Winter sowing is coming to an end, except in sub-tropical areas where the season is only really starting! Time to get ready for winter and the challenges that it brings.
Their benefits
• Green cover crops replenish the soil with nitrogen, which gets leached out during the season. Mustard and other brassicas act as a biofumigant that is used for the suppression of soil-borne pests and diseases. The plants produce inhibitory chemicals, also known as secondary metabolites, that are released when the plants are tilled into the soil.
• By adding organic content to the soil, green manures stimulate microorganisms, which digest organic matter for use by plants, and keep the soil healthy.
• They improve soil quality, helping to stabilise the soil and prevent run off.
• Plants supply shelter for beneficial insects in winter.
This story is from the May 2017 edition of The Gardener.
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This story is from the May 2017 edition of The Gardener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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