Do you know how to turn crop residues left on fields after harvesting into useful and effective fertilizer? Yes, it is quite possible if you use a special preparation called a stubble destructor. Let's find out how it works, what it consists of, and what results can be obtained by using it.
How the stubble destructor works: two-sided effect of one preparation
Usually, after harvesting, a lot of plant residues - stems, green mass, and roots - remain on the fields. Not only are they useless on their own, but they also hinder the preparation of the soil for the new season. But at the same time, these residues are solid organic matter, which can be a useful addition to fertilizers. If you leave all this organic matter on the field, it will take years for it to turn into humus, and this is definitely not suitable if you want to sow a useful area immediately or next season. This is where a stubble destructor comes in handy, as it helps you to cope with two tasks at once:
- Clear the field of the previous crop residues;
- Turn these residues into humus in a short time.
When applying a stubble destructor, the active components transform plant residues into useful humus in just a few months, namely:
| Type of Residuals | Decay Time Without Destruction (Month) | Decay Timeframe Using the Destructor (Month) |
|---|---|---|
| Cereal Straw | 3-4 | 2-2.5 |
| Rapeseed Straw | 4-6 | 2-3 |
| Corn Stalks | 12-24 | 6-7 |
| Sunflower Stalks | 5-6 | 2.5-3 |
So, the benefits are obvious!
What is contained in the stubble destructor?
The basis of the stubble destructor is a set of beneficial microorganisms and bacteria that actively decompose organic matter when applied. But that's not all. For example, in order to provide additional soil nutrition, TM Galicina has added such useful ingredients as humic acids, fulvic acids, micro- and macroelements (including sodium, potassium, cobalt, copper, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and manganese) to the stubble destructor. The pH level of this concentrate is 10-11, so it should be used with caution when combined with chemicals, as an acidic environment can reduce their effectiveness.
How to use a stubble destructor: when, on what principle?
For the most effective application, the stubble destructor should be used according to the following algorithm:
- Preparatory stage: level the soil to ensure uniform application of the solution and remove debris, stones, and large plant residues that cannot be decomposed from the field. In general, the best time to apply is in the fall or late summer, after harvesting, but before seasonal precipitation and soil freezing.
- Preparation of the solution: Different proportions of the working solution should be used for different crops. In particular, for the stubble destructor TM "Galicina," the following proportions should be used.
Culture Norms of Use Urea Working Solution Corn, Sunflower (Dry Weight) 2 - 4 l/ha 25 - 30 kg/ha 200 - 300 l/ha Cereals (Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats, Millet, Dry Weight) 2 - 3 l/ha 10 - 15 kg/ha 200 - 300 l/ha Legumes (Beans, Peas, Beans, Soybeans, etc., Dry Weight) 1.5 - 2.2 l/ha 5 - 7 kg/ha 200 - 300 l/ha Green Manure: Mustard, Oil Radish, Legumes, Grain-Legume Mixture 1.5 - 2.2 l/ha 7 - 10 kg/ha 200 - 300 l/ha - Spraying the solution: The stubble destructor is applied using sprayers. The best time is in the morning or evening hours before peak solar activity to reduce the evaporation of the product. It is also worth considering the wind: it is better to apply the destructor in calm weather so that the wind does not interfere with the application and action of the destructor.
- After application: the soil should be cultivated immediately, in particular, the field should be disked.
- Re-application: of the product is recommended in spring before the start of preparatory and sowing works for spring crops or before the start of soil cultivation for planting winter crops.
- Best Practice: Use the product together with urea as a source of nitrogen for soil preparation.
What results can be expected from a stubble destructor?
Thus, in a short time, the stubble destructor clears the field of plant residues, and its action has several beneficial effects:
- The soil does not lose nitrogen;
- Field fertility is increasing;
- The risk of soil erosion or depletion is reduced;
- The development of pathogens is inhibited;
- The soil is disinfected because the sources of root rot are eliminated.
Therefore, do not neglect the opportunity to easily and efficiently carry out post-harvest tillage with a stubble destructor - with it you can preserve the fertility of the land and increase its mineralization.