Typically the following types of substrates are offered for sale by machine:
- Universal garden soil;
- Peat-;
- Peat soil mixture;
- Chernozem;
- Vegetable soil;
Let's briefly look at what these soils should look like and what is included in the composition.
1. Universal garden soil.
Composition: lowland peat - 40-50%; compost - 30-40%; vermicompost - 5%, sand - 10-20%.
It is a dark brown mass with a uniform loose structure, a pleasant smell of forest litter, inclusions of unrotted plant residues, and sand. This substrate is optimal for the selection of elements useful for plants and can be immediately used in beds, greenhouses, flower beds, and when laying lawns.
2. Peat-sand mixture.
Composition: peat - 70-80%, sand - 20-30%
It is a loose black mass interspersed with sand. Sand grains must be available.
This substrate can be immediately used when laying lawns and flower beds, and is also an excellent improver for clay soil with which it must be mixed.
3. Peat-soil mixture.
Composition: vegetable soil – 60%, peat – 20%, sand – 10%, compost – 10%
This is a denser soil than the previous substrate, since it contains 60% of local soil (meaning the Central region, where clay soils). It is usually purchased to improve overly drained and quickly drying soils (sandy, sandy loam), since the clay contained in the composition retains moisture well.
4. Chernozem.
Composition: chernozem 100%
It looks like a very dark-colored substrate with a granular-lumpy structure.
Can be used to improve any type of soil. Regarding chernozem, we can add the following. For Muscovites, the northernmost part where it is filmed is the Tula and Ryazan regions. The southern Moscow region can still count on the fact that it will receive real black soil, and the delivery cost here is 4,000 rubles). To the north, you are unlikely to buy real black soil; it will be either local clay soil, blackened by waste from thermal power plants, or low-lying peat (which also has a rich black color). Don’t be naive, you can’t buy black soil for less than 20 thousand rubles (per 10 cubic meters) in the north of Moscow!
And is there any point in buying it? After all, black soil in our climate loses all its properties for which it was acquired. After all, soil is not only a composition, it is also a structure. And the structure of chernozem is formed only when evaporation exceeds precipitation (moistening coefficient is less than 1). IN Central region this coefficient is greater than one, and after a couple of months the chernozem loses its structure, “floats”, and a crust forms on the surface. In our country, this soil can only be used as an additive (no more than 10% by volume) to various kinds earthen mixtures, including peat. Why chase him with such fanaticism?
5. Vegetable soil.
Composition: 100% upper layer local soil.
Be sure to carefully consider the contents. The structure should be loose and dark in color. Large conglomerates of clay and various debris are excluded. Such soil, if it good quality, can be used to raise the soil level on the site or as a filler for beds, subject to the application of fertilizers.
Keep in mind that often under the name “vegetable soil” they will try to “fuse” you with “construction soil”, which is a mixture of lumps of clay with construction waste.
To avoid deception, you should perform the following research algorithm.
Take:
- a long, smooth, pointed stick-probe from 1.5 meters (“testing stick”);
- soil acidity determinant "Soil Control", sold in garden departments;
- some clean water.
a) Take a “testing stick” and pierce the pile of land you are purchasing with its sharp end. If the dipstick is without special effort crawls through the ground into different places, then there are no large pieces of clay and debris there.
b) An acidity test will tell you what to expect from the soil. If the acidity is high, then the mixture contains a lot of high-moor peat; it cannot be used independently, only mixed with other components. If the soil is highly alkalized, then this is the other extreme; it was obviously removed from some industrial waste dump.
C) Check for structure: moisten a handful of soil with water to the consistency of dough, roll it out into a cord with a diameter of about 3 mm in the palm of your hand, and roll it into a ring. In this case, we get the following results: it is impossible to form a cord, it crumbles - a lot of sand; the cord becomes cracked when rolled out - light loam; the cord is solid, but the ring falls apart when rolled up - medium loam; The cord is solid, the ring is whole - clay (you can engage in pottery production).
d) In addition, it is advisable to check the substrate for radioactivity with a household meter. Nowadays, a substrate that appears to be of high quality, but has increased radiation activity, is often sold cheaply.
Be carefull! Take care of your health and that of your relatives, try to purchase the substrate from old, trusted companies that provide quality certificates for all components, even if it is a little more expensive.
