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Section 3. Biotechnology
Dzhakupova Inkar Borisovna, senior teacher, master of ecology Almaty Technological University E-mail: [email protected] Bozhbanov Alikhan Zhaksybekovich, associate professor, candidate, of Biology Almaty Technological University Shynybekova Sholpan Sakanovna, senior teacher, candidate, of Biology Kazakh National PedagogicalUniversity
EARTHWORM CASTINGS AS AN ECOLOGICALLY CLEAN ORGANIC FERTILIZER
Abstract: Now scientific search of pollution-free, resource-saving technologies of cultivation of crops is intensively conducted. The solution of this current problem is possible with transition to biological agriculture. Keywords: humus, vermicompost, earthworms, soil fertility.
Introduction. In recent years, in connection with the sharply aggravated environmental situation in agricultural landscapes, scientists around the world have increasingly begun to pay attention to the negative aspects associated with farming technology, based on intensive mechanization, chemicalization and specialization of agricultural production. These negative processes are caused, first of all, by a disturbance of the equilibrium in the ecological system "soil-plant-man". Annual intensive soil cultivation by heavy machinery, unregulated use of chemicals without a thorough knowledge of biological processes can affect negatively the aggregate of organisms that make up this system and lead to unpredictable ecological consequences.
Analysis of the current state of land resources, dynamics of soil properties shows that a stable trend of soil degradation has emerged in agricultural ecosystems: intensification of erosion processes, dehumification, imbalance of humus and nutrients, soil consolidation, reduction of humus horizon, acidification, etc. And this ultimately leads to a decrease in soil fertility. The main reason for this truly total degradation of soils is the intensification of environmental disagreements in land use as a result of ignorance or ignorance of the ecology of soils and the absence of a system of environmental constraints on agriculture.
Thus, the technical and chemical progress in agriculture in the 1950s and 1960s led to the fact that it was considered impossible to conduct agriculture without chemicalization, biological methods in plant growing were consigned to obliv-
ion. To improve the physical properties of heavy soils, only mechanical tillage was used, while ignoring the biological methods of loosening with the help of root systems of plants, soil macro-and microorganisms [2].
In connection with the intensification of man-made soil re-consolidation, it is necessary to search for ways to prevent this phenomenon, not only by improving the design of machines and agricultural technologies, but also by using the beneficial effects of biological processes on the physical properties of the soil.
At present, scientific searches for ecologically clean, resource-saving technologies for growing crops are being intensively pursued. The solution of this urgent problem is possible with the transition to biological farming.
In natural conditions, humification of plant residues in the soil is carried out not only by microbes and earthworms, but also by many other phytosaprophages. They create fine grain and looseness, affect the physical properties and structure, the chemical processes, lead to the mixing of chemical elements, their accumulation and stabilization in the form of humic substances that determine soil fertility.The more humus in the soil, the better the water, air and thermal regimes of the fertile layer, the better the nutrition of plants, the more active is the formation of nitrates and carbon dioxide, which are necessary for photosynthesis and fixation of atmospheric nitrogen by microorganisms living in the root zone. The physicochemical interaction of newly formed humic acids with minerals pro-
tects them from rapid involvement in the biochemical cycle and promotes the fixation of humus in the soil [3].
Humus is "bread for plants". 98% of the reserves of soil nitrogen, 60% of phosphorus, 80% of potassium are concentrated in it and all other mineral elements of plant nutrition are kept in a balanced state, by natural technology. In the inert humus of the arable layer, up to 87.5% of the energy is contained.
The most rich in humus are chernozems, in which rich grass vegetation and the active activity of microorganisms and earthworms contribute to the abundant formation of humic substances, and the high content of clay minerals ensures their fixation in the soil. So the humus soil fund was formed - the final result of long (decades and centuries) and various processes of decomposition and conservation of substances of plant and microbial origin.
Reserves of humus in the soil cover of the earth are unevenly distributed. Most of it in the chernozems of meadow steppes - from 400 to 700 tons/ha, less - in the soils of tundra and deserts, only 0.6-0.7 tons/ha (a thousand times less).
One way to increase soil fertility is the use of biohumus, which is the product of vital activity of earthworms [4].
Today vermiculture - growing worms - is gaining more followers.
The problem of production of biohumus is acute in desert areas and zones of risky farming (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel), where the main production of organic products is produced in greenhouses. Bio-humus suppliers are the USA - Portland on the west coast, where the vermis is well developed, and in Russia - the cities of Novosibirsk, Omsk.
Vermicultivation is a new direction in agricultural science. Despite the importance of the role of earthworms in providing soil fertility, the problem of artificial breeding, obtaining biohumus and using biomass was not put before agricultural practice until the 1960s. The emergence of this direction is caused by unfavorable changes in the environment associated with the intensification of production in agriculture and industry.
In the process of digesting organic matter in the intestine of worms, humic substances are formed, including high-molecular organic acids. Their concentration in coprolites of worms feeding on manure is several times higher than in the initial substrate. The degree of processing of plant residues by earthworms is higher than in other saprophages. They not only form, but also polymerize low-molecular compounds such as humic acids. The presence of these acids is a sign of mature stages of humification [5].
