محاضرة تغذية النباتات 2

Plant Nutrition Lecture (2)

• Plant nutrients can affect each other. Some nutrients inhibit the absorption of others if they have similar chemical properties.
• Examples of antagonistic interactions:
  • Macro-nutrients: Calcium antagonizes magnesium.
  • Micro-nutrients: Iron antagonizes manganese.
• Interactive effect of ions: One nutrient adsorbed on a soil particle can prevent another nutrient from being absorbed. This happens if the nutrients are similar in size and vary in valence.
• Adsorption Example: Calcium's effect on potassium.
• Precipitation: Certain nutrients react to form insoluble compounds. An example of this is the reaction between phosphorus and calcium under specific conditions, which results in the formation of insoluble calcium phosphate.

Organic Farming

• Organic farming is a closed-loop system.
• It uses natural and sustainable farming practices for crops, livestock, and poultry.
• Goals of organic farming:
  • Increase soil fertility and maintain it for continuous nutrient supply to promote natural and healthy growth.
  • Produce safe and healthy food. It is more resistant to spoilage and bacteria after harvest
  • Produce crops that are uniform in size and color, similar to hydroponics.

Organic Farming Practices

• Use of uncontaminated water sources for irrigation (avoiding industrial or sewage water).
• Compost usage.
• Crop rotation to prevent disease spread and improve fertility.
• Avoiding repeated planting of the same crop in the same area.
• Combining deep-rooted and shallow-rooted plants.
• Starting organic farming in new or uncontaminated areas.

Compost Production

• Compost is a fermented organic fertilizer.
• It's produced using aerobic microorganisms that break down various organic materials.
• Key components of compost production:
  • Aerobic fermentation to prevent leachate and nutrient loss.
  • Optimal moisture content (60%).
  • Diverse feedstock (crop residues, animal manure, green matter).
  • Pile dimensions (width: 3 meters, height: 1.5 meters).
  • Regular turning (every week or two) for aeration.
  • Crucial compost ingredients: crop residues, animal manures, poultry droppings, legumes.
• Compost maturation time: 60 to 90 days.

Compost Tea

• Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer made from compost using water.
• Compost tea preparation:
  • 1 kg of compost in 10 liters of chlorine-free water.
  • Allow to steep for 24 hours with continuous stirring and aeration.
• Dilute the concentrated tea for application (1:20 for feeding, 1:100 for disease prevention).
• Application frequency: adjust based on needs (initial weeks: daily; later: every 2-3 days).