Page 27 - LandscapeSAIssue118

RAND WATER EDITORIAL

FEEDING YOUR SOIL TO

IMPROVE YOUR PLANTS

BY LESLIE HOY AND SAMANTA STELLI, RAND WATER

Summer days in South
Africa bring to mind
lush, green gardens and

one way to achieve this
is to feed the soil that in
turn feeds our plants.

here are two main types of fertilisers
available – synthetic and natural.
TFertilisers are characterised by the
proportions of three macro-nutrients,
namely nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P)
and potassium (K). These are depicted
as ratios of each nutrient in the mixture.
For example, a fertiliser denoting the
NPK formula 3:1:5 (18) on the bag means
that 18% of the fertiliser contains the
active ingredients NPK at their specific Healthy soil will support healthy plants
proportions, with the rest being a carrier.
Nitrogen is generally responsible for
feeding the green growth of the plant,
phosphorous is responsible for root growth
and flower and fruit development, while
potassium is largely responsible for overall
plant growth, including that of roots and
stems.

On the whole, synthetic fertilisers are
more concentrated and have specific
dosage rates within each bag, while
natural (organic) fertilisers can vary slightly
depending on the source of product. There
is a wide range of fertilisers, both solid and
liquid types, available in any good garden
centre or farming produce store. Natural/
organic fertilisers are now freely available
and are very beneficial for soil structure,
as well as for earthworms that need to
be encouraged in garden soil. Organic
fertilisers also assist in absorbing and
holding water, while improving beneficial
bacteria in the soil, which are a food source Improve your soil with natural and organic fertilisers
for soil microbes that in turn add more
carbon to the soil within their own life cycle. together with a large amount of wood • Organic fertilisers – several different
Examples of these products can be shavings which still need to decompose brands are available, with fairly specific
obtained from a range of local sources such so will remove nitrogen from the soil in quantities of NPK listed as ingredients.
as: the first decomposition phase before
• Cattle manure – ensure that this is well nitrogen is released again. Enjoy the warm summer days and always
decomposed and at least four to six • Compost – the quality of this depends on remember to be Water Wise!
months old before you use it. the plants used to produce it. Very few
• Chicken manure – this can be very strong composts are actually 100% weed free. For more information visit
and has high phosphorus levels which When buying compost always check that www.randwater.co.za and click on the
can burn plants. Use with caution and it is well rotted. Water Wise logo. Alternatively, email us
ensure it is at least 12 months old before • Mushroom compost – this is usually sterile at waterwise@randwater.co.za or call us
applying it. and weed free and is a good source for at 0860 10 10 60. We also have YouTube,
• Horse manure – this is often supplied gardens or pots. Twitter, and Facebook! n

Landscape SA • Issue 118 2022 25