Bird droppings as fertilizer for vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes): application features
Timely introduction of nutrients is the key to a plentiful and high-quality harvest of vegetables. The lack of mineral elements can pretty much spoil not only the appearance of crops, but also significantly reduce the yield. One of the main types of vegetable fertilizer for feeding tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes is bird droppings.
The use of organic matter, in particular bird waste, for feeding garden crops makes it possible to fill the deficit of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are necessary for the full development of plants and the formation of ovaries. Litter acts as a complex fertilizer, while it does not require large financial costs for the purchase.
Bird droppings for fertilizing vegetables it is used:
- in the form of a liquid infusion;
- dry.
Fresh bird droppings should not be added to the wells when planting, as they can burn the root system, but can be spread evenly over the area after the fall harvest. In this case, it is better to dig up the site in the spring, so that the fertilizer has time to be distributed in the soil.
Preparation and application of the infusion
For liquid feeding of tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes during the growing season, a concentrated solution of poultry manure should be prepared initially. To do this, fill a plastic container (barrel or bucket) with droppings to half and fill with water. Put the workpiece in a sunny place for 2-3 days so that it ferments. The finished infusion should have the color of weakly brewed tea.
To prepare a working solution, the concentrate must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10 and watered with it:
- cucumbers - before flowering (stimulates the formation of ovaries and reduces the number of barren flowers);
- tomatoes - during the growing season with a break of 10 days between dressings (activates the growth of bushes and fruits).
To fertilize potatoes, experienced gardeners recommend mixing bird droppings with potassium chloride - for 10 parts of manure 1 part of potassium.
The maximum amount of root dressings with infusion of bird droppings is 3 times for the entire season. More frequent use will provoke active growth of deciduous mass to the detriment of fruiting.
Use of dry bird droppings
From dried poultry excrement, you can immediately prepare a working solution for root dressing of tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes. At the same time, the concentration of droppings should be reduced by diluting it with 20 parts of water. Under one vegetable bush, you need to pour no more than 1 liter of infusion.
In principle, dry droppings can be applied to the wells, but in this case it is very difficult to find suitable proportions.
Poultry manure is also good for composting. In the compost heap, it is recommended to alternate it with layers of straw (or sawdust). At the same time, 3 parts of straw must be added to 1 part of the manure. Place the prepared compost in the aisles of potatoes, tomatoes or cucumbers.