Hi all, Since taking over 10 poles of allotment about 5 years ago, I have added about 5-6 tonnes of well rotted manure to it over the years. (we have a local farmer who sells it for �£25 a tonne) My question is, do I need to keep doing this, I have noticed this summer evidence of mildew on the actual soil. On most soils the answer would be no but we do have fairly light soil and I grow about 20 marrow or other gourd plants every year? Thanks Paul
I doubt it is actual mildew. I have seen whitish stuff on the soil but it is nothing to worry about. It could be mineral salt deposition in dry weather.The only people who can get serious mineral salt deposition in the soil making the soil sick are the exhibition growers who, and it is very rare, put on so much artificial fertilizer that they over do it. However farmyard manure has a very low % of nutrients. Its main benefit is by putting humus in the soil it increases the soils ability to hang on to nutrients and on a light freely drained soil that is particularly important. It also improves its moisture holding ability. I would carry on though I hope you are liming as well. I have always manured just several sections. I am using a 4 course rotation at present and my intention is to manure 3 sections, leaving the root crops without. You need to hang on to as much of that goodness as possible, after all you are paying money for it. If the land is bare see if you can grow a green manure crop on that ground. That will take up nutrients and prevent leaching of nutrients, which will happen in winter on light soils. The nutrients are returned when you dig in the green manure. I have parts of my plot sown with winter tares this winter and they will be dug in in spring. On a light soil it is difficult to overdo manure. With marrows and squashes I grow mine on top of holes that are filled with manure and just a little soil on top. Potatoes - I dig deeper trenches than normal, 1/2 fill with manure and the seed tubers are laid in the manure before being covered. Helps prevent scab and the potatoes give a tremendous crop. As the manure is several inches down it never seems to dry out and potatoes seem to love that.
kerripaul, I think your white mildew that you have seen on the soil is probably, Mycellium, is that the right word,( thinking back to my days learning about dry rot etc.) Anyway, its the strands of fungi that are common in manure, and usually go on to produce toadstools or if your lucky, mushrooms. It will cause no harm and is just naturally breaking down all that manure.
Hi, freddy, yes I`ve used 6x and it is very good, though your neighbours will probably stop talking to you because of the smell. David.
Hi David,I just wondered if it can be as good as they claim. Whilst 6 times stronger sounds good, doesn`t this mean that less bulky matter is being added compared to regular manure? Cheers...freddy.
Freddy, 6x is used more as a top dressing/fertilizer rather than being used as a soil conditioner which is what you do with non-composted manure. David.
