IL lupini tal-art they are a high quality organic fertilizer. And using them to fertilize is a perfect solution if you are dealing with acidophilic plants. Obviously, this is true for both plants grown in the ground and in pots.
We are used to thinking of this legume more as a tasty snack, in its classic preparation in salted water. But in reality it can also be exploited for the well-being of our plants. In fact, not only is it an important natural fertilizer for plant nutrition, but it is also able to improve the conditions of our soil.
So let’s see all the secrets on the use of ground lupins.
Lupins in the vegetable garden
Lupins are one of the classic crops of our peasant tradition. They have always been present in the gardens. The most cultivated species is called lupinus albusimsejħa wkoll white lupine.
They are part of the large family of Pjanti leguminużiBy cultivating them, therefore, we will improve the conditions of our land. In fact, legumes are capable of fix atmospheric nitrogen in the earthwhich will then be exploited by successive crops in rotation.
Do-it-yourself ground lupins
Lupins to be ground must first be dried.
The pods are harvested in midsummer or in September, depending on whether sowing took place in autumn or spring. Those lucky enough to have an abundant collection, therefore, can choose to use a part of it for the preparation of this do it yourself organic fertilizer.
The process is pretty straightforward. After harvesting the pods and cleaning them, they must be dried in a cool, dry place with good ventilation.
The drying process lasts about a month and you must always check that they are not attacked by parasites.
When the legume is well hardened, we can proceed with the grinding. Since our goal is the preparation of organic fertilizer, a rough grind is sufficient. To do it enough a simple flour mill.
Single passages give ground lupins with a larger grain size. By increasing the steps it is possible to obtain a real flour, which has important uses in the food sector. For example as a substitute for coffee or in special bread making.
Lupins ground for fertilization, ready to use, tista 'ssibhom hawn.
Like ground lupins they fertilize plants
As mentioned, ground lupins are a great organic fertilizer for acidophilic plants. These are plants that grow well in soils with acidic pH.
When the fertilizer is distributed on the soil, a degradation process of the organic part starts. Therefore, ground lupins release nitrogen, a fundamental element for the vegetative growth of plants.
This nitrogen is easily absorbed by acidophilic plants, as this fertilization induces a chemical reaction that acidifies the soil.
Nutritional elements for plants
It is interesting to understand what the elementi preżenti in ground lupins.
As mentioned, there is an excellent supply of nitroġenu (N), which varies from 3% to 4% on the dry basis depending on the formulations.
Imbagħad għandna l- organic carbon (C), up to 40% on dry matter.
15% is made up of the moisture fraction.
The remainder is organic matter.
The optimal grain size is less than 3mm.
Plants suitable for this fertilization
There are many crops that prefer acid soils and on which it is convenient use ground lupins for fertilization.
First we have all the citrus fruits: lumi, kumquats, larinġ, chinottotangerines, grapefruit, clementines, ġir tas-swaba '.
Citrus fruits are plants that require special care and that need adequate organic fertilization.
In many, for example, they grow lemons in pots and often wonder how to fertilize them.
The use of ground lupins is an effective and economical answer.
In addition to citrus fruits, we also have some small fruits, much loved by fans of the organic orchard, which benefit from this fertilization. Let’s talk about siġra tal-frawli, myrtle u American giant blueberry.
Finally, we can also use them on precious ornamental plants, grown in all Italian gardens: kamelja, Mimosamagnolia, hydrangea, laurel, Hibiscusgardenia, rhododendron, azalea u ċiklamen.
When to fertilize with ground lupins
There are many times of the year in which it is possible to fertilize plants with ground lupins. The best months are: February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December.
How to fertilize with ground lupins
A little product is enough to have an optimal fertilization.
For example, for potted plants, 50 g per 40 cm of container diameter are enough.
In the open ground, 100 are used for each square meter of surface.
The practical application involves distributing the fertilizer evenly, which will then be amended to the soil. “Amending” means practicing a light hoeing, in order to make the grainy fertilizer go underground.
Be careful not to go too deep, so as not to damage the root system of plants, which is often very superficial.
Once the fertilizer has been distributed and amended, we proceed with abundant watering.
Overall, this type of fertilization can be done twice a year.
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