Flax as green manure: pros and cons, when to sow and mow, seed consumption rate

Flax is a common annual plant that belongs to the flax family. It has been cultivated since ancient times for its seeds, oil and cloth. Relatively recently, the cultivation of flax as green manure began to be practiced. The leaves of this crop secrete tannins that repel Colorado potato beetles and other parasites. Because flax is often planted near the beds with potatoes.

The benefits of flax as green manure

Linen began to be used as green manure relatively recently. This is due to the fact that the culture does not give a lot of greenery. In addition, its seeds are quite expensive. However, the culture helps to structure the soil and saturates it with organic matter.

Besides this, the plant can grow in all types of soil. The only exception is acidic types of soil. In addition, the culture shows high parameters of frost resistance. It is permissible to plant it already in April, when the temperature reaches + 7-8 degrees. In practice, the crop is allowed to be sown even at +2-5 degrees, since it is not afraid of return frosts.

But, in general, the timing and characteristics of planting flax as green manure are determined by the climate of the region. In the temperate zone, experts advise planting seed material in the soil at the end of August. Thanks to this, the plant will help to achieve the following effects:

saturate the soil with valuable substances;
protect plantings of cultivated plants from harmful insects;
structure the soil.

His flaws

Despite the obvious benefits of flax, it has some disadvantages. The plant needs careful care. It is permissible to plant a crop exclusively in alkaline soil - it will not fully develop in acidic and heavy soil.

Sandy types of soil suit flax a little more. However, in this case, it is necessary to additionally make mineral supplements. The fact is that the crop will require more nutrients before flowering - at the moment when it needs to be cut and embedded in the soil.

To make green manure more valuable, flax needs to be fed with nitrogen and phosphorus substances. It is important to follow the dosage clearly.

Another important condition for growing flax is the right choice of beds. It is best to plant the plant in sunny areas. In the shade, there is a risk of slowing down its development.

When used

The plant mass of flax has the same nutritional value as other varieties of green manure. This universal green top dressing is suitable for any plants. It is especially effective when growing winter cereals and potatoes.

Also, flax as green manure can be used for other representatives of the nightshade family - peppers, eggplants, tomatoes. However, it is important to bear in mind that if flax is grown on the same bed every year, its yield parameters will be significantly reduced.

When using a plant as a green manure, it is important to take into account a number of features. This is a rather whimsical culture that does not develop in acidic or clay soil. In addition, the plant is considered to be very moisture-loving.

However, when growing flax as green manure, it is considered less whimsical than other plants.The culture grows well in moist soils. It can be planted in sandy or loamy soil. When planting flax on a well-groomed area without weeds, there are no specific features in caring for it. The culture develops in the same way as the rest of the green manure.

Consumption rate of seeds for planting

In order for the plant to develop normally, it is important to sow it correctly. When planting a crop as green manure per 1 weave, it is recommended to take 300 grams of seed material.

After the seeds are evenly scattered, the soil needs to be harrowed to cover the grains with a layer of soil. The fact is that flax does not germinate well in sunlight. During the growing season, it is recommended to control crops, as they often encounter fungal pathologies. To avoid the spread of pathogens, plantings are recommended to be treated with fungicides.

When flax is cut

The first shoots appear after 1-2 weeks. At the same time, 1.5 months after planting, flax begins to bloom. It is recommended to mow plants during the formation of buds - before flowering. At the same time, it is required to close up its green fragments in fertile soil layers 14 days before planting seeds of garden plants.

The use of flax as green manure brings great benefits to the garden. This plant perfectly structures the soil and helps to saturate it with valuable substances. At the same time, it is important to strictly adhere to the rules for planting and provide the plant with full and high-quality care.