Formation of humus layers on e.g. rubbish dumps to provide reclaimed and for long-term agricultural use - comprises working compost into surface, applying mineral fertiliser, then sowing plants and subsequently working into surface

摘要

Producing a layer of humus on e.g. rubbish tips, consists of (I) after levelling, a first layer of vegetable matter compost of relatively even strength is applied and (II) working into the surface to a shallow depth using the customary equipment; (III) applying a mineral fertiliser; (IV) sowing with humus-forming and surface-covering plants; (V) breaking-up and working resulting vegetation into surface to more than a shallow depth; (VI) further applying vegetable matter compost and working into surface to a shallow depth; and (VII) sowing agriculturally useful and substrate-specific plants. A shallow depth means a depth of 10 cm or less, and a more than shallow depth means of depth of 15 cm or less. The required compost is pref. produced by growing suitable plants on neighbouring areas which have already been covered with a layer of humus. These plants are harvested, placed in stacks, aerated, after 20 days turned over a first time, and after 40 days turned over for a second time. Earthworms may be added to the compost. Absorptive soil may be placed between the layers of compost, lime may be added, and the compost heap may be constantly moistened. The humus-forming plants may be mixtures of grasses and/or herbs. The substrate-specific plants may be harvested for use, or may be broken up and worked into the surface. The pref. plant is lucerne. Further sowings and applications of fertiliser are used until the required thickness of humus has been formed. Breaking-up of the sowings takes place immediatley before implementation of the subsequent procedure. USE/ADVANTAGE - Used for formation of humus layer on rubbish dumps and other areas which are at risk of erosion and are not suitable for direct sowing with plants, in order to produce reclaimed land which can be used in agriculture. Substrate is effectively covered and the reclaimed land is suitable for long-term use in agriculture.