How to choose between chernozem and peat, what to give preference to, what is really missing in the soil for good harvest or beautiful appearance? It’s worth understanding everything, starting with the difference between peat and black soil.
Chernozem
Real “black earth” in nature is formed under two types of climate:
- temperate continental;
- subboreal.
In Russia, both belts are marked in the European part of the country and in Western Siberia.
A dark-colored layer of earth is formed under the following circumstances:
- the soil is loamy or clayey;
- flushing water regime;
- rich herbaceous vegetation;
- appropriate climate;
- flat-ravine terrain.
Under conditions of sufficient humidity, warm average annual temperatures and a large amount of rotting vegetation mixed with humus, in a natural way black soil
“Black earth” is characterized by: a lumpy structure and an excellent water-air balance that maintains a warm temperature. In addition, chernozem contains nutrients necessary for the growth and maturation of plants.
Main useful elements:
- nitrogen;
- phosphorus;
- iron;
- calcium;
- sulfur;
- etc.
The method of formation of dark-colored earth, constantly renewed due to the accumulation of decay products of vegetation, was proven by Mikhail Lomonosov; before him it was believed that this was primordial a natural phenomenon. The very concept of “chernozem” was also introduced by M. Lomonosov.
There are no plants that would not benefit from such fertilizer. It is no coincidence that in steppe zone In Russia, where black soil is a natural resource, several harvests are harvested per year. Largely thanks to unique properties soil, combined by nature with geological, biological and climatic factors.
High level of fertility gives in in this case required humus content: from five to fifteen percent.
For those summer cottages and garden plots that nature has endowed with other types of soil, periodic application of chernozem as an additional layer is recommended. With its appearance, the soil becomes healthier and fills it with the air-water balance necessary for the life and growth of absolutely all plants.
Chernozem is also good for landscaping work, in addition to the fact that it gives a beautiful, healthy appearance, the plants receive the necessary nutrition.
Another advantage: the price per cubic meter for chernozem in Moscow is no higher than for peat.
Peat
A unique natural resource consisting of incompletely decomposed remains of vegetation in marshy areas.
In its natural state, peat contains from 86 to 95% water. This high humidity indicator indicates the necessary water-air balance in the soil.
Key nutrients:
- nitrogen;
- phosphorus;
- potassium.
Russia ranks second in the world in the development of this fertilizer after Canada. Therefore, the benefits of this fertilizer are so widely known for most summer residents and plant lovers.
Peat or black soil
The choice between chernozem and peat can depend only on the purpose of the fertilizer. Because both types of soil mix well with others: sand, loam, etc. to improve soil fertility. Another thing is where the fertilizer will be used. Thus, chernozem is recommended to be used over large areas to fertilize the soil. Peat is preferred in cases where the soil in greenhouses, greenhouses, indoor and greenhouse plant pots is being renewed.
If we consider the aesthetic indicators of the two types of fertilizer, we should give preference to “black soil”. The fact is that peat also contains plant remains that have not completely decomposed: bark, branches, roots, etc. Chernozem does not contain such elements, so for the top layer of flower beds and landscaping it is still would be better suited black soil
Indistinguishable from the point of view of external characteristics, peat and humus are often confused, and some inexperienced amateur gardeners sometimes even mistake them for the same fertilizer. However, the difference between these nutritional supplements for plants is colossal and the question of which one is best to use in a particular garden should be decided individually.
Peat, a natural product, is formed under the influence of biochemical processes in the absence of oxygen. Raw materials are obtained by transforming objects such as: tree branches, dead swamp plants, leaves and other natural materials. At the end of the transformation process, coal is obtained.
Unique plant raw materials have many advantages and are widely used in agriculture. It is used for the following purposes:
- Creation of fertile soils and fertilizers;
- Application of peat oxidate as plant growth stimulants;
- Production of special pots for growing seedlings and feeding tablets by pressing the material;
- Use as insulation when cultivating plants that are not resistant to frost during the cold period;
Based on their origin, raw materials are divided into three types:
- Horse: composed of grasses and leaves, formed on the surface of swamps. It has a loose and light structure;
- Lowland: formed at the bottom of swampy reservoirs, it contains mosses, remains of tree species and shrubs. This type is characterized by high humidity and density;
- Transition: mixed type peat;
Peat is a free-flowing and light product; it is also highly acidic. The raw material contains elements that inhibit the development of plants, blocking access to nutrients, but due to its porosity, peat allows it to saturate the soil with oxygen. For these reasons, peat should be used carefully; you should not densely cover the entire territory of a garden or other plot of land with it.
