From the time we have entered the year 2021, the temperature is continuously falling in the USA. It’s getting colder and difficult to survive the climate. People are eagerly waiting for the sun to rise high and give warmth.
Not just humans, the climate and dropping temperature are poorly affecting the empty farming lands. As winter is a non-growing season, people often do not care for it. They leave it barren and wait for the right time. There is nothing wrong with it, but it starts affecting the soil negatively. The quality of soil deteriorates and it becomes difficult to sow new seeds.
To confirm this, you can get a soil health test in the USA before and after the winter season.
The problem is big, but fortunately, the solution is very simple. You only have to leave some of the vegetable crops up over the winter. This method will offer the following benefits to your soil and garden.
Reduces erosion and loss of topsoil
Vegetable residues cover the soil and protect it from the core in the winters. They catch rainfall and reduce the impact of individual rain droplets. Also, they slow down the flow of melting snow over the soil. With no rain droplets and a flow of snow, the topsoil remains intact for the next season.
Prevents soil crusting
During very heavy rainfall, the soil doesn’t absorb any water. In the worst situation, little streams are formed on dry soil. These streams carry away the topsoil and important nutrients. With vegetable crops left over the soil, soil crusting is prevented and soil does not get carried away.
Reduces weed growth
Weeds are the biggest enemy of the soil. They utilize the available nutrients and continue growing, providing no benefits to the agriculturists. The vegetable crops and plant residues cover and shade the soil and reduce weed growth. They limit the amount of soil, reduce the resources and space for weed germination.
Regulate soil temperature
The right soil temperature is important for more productivity and proper growth of the plants in the next season. The vegetable crop cover keeps the soil cooler during the non-growing season. And it extends to the early part of the next growing season. Soil microbes find a place to thrive in cooler soil temperatures.
Retains soil moisture
Other than giving suitable conditions for soil microbes, cooler soil temperature helps in the retention of soil moisture. If the soil moisture is retained properly, the condition will be favourable for seed germination in the next season. You can get an accurate moisture level through a soil health test in the USA.
Provides organic matters for the soil
The vegetable crops provide a source of organic matter for the soil, which is important for good soil health. Organic matters are the energy source for the microbial populations. They increase decomposition rates and release essential nutrients for crop growth. Also, they maintain good soil structure, reduce erosion, and improve water infiltration and soil aeration.
Leaving the vegetable crops up over the winter is not just for a year; you should implement this method every year before the temperature starts falling to protect and improve your soil condition.
Visit https://microbiometer.com for more details.