On the fertility of the soil, the purely "physical" work of earthworms is very favorable. With indefatigable energy, they break through it miniature canals and galleries that form a branched drainage and ventilation system in a layer of about 30 cm. Through them, rainwater quickly penetrates into the
subsoil, dissolving and carrying with it the coprolites of earthworms containing all the necessary for the growth and development of plants substance. The presence of these channels also contributes to the process of branching of the roots, their penetration into deeper layers and, ultimately, the increase of soil fertility.
In arable soils occupied with herbs or crops grown on green fertilizer, the number of walks of earthworms reaches 1000 per 1 sq. M., And in fields with more frequent soil treatment only 100 ... 300 moves per 1 sq. M.
The movements ofworms in the soil go in different directions and at any angle to the horizon. Their walls are saturated with dried mucous secretions of these animals, which gives them greater strength compared to random cracks in the soil. Drainage of soil through the passage of earthworms is one of the factors of increasing its fertility. Unventilated, undrained soils, which villagers call dead, are devoid of earthworms and agronomically of very poor quality. Of course, it's not the absence of worms that makes them so. On the contrary, worms are not there because of the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil.
Compared with traditional composting, the processing of organic substances by worms makes it possible to increase the humification ratio of organic matter by a factor of 1.5-2. The obtained biohumus contains biologically active substances, in the presence ofwhich the germination of seeds is accelerated, the seedlings are pricked, the resistance of plants to diseases is increased. The introduction of biohumusinto the soil excludes oversaturation of its individual nutrients, as is often the case with the introduction of high doses of manure and conventional composts, crop lodging and other negative con-sequences.Biohumus, finally, "rejuvenates" the soil. According to American experts, even depleted, cold, "dead" soils can be brought to a fertile state by systematic addition of biohumus for 4 years at a rate of 3 tons / ha. When fertilizing the soil with vermicompost, the grown products practically do not contain nitrates and heavy metals.
The famous red California worms (or the "red hybrid") were patented by the American doctor Barrett in 1959 as a new breed of worms, which he bred on special plantations, and then introduced the land (together with worms) that they processed for garden crops. The result of such application was a sharp increase in the yield of vegetables and a marked improvement in their taste [6].
The red Californian worm differs from other species in its ability to process all kinds of organic matter, as well as very high fertility (more than 100 times) and longevity (4 times) as compared to "savages". The life expectancy of Californian worms is 16 years or more, postponing for the season 20 cocoons. A day eats up to 2 times more than weighs itself. Does
not creep anywhere from the boxes in which it is bred.Keep worms in winter should be in warm rooms, although they can live at a temperature of + 4 to + 40 degrees, they work actively at an air temperature of +15 to +25 degrees. Mixtures in which worms live should be necessarily moist. To retain moisture, it should be covered containers with a piece of polyethylene, and add to the food an exfoliated egg powder or lime, since worms do not like acidic substrates.
Of the cocoons (eggs) laid by worms in the compost, after 18-25 days, young individuals appear, which become sexually mature in 2-3 months and start laying eggs themselves. During the year, the number of worms increases more than a thousand times. Absorbing together with the soil a huge amount of plant remains, protozoa, nematodes, microbes, fungi, algae, earthworms digest them. Allocating together with coprolites (pieces of earth emitted by worms) a large amount of humus, its own microflora, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, other biologically active substances [7].
The fertility of fields and vegetable gardens is directly related to the amount of humus in the soil. Overfeed humus soil is impossible. A very significant difference between biohumus and simple organic fertilizers is its high content of water-soluble forms of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, the most essential substances.Microelements also become more readily available to plants.In total, the amount of humus is 4-8 times higher than that of manure or compost. Manure in the first year is digested approximately 30%, and biohumus - up to 60% of the amount contributed to the soil. In addition, manure is often used mainly on sawdust base. A sawdust of coniferous species spruce and pine are inherently acidic. Getting to the soil with manure, they have an acidifying effect, Biogmus, on the other hand, having a pH of about 6.5, helps neutralize the excess acidity of the soil.
Thus, red Californian worms are good producers of biohumus - an environmentally friendly fertilizer. Physiologically, they almost do not differ from earthworms. There is one, but the most important difference, the Californian breeds very well and quickly - for a season gives up to 1500 individuals. Approximately 90 days later, these "babies" are already giving offspring. Also they do not require special care - for a season it is enough to give 15-20 minutes. Winter is well tolerated.
The increment ofthe crop from the application ofbiohumus before planting or sowing at doses of 3-5 tons / ha is: by grain
to 10-15 centners per hectare, by vegetables 30-70% of the increase from ha, by potatoes to 60 to 80 centners from ha. Exceeding the above doses will further increase the yield. The fertility of fields and vegetable gardens is directly related to the amount of humus in the soil. Overfeed humus soil is impossible.In the famous chernozems of the Central and North Caucasus regions, 10-14% ofhumus was once contained, and the thickness ofthe chernozem layer was up to 1 m. It is also known, for example, that in the United Arab Emirates, up to 50 cm ofbiohumus imported from Europe are placed on lifeless sands and receive up to 3 or more crops per year of environmentally friendly products, which allowed the countries of this region to turn from countries importing agricultural products to countries -exporter [8].
The main goal of the research was the development of ecologically safe methods of reproduction of soil fertility and methods of growing ecologically clean products.
Objects and methods of research
In the present work, experimental methods of research were used to study the reproduction of soil fertility, using biohumus.
Practical application of biohumus we observed during the experiment with tomatoes. Biohumus was taken