The best way to improve soil: 8 major measures commonly used to improve soil quality

Use soil conditioners

Soil conditioners can improve soil structure, loosen soil, balance soil pH , etc. When choosing, you need to know whether the soil is acidic or alkaline. Different soil conditioners should be selected for different soil properties. At the same time, we must also strictly follow the instructions to determine the dosage, otherwise other side effects will occur.

Intercropping green manure

This method is commonly used in orchards , where crops such as alfalfa, vetch, mung bean, and sweet clover are planted between fruit trees. This can improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil, making it easier to cultivate and more efficient. These crops can also be used as feed, and are a low-cost, high-quality fertilizer source.

Making good use of earthworms

Earthworms can improve the fertility of the soil . In daily cultivation, we can put some earthworms in the soil to make the soil loose and also retain water.

Scientific application of fertilizers

Scientific application of chemical fertilizers mainly involves soil testing and fertilization, that is, deciding on fertilizers based on the specific conditions of the soil. Apply the fertilizers that match the elements the soil lacks, and apply the same amount as needed. Avoid excessive application of chemical fertilizers for high yields.

Increase the use of organic fertilizer

Organic fertilizers are comprehensive in nutrients and rich in organic matter, which can effectively solve soil problems such as soil salinization and soil compaction. According to research, the high yield of orchards or farms is closely related to the high organic matter content in the soil.

Adding microbial fertilizer

Beneficial bacteria in microbial fertilizers can accelerate the decomposition of soil organic matter and promote the formation of aggregate structure, thereby breaking up soil compaction, regulating and improving the soil's water retention, fertilizer retention, and air permeability, making the soil more suitable for crop growth.

Returning straw to the field

Returning crop straw to the field is the most basic and thorough way to improve soil . Crop straw is mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.

All three substances are rich in organic carbon and gradually decompose under the action of microorganisms. Returning straw to the fields year after year is an effective way to improve soil compaction and increase soil permeability .

Covering the ground

Appropriate use of discarded organic matter or planting of ground cover plants to cover the soil surface can reduce water evaporation and inhibit soil alkali return, thereby reducing surface runoff and increasing the content of soil organic matter.

It is best to use local covering materials, based on the principles of economy and applicability, such as some crop straw, leaves, and bark available on the edge of the vegetable garden.