To answer the question of which is better - peat or humus, it is necessary to analyze the rules for using this or that raw material.
Tips for using peat on the site:
- The entire territory of the site should not contain more than 65% of raw materials;
- Before use, it is better to dry the peat and mix it with humus or sand;
- It is best to use peat fertilizers on soils with a high content of clay and sand;
By adding peat during the growing process, every gardener can get big harvest, however, when using it, you should carefully examine the soil and apply only required amount fertilizers
Humus
Humus is a natural fertilizer that is formed in the process of overheating natural materials., which include: grass, leaves, manure, small branches. This fertilizer is popular not only due to the fact that you can create it yourself, even on the smallest garden plot, but also because of its high characteristics. Humus:
- Nourishes and saturates the soil with moisture and oxygen;
- Structures loose soil;
- Regulates the delivery of mineral fertilizers during feeding;
- Can completely replace other fertilizers and save the soil from depletion;
- Attracts earthworms while repelling moles;
- Allows you to avoid mulching for some types of plants.
Since humus is formed from several types of materials, it is usually divided into two types:
- Herbal;
- Dung.
Types of humus differ from each other in the amount nutrients and their effect on plants, however, in line with the comparison of peat and humus, this difference is not significant.
Answering the question of what is better, peat or humus, It is also necessary to consider the disadvantages of rotted raw materials:
- To use humus, you need to prepare the soil. Standard for fertilizing the land with humus, the raw material is buried for the winter, mixing it with soil 1:1;
- Land fertilized with humus is highly susceptible to weed infestation, which is a significant disadvantage for any gardener.
Otherwise, humus is an ideal fertilizer, the constant use of which will allow you to collect impressive harvests from the site.
Peat or humus - which is better to choose?
When choosing between peat and humus, it is necessary to consider their main differences and indicators. The most obvious and significant difference between peat and humus is increased acidity. This property makes peat the most popular fertilizer for structured soil or as the main component in depleted soils. land plots. Peat is excellent for clay, sandy, loamy and sandy loam soils, which are often found throughout Russia, including the suburbs of Krasnoyarsk and other Siberian cities.
Humus is universal remedy for fertilizer, however, due to long soil preparation and a large number of weeds, many try to use it in minimal quantities.
Thus, we can say that humus - the best remedy for fertilizer, however, you shouldn’t forget about peat either. The right mixture of natural fertilizers with the soil will nourish it in a balanced manner. useful substances and grow the best harvest.
Company " Samovozov» delivers humus in Krasnoyarsk and nearby settlements, including Emelyanovo, Drokino, Muzhichkino, Berezovka, Elite and others. In most cases, the soils in our region require humus. The land near Krasnoyarsk, as a rule, is depleted of fertile humus, so for better growth plants need to be fertilized in this way.
You can order delivery of humus in Krasnoyarsk by calling the number listed on the website page “ Contacts».
Konstantin Denisyuk
When a house, a fence is built, a well is drilled, the sewage system is working, all underground communications and infrastructure are laid, and construction waste is collected and taken to a landfill, it is time to form a fertile layer of soil on the site. Two logical questions arise: what is the best way to form a fertile layer and what should be its thickness? As you know, the devil is in the details, and you should pay attention to them.
1. Dendroplane with a list of plants
The soil is poured in order for plants to grow on it and should be selected based on their preferences. Of all the many soil preferences, the most key is acidity. For plants that prefer acidic soil, you need to import acidic peat. For other plants, properly prepared neutral soil is also suitable, with possible deviations towards alkaline or slightly acidic. Using the links provided here you can familiarize yourself in detail with the list of plants that prefer acidic, alkaline, heavy clay and loamy, as well as sandy soils.
