for flower cultivation
Some nutrient soils use fine coconut bran to replace peat soil. Fine coconut bran is made from coconut fiber and becomes neutral after desalination. However, it is generally recommended to rinse it several times with water before use. The coconut brick commonly found in the market is actually fine coconut bran.
If the old soil has previously killed plants or the plants have been infected with pests and diseases, it is generally recommended to discard such soil. If the plants died due to severe cold, drought, or other reasons, the soil can be reused. Before using this old soil, it can be mixed directly with new soil, with the new soil accounting for 70% and the old soil less than 30%. The mixed soil can then be reused for growing flowers.
3. Method for sterilizing old soil:
1. Fungicide disinfection
If the soil has been infected with pests and diseases, it must undergo strict disinfection before reuse. Before reusing old soil, any roots, leaves, and other debris in the soil must be removed. It can be watered once with a carbendazim solution, and some white pesticide (dinotefuran) can be sprinkled in the soil. This is the simplest method for fungicide and pest control.
2. Boiling water disinfection
If you have a large pot at home, you can place the soil in a filter or container and pour boiling water over it to let it drain and cool quickly, which disinfects the soil. Of course, each addition of soil should not be too thick, or the disinfection effect will be poor. Using boiling water to disinfect old soil is very simple and effective in removing pest larvae.