Organic fertilizers for soil conditioning

FARMYARD MANURE. Apply well-rotted farmyard manure in late autumn, winter about 20-30 t/ha. Small fruit and all shallow-rooting rootstocks (M9, M27, quince C for pears) respond particularly well to this treat- 

APPLICATION OVER THE WHOLE AREA OR ON THE PLANTING STRIP. After ground-lev-elling work which exposes a lot of dead soil, this supplies humus and quickly brings the soil back to life. After earth-moving work it is advisable to inoculate the whole area with farmyard manure or compost (30-40 m /ha, 2-3 kg/m ) and thus ensure that the soil is brought back to life. Because of their variable composition, composts should be analysed before use and the nutrient content taken into account in the comprehensive record of fertilizer application. 

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Basal dressing is advisable if the results of the soil test indicate that there is an inadequate supply of nutrients in the soil. Only products specified in Annex II of EU Regulation 2092/91 should be considered for use as fertilizers and soil conditioners. If the pH is too low, the soil should be limed with up to 2000-3000 kg of calcium carbonate/ha per year (0.2-0.3 kg/m ), or with dolomitic lime if there is also magnesium deficiency. If there is not enough humus, it is advisable to enrich the soil with organic matter (see section in Chapter 4 on Organic fertilizers for soil conditioning). 

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