2. Thickness of the fertile soil layer
For a lawn, a fertile layer thickness of twenty to thirty centimeters is sufficient, since the roots are deeper lawn grass they simply don't grow. For not very demanding shrubs, which are the majority, this layer thickness is also suitable. And for large plants and demanding shrubs, you will have to select the land locally and fill the fertile soil into the planting holes.
3. Chernozem or peat? What's better?
The main difference between peat and chernozem is the humus content. Humus is the organic part of the soil obtained as a result of the decomposition of plant and animal remains and their waste products. Chernozems are famous for their fertility precisely due to their high humus content. Humus is a universal fertilizer that cannot be overdosed, suitable for all plants, containing everything necessary for their normal life. If humus were cheaper, then plants should be planted directly in it. Now humus is obtained on specialized farms that breed red Californian worms. Worms devour organic matter and secrete humus, which is sold both in pure form and in the form of various extracts or added to soil mixtures.
The disadvantages of chernozem are the number of diseases and pests that always live in the upper soil layer. Of all possible soil types, chernozem is the most contaminated. No one has been carrying out preventive procedures for a long time; ammonia water is not being applied to the fields. In addition, soil collected in greenhouses is often passed off as chernozem. Friability and black color do not at all guarantee the quality of chernozem, the presence of humus in it and the absence of pests and diseases, nitrates and nitrites and pesticides. Therefore, if you decide to import black soil, we recommend that you submit it to a laboratory for analysis.
ORF is a universal component that is part of almost all existing soil mixtures and soil substrates. So, if you take peat, mix it with sand to improve the structure, add perlite or vermiculite, and of course humus, you will get an excellent fertile substrate that will better than black soil. In the vast majority of cases, it does not contain pests and diseases, since production comes from the depths. Pure peat is flammable, and in the heat, under direct sun rays, may spontaneously ignite. Therefore, it is better to immediately mix it with sand. Many peats have a very acidic pH of 3.5-4.5. Such peat is only suitable for acidic soil plants - heathers, rhododendrons, blueberries, cranberries, azaleas, etc. Such acidity is not suitable for most plants and the peat will have to be deoxidized, that is, the required amount of chalk or lime must be added to it. Therefore, when buying peat from a peat bog, do not forget to ask for a certificate (then you will not have to do the analysis yourself). There is no need to mix acidic peat with sand and other additives.
4. Budget
The main component in the price of soil is the cost of delivery. If someone is digging a lake or removing the top layers of soil in the surrounding area, you should definitely pay attention to this. Lakes are dug in the lowlands, where there are almost always deposits of excellent peat.
5. Substrate (bottom, rough layer of soil, under the fertile layer)
orf or black soil must be mixed with sand to improve their structure. It is better to choose sand of large fractions, perhaps gully sand, with a high content of clay particles that retain water and contain a huge amount of useful microelements. With sand, the soil becomes lighter, more airy and moisture-permeable. If you have soil with a high sand content as a substrate, then you can do without importing sand. Use the existing substrate as a sand component, which is mixed with imported peat or black soil using a walk-behind tractor.
Taking into account all of the above, we summarize:
In our work we use peat, black soil and ravine sand, mixing them in proportions 2:1:1 . If peat mining is nearby and the budget is limited, then we mix peat with ravine sand in the proportion 3:1 . If we have loose and sandy soil as a substrate, then we can do without gully sand by mixing peat with the substrate in the same proportion 3:1 . Immediately before mixing, add mineral fertilizers, for example, nitroammophoska at the rate of 30-40g per square meter. In the case where fertility is key factor, before mixing, you should add humus (or vermicompost) from 1 l/m2.
IN last years It has become fashionable to set up gardens personal plots. However, not everyone is able to choose the right earthen mixtures necessary for active development and creation. favorable conditions for plant life. So how is it right? SELECT SOIL for your site?
All owners suburban areas They are trying to acquire land that is blacker and richer. Growing demand creates supply: dozens of companies are engaged in the delivery of soil, black soil, compost, peat and simply fertile soil. Unfortunately, many suppliers do not even know what exactly they are transporting to the customer’s site. Sometimes, instead of milled (mixed) fertile peat-sand mixture for the lawn, they bring pure lowland peat with blocks of gray clay and rotten logs, which certainly will not bring any benefit to your site. Therefore, when purchasing plant soil, you should not completely rely on the supplier; it is advisable to understand the differences between Tula and Voronezh chernozem, humus and compost, what types of peat exist and what to use as a guide when choosing soil mixtures.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR SOIL BUYERS!!!
