Organic soil is the most important and necessary part when starting to implement organic farming patterns. Because it is in organic soil that plants will grow so that in the end they can provide optimal harvest results.
Quoting from the results of Sikora.LJ's 1996 research entitled Soil organic carbon and nitrogen, it was revealed that soil organic matter is a key factor determining soil quality. So, how do you make organic soil correctly?
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Check out the tips in the explanation below!
a. Check Soil Health
The first thing that needs to be done before making organic soil is to check the health of the soil. There are several things that characterize healthy soil, namely:
1. Contains no sand or mud. The characteristic of sandy soil is that it feels hard and rough, while muddy soil will feel too smooth as if it is holding flour when touched.
2. Not too dense and has good drainage. The way to test soil drainage is to pour water on it. If the water is very slow to be absorbed down, then the soil is too dense.
3. This is cultivated or plowed land. Soil that has previously been used to grow plants will generally have a high level of fertility and be rich in nutrients and good microorganisms.
b. Determine the amount and prepare the soil
Apart from checking the health of the soil, you first need to determine the need for organic soil and adjust it to the number and age of plants. This is because organic production requires time and energy, while unused land will return to soil with minimal nutrients.
After determining the amount, you can then start preparing the soil that will be used as organic soil. Soil preparation is done by digging the soil to a depth of 4-6 cm. Adjust the amount of soil according to your needs then stir the soil so that aeration and oxidation occurs for the microbes in it.
c. Put in Compost
The next step is to add compost from various kinds of organic waste which contains lots of good bacteria for plants. Compost can be made by mixing crushed organic waste. The presence of compost will fertilize and enrich the nutrients in the soil to be used.
Compost fertilizer is an excellent soil amendment, said Suriadikarta et al in 2005 in their research entitled soil organic matter management technology, page 169. Then the next question is, how much soil amendment needs to be given to the soil?
The trial results of Ai Dariah et al which were released in the soil and climate journal number 31 of 2010 entitled the use of organic and mineral soil amendments to improve soil quality revealed data that providing soil amendments was up to 89% very effective in increasing the growth and production of corn plants.
Still in the same journal, Dariah et al also said that giving high levels of soil amendments is more effective in improving the physical properties of the soil itself.
d. Leave the fallen leaves alone
Plants that have been planted in the media will of course experience leaf shedding at a certain time. These fallen leaves can actually help the soil become organic and rich in nutrients.
The presence of dry leaves will be a source of nitrogen for plants. These dry leaves are very popular with worms. The worms will bring dry leaves to eat.
During the process of carrying the dry leaves, the worms will stir up the soil and make the soil richer in good bacteria.
"font-family: arial;">Leave the Plant Roots
So that the soil used as a planting medium remains organic soil, it is highly recommended to cut the plants to be harvested close to the roots and do not pull them out.
Roots that remain embedded will prevent soil erosion and increase microbial activity in it. After understanding the tips for making good organic soil, you can practice it on your agricultural land.
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