Should nutrient-rich soil be mixed with ordinary soil
Let's share the related content of whether to mix nutrient-rich soil with ordinary soil and how to proportion it better for green plants. Let's take a look together!
In the process of horticultural planting and family flower cultivation, the use of nutrient-rich soil has become an important means to improve the quality of plant growth. However, whether to mix nutrient-rich soil with ordinary soil and how to proportion it better has always been a focus of attention for gardening enthusiasts.
### I. The differences and characteristics between nutrient-rich soil and ordinary soil
Nutrient-rich soil is a kind of cultivation matrix that has been scientifically proportioned, rich in organic matter, trace elements, and beneficial microorganisms. It has good breathability, water retention, and fertility, which can provide sufficient nutrient support for plants. Ordinary soil, on the other hand, is the natural formed plow layer, mainly containing minerals, organic matter, and microorganisms, but the nutrient content is relatively low, and the soil texture varies greatly from region to region. In terms of usage effect, pure nutrient-rich soil may cause soil compaction after long-term use, affecting the root development of plants. While pure ordinary soil has a low cost, it lacks nutrients and requires frequent fertilization. Therefore, reasonable mixing of the two can not only ensure nutrient supply but also maintain a good soil structure.
### II. The necessity of mixing nutrient-rich soil with ordinary soil
1. - - Improve soil structure - -: Pure nutrient-rich soil has fine texture and relatively poor breathability. Adding ordinary soil can increase the diversity of soil particles, improve breathability, and benefit root respiration.
2. - - Adjust nutrient concentration - -: High nutrient content in pure nutrient-rich soil may cause root burning in plants. Adding ordinary soil can dilute the nutrient concentration, allowing plants to absorb nutrients more evenly.
3. - - Reduce costs - -: Pure nutrient-rich soil is relatively expensive, and properly mixing it with ordinary soil can reduce planting costs while ensuring effectiveness.
4. - - Prevent compaction - -: Long-term use of nutrient-rich soil can easily cause compaction, and adding ordinary soil can improve soil structure and extend its service life.
5. - - Adapt to different plant needs - -: Different plants have different soil requirements, and adjusting the ratio can meet the growth needs of various plants.
### III. Methods for proportioning nutrient-rich soil and ordinary soil
1. - - Universal ratio - -: Nutrient-rich soil : ordinary soil = 2 : 1, suitable for most foliage plants and herbaceous flowers, ensuring nutrient supply and maintaining good breathability. For example: Epipremnum aureum, Chlorophytum comosum, Clivia miniata, etc.
2. - - Fertilizer-demanding plant ratio - -: Nutrient-rich soil : ordinary soil = 3 : 1, suitable for plants with vigorous growth and high fertilizer demand. For example: Chinese rose, peony, begonia, etc.
3. - - Drought-tolerant plant ratio - -: Nutrient-rich soil : ordinary soil = 1 : 1, suitable for plants that prefer dry environments, increasing the proportion of ordinary soil to improve breathability and drainage. For example: Succulents, cacti, etc.
4. - - Seedling stage ratio - -: Nutrient-rich soil : ordinary soil = 1 : 2, suitable for seedlings with weak roots that need a gentler environment.
5. - - Adult plant stage ratio - -: Nutrient-rich soil : ordinary soil = 3 : 2, suitable for adult plants with high fertilizer demand, appropriately increasing the proportion of nutrient-rich soil to promote healthy growth.
### IV. Precautions for proportioning adjustments
1. - - Adjust according to plant type - -: Different plants have different soil requirements and need to adjust the ratio flexibly. For example, orchid plants require more loosened soil and can increase the proportion of ordinary soil.
2. - - Observe plant growth - -: Judge whether to adjust the ratio by observing the color of plant leaves and growth rate. Yellowing leaves may be a signal of excessive or insufficient nutrients.
3. - - Consider seasonal factors - -: Increase the proportion of nutrient-rich soil during the vigorous growth period of spring and reduce it during the dormant period of winter.
4. - - Influence of pot characteristics - -: Pots with good breathability (such as ceramic pots) can increase the proportion of nutrient-rich soil, while plastic pots with poor breathability need to increase the proportion of ordinary soil.
5. - - Differences in regional climate - -: Increase the proportion of ordinary soil in humid areas to improve drainage, and increase the proportion of nutrient-rich soil in dry areas to improve water retention.
### V. Practical skills for proportioning
1. - - Layered application - -: Bottom: mainly ordinary soil (about 1/3), middle: mixed layer (1:1), upper: mainly nutrient-rich soil (about 1/3). This layered structure is beneficial for root growth and ensures nutrient supply.
2. - - Thorough mixing - -: Thoroughly mix nutrient-rich soil and ordinary soil before use to ensure uniform nutrient distribution and avoid local nutrient excess or deficiency.
3. - - Regular adjustments - -: Adjust the ratio appropriately every quarter and make fine adjustments according to plant growth. Reconfigure when repotting.
4. - - Add auxiliary materials - -: Add materials such as perlite and vermiculite to further improve soil breathability and drainage, usually not exceeding 10% of the total.
5. - - pH adjustment - -: Add lime or sulfur powder to adjust the soil pH to 6.0-7.0 to ensure plant nutrient absorption efficiency.
### VI. Common misconceptions and corrections
1. - - Misconception 1: The more nutrient-rich soil, the better - -: Correction: Excessive use may lead to nutrient excess, which is not conducive to plant growth. The ratio needs to be adjusted according to different growth stages.
2. - - Misconception 2: Reusing old soil - -: Correction: Old soil is nutritionally imbalanced and needs to be disinfected and re-proportioned before use. It is recommended to mix new and old soil.
3. - - Misconception 3: Ignoring soil disinfection - -: Correction: Both nutrient-rich soil and ordinary soil need to be disinfected before use to kill harmful bacteria.
4. - - Misconception 4: Fixed ratio - -: Correction: The ratio should be adjusted flexibly according to the plant growth stage and seasonal changes.
5. - - Misconception 5: Ignoring watering management - -: Correction: Different soil ratios have different water retention, requiring corresponding adjustments to watering frequency and amount.
### VII. Practical application examples
Taking the common Epipremnum aureum as an example:
- - Seedling stage - -: Use a 1:2 ratio to ensure稳健 growth of roots
- - Growth stage - -: Adjust to a 2:1 ratio to promote lush foliage
- - Shaping stage - -: Use a 3:2 ratio to maintain plant health
- - Propagation stage - -: Moderately increase the proportion of nutrient-rich soil to 3:1 to provide sufficient nutrients
Through reasonable proportioning, Epipremnum aureum can maintain bright and green leaves, vigorous growth, and show the best ornamental effect. Through the detailed introduction and analysis above, we can see that the proportioning of nutrient-rich soil and ordinary soil needs to be adjusted according to specific conditions. Reasonable proportioning can not only improve the quality of plant growth but also effectively reduce costs and achieve scientific planting. In practice, it is recommended that gardening enthusiasts observe more, try more, and gradually master the most suitable proportioning scheme for their plants.
This article shares whether to mix nutrient-rich soil with ordinary soil and how to proportion it better for green plants, hoping to bring help to your life!