MULTI-COMPONENT SOIL with a certificate from the Ministry of Economic Development at a price from 19,500 rubles/15 m3*
When purchasing in bulk, the cost of soil starts from 1,200 rubles/m3, seeded soil from 1,250 rubles/m3, depending on the location and method of delivery*.
CHERNOZEM 
For education black soil it takes 5 - 10 thousand years. Chernozem soil is one of the most fertile on the planet. Such high fertility is explained by a unique combination of factors influencing the formation of chernozems. Among them are climatic, geological and biological. In the chernozem zone, high summer temperatures prevail, stimulating intensive metabolism between plants, soil and microorganisms. If there is less precipitation than moisture evaporates from the surface of the earth (the deficit is replenished by groundwater), this also helps to increase fertility. With this amount of precipitation, nutrients are not washed out of the soil in groundwater(as in the Moscow region), but, on the contrary, they are taken up by roots herbaceous plants from rich soil-forming rock and accumulate in plant tissues. Root system crops have a significant impact on soil structure. Penetrating it, small roots break the soil into lumps (aggregates); Thanks to the gaps between the units, the optimal ratio of water and air for plants is maintained. IN black soil lives a huge number of microbes, worms and mites, which also loosen it and transform plant residues, ensuring the circulation of nutrients.
When purchasing chernozem to prepare a soil mixture on your site, you need to keep in mind that you will not be able to solve the problem of creating a fertile top layer once and for all. After 10 - 20 years, a significant part of the nutrients will be washed out of it due to exposure low temperatures the number of representatives of soil fauna will decrease, the microbiological composition will change, and due to the lack of steppe vegetation, the supply of nutrients will decrease and soil aggregates will collapse. As a result, only a clay substrate will remain, which cracks when it dries, and after rain turns into impassable mud.
Of course, when doing landscaping work, you shouldn’t completely abandon black soil. You just need to use it in small quantities - to optimize water permeability, density, particle size distribution (particle ratio different sizes) soil. In this case, the greatest effect is achieved on light sandy soils. On more clayey soils, peat and compost should be used.
Despite the vast territory of chernozem distribution, there are two main “deposits” - Tula and Voronezh. The chernozems of the south of the Tula, the west of the Ryazan and the north of the Lipetsk regions are among the poorest (leached), in terms of fertility they occupy an intermediate position between the soils of the Moscow (soddy-podzolic) and the best chernozems of the Kursk and Voronezh regions. As a rule, leached chernozems are slightly acidic (pH = A.5 - 6.5), differ low content magnesium and phosphorus. Delivery of such soils is cheaper than chernozems from Voronezh. Kursk, Voronezh and Tambov chernozems are rich in nutrients and therefore preferable. Unfortunately, there are few companies on the market that supply from these areas.
HUMUS AND COMPOST
Except for black soil, they have a black color lowland peat, compost and humus. Usually, those who like to dig around in a plot call all dark-colored soil chernozem, so confusion often arises. In fact, humus and composts are anthropogenic soils created specifically to increase soil fertility. Humus is a black, homogeneous earthy mass formed from rotted manure, in which plant remains are indistinguishable. This fertilizer is rich in nutrients, so it should be used when planting as an additive to soil mixtures. However, if the humus content in the planting mixture is too high, plant immunity may decrease.
Compost is rotted homogeneous organic fertilizer dark color. Compost consists of two main components - peat or turf soil, as well as horse manure, slurry, etc. (a source of nutrients and microorganisms). The aging period of industrial compost, supplied by specialized companies, is at least two years. When purchasing it, you need to pay attention to sanitary certificates. You can also make compost yourself. A compost heap measuring at least 1.5 x 2 m is placed on level ground, near the utility unit. To suit its size, a small depression is made in the soil with an earthen ridge at the border so that liquid waste does not spread. Any waste of plant and animal origin is suitable for preparing composts. You just can’t plant infected plants, weeds with formed seeds and resistant weeds - wheatgrass, duckweed, nettle, coltsfoot. Composts are used not only as fertilizers, but also added to planting mixtures.
