Pigeon droppings are known as fertilizers created by nature itself, so many are wondering how to use them to increase the yield of their plots. It differs from other types of fertilizers by the increased capacity of nitrogen and various substances needed by plants.
- Composition and use
- How to properly collect and store
- Application litter
- Dry
- In solution
- Composting
- Signs of oversupply, or How to do no harm
- Security measures
Composition and use
Only leguminous plants are able to consume nitrogen directly from the atmosphere, while others need nitrogen directly contained in the soil. If the soil is not fed by fertilizers with a nitrogen content, then its share will gradually decrease. Nitrogen is the main building substance for plants. But this element is easily washed away by precipitation. This leads to a drop in the level of the crop, slowing the growth of plants, they become more susceptible to various diseases.
It is possible to increase its amount in the soil by adding bird droppings. It is preferable to use pigeon. The mass fraction of nitrogen suitable for plants depends on the diet of birds.
Dry excrements usually contain it at 1.75%. Moreover, if short-term legumes are included in the nutrition of pigeons, the level of nitrogen in guano will be higher. In addition, manure contains potassium and phosphorus salts, which plants, iron, manganese, zinc, cobalt and copper also need. The composition of this fertilizer has such a large variety that it is suitable for use as a top dressing of vegetable crops, garden and even indoor plants.
How to properly collect and store
As the shelf life increases, the amount of nitrogen in the fertilizer decreases. Untreated feces stored in heaps will lose half of their useful qualities in a month, so proper storage is the most important part of its successful use.
Application litter
There are several ways you can use pigeon droppings in your garden as fertilizer. If top dressing using pigeon excrement is correct, then plants will be able to absorb at least half of the nutrients, including nitrogen.
Litter feeds tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, potatoes and other crops. It is recommended to make it in the spring, during the period of gaining strength in plants. But this should be done very carefully so as not to harm the plants. The advantages of this fertilizer over the others can be its disadvantages. It can not be used in its natural form due to the saturation of the chemical composition and force of exposure.
Guano can be used for dressing both dry and dissolved in water. In dry form, it is spread in the same layer on the site, mainly in the fall, mixing with the soil.In liquid form, the efficiency and speed of which is higher, contribute in the spring and summer periods.
Dry
The use of dry litter is the most convenient and fast type of its processing. Drying fertilizer in two ways.: in a natural way under the sun or in a warm place, or with the help of special stoves that will make it faster and save more nutrients. Dry pigeon guano is used as an effective fertilizer for garden trees. The size of the tree determines how much fertilizer it needs. The medium-sized tree needs about 3-4 kg of litter per season.
In solution
To prepare a solution or mix with other fertilizers - the fastest, but not the safest way to use it. Failure to respect the exact proportions may harm the plants or the solution will be ineffective. Therefore, for the solution it is best to use pre-dried guano.
Adding phosphate mixtures or wood ash will help increase the nutritional value of top dressing. The readiness of the solution is indicated by the absence of gas bubbles emitted to the surface of the liquid. Content will be divided into two parts: the thick and the saturated liquid.
Composting
Compost from pigeon droppings should be stored as a heap. It is laid alternately with straw, sawdust and peat. This will increase the nutritional value of the compost. For the preparation of this fertilizer will take about two months, so the preparatory points should be addressed in advance.
The compost is introduced in the fall during the period of digging or plowing the plots at a rate of 2 kg per square meter.
Preparing fertilizer with pigeon droppings in one of the three ways described, it is necessary to ensure its safety until the moment of application. For storage, only fertilizer that has been processed is suitable, as fresh litter will lose its usefulness very quickly. For a long period it is better to harvest it in the form of compost.
Signs of oversupply, or How to do no harm
It is very important for gardeners to know how and when to make bait in order to use pigeon droppings without harming the plants.
The excess fertilizer is manifested in the following signs:
- the appearance of white bloom on the soil;
- leaf wilting;
- slower growth in the summer;
- dry leaf tips.
Security measures
Fresh pigeon dung is a harmful substance for humans, as it includes the eggs of parasites. All actions must be carried out strictly following safety procedures. You can wear a work suit with rubber gloves. Guano in dry form is also unsafe. The microorganisms contained in it can cause serious health problems. For protection, it is desirable to use a respirator or mask.
Reasonable use of pigeon manure is one of the prerequisites for the successful cultivation of plants. Your garden will thank for taking care of a quality crop for several years in a row. Use these recommendations, and success is guaranteed!