PEAT
Currently, peat has become the most popular fertile soil in landscaping and landscaping; planting mixtures for lawns consist of almost 70% of it. Lowland peat is a black soil that is loose, fertile and relatively cheap. Although peat- organic fertilizer, it also contains a mineral component. The most important characteristic peat is the ash content determined during its combustion, indicating the percentage of mineral components. These inorganic compounds were formed as a result of metabolism in plants or were brought by water flows from elevated parts of the relief. The higher their content, the more fertile the peat. In other soils, fertility increases with increasing organic matter content. Ash content can vary from 1% in high-moor peat to 50% in low-lying peat.
Using peat mixtures for lawns, it is necessary to take into account the changing living conditions for peat. In household plots, groundwater is lower than in peat mines, and with good aeration, the delivered peat is quickly decomposed by microorganisms. In a few years, a significant part of the imported organic matter will go into carbon dioxide and will evaporate, and the lawn will sag. Therefore, peat should not be allowed to predominate in soil mixtures; fertile soil with a higher ash content should be chosen. Some suppliers extract peat in advance and store it in heaps (piles), there is not enough sand, and the soil is poorly processed. It is preferable to prepare such a mixture yourself, at the rate of one car of sand for two cars of peat. In the future, the peat-sand mixture must be thoroughly mixed with the natural soil of the site.
So, to summarize: when preparing soil mixtures for lawns, the proportion of peat should not exceed 25 - 30%; when choosing it, first of all you need to pay attention to ash content and acidity; It is advisable to prepare the soil mixture yourself; Suitable for most crops soil mixture with lowland peat, and high peat is suitable only for plants that prefer acidic soil. Also, soil based on peat-sand (TPS) or peat-soil mixture (TSM) must necessarily have a certificate from the Moscow Environmental Register (MER), which guarantees its quality, purity and safety. At the Stroy Nerud company you can buy soil with a certificate from the Ministry of Economic Development. attractive price with delivery to your site.
FERTILE LAND
In addition to black soils, the market offers fertile garden soil from greenhouses, topsoil (fertile soil) and floodplain soil. Greenhouse soil, as a rule, is severely depleted and contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms, so it should be decisively abandoned. Floodplain soils are among the most fertile, and besides, they are not transported several hundred kilometers, being transferred to other climatic conditions, which means that their structure and properties are not disturbed as much as those of chernozems. The only problem is that the customer can be brought not only soil, but also underlying rock, which is often clay and not so fertile.
In conclusion one more advice: when ordering fertile soils, please specify them chemical composition. Many people are interested in how much protein, fat and carbohydrates are contained in food products; in the same way, you should know about the content of humus, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the soil.
Every summer resident knows that in order to grow a rich harvest or simply have a well-groomed plot covered with greenery, you need to know whether peat or black soil is better for the garden, and how to fertilize the soil. Therefore, let's understand this issue a little.
What is better for planting, black soil or peat?
First, let's figure out how peat differs from chernozem, so peat is, in fact, half-decomposed remains various plants, and use it to fertilize the soil. It is believed that if it is mixed even with ordinary sandy soil, it is possible to saturate even such poor soil with the minerals necessary for the normal growth of garden plantings. Black soil is a type of soil, and it itself is rich in minerals, making it great for planting.
Based on this, we can conclude that if the soil on your site is chernozem, there is no need to fertilize it additionally with peat, but in the case when the soil in the garden is sandy or clayey, you need to mix it with peat, otherwise you can’t expect a good harvest .
There is no clear answer which is better for a garden or lawn: peat or black soil; both options are good enough. You can grow both in soil fertilized with peat and in black soil. excellent harvest, 
so proceed from whether, in principle, there is a need to further enrich the soil. Remember that it is also not recommended to oversaturate the soil with mineral salts and substances; the principle of moderation is more likely to apply here. The only advantage of chernozem over peat is that if you have mineral-rich soil on your site, you won’t have to waste time constantly fertilizing it, whereas you can’t just plant seeds or tubers in peat. It will need to be mixed with the same sandstone, and this must be done every 2-3 years, depending on the characteristics of the soil initially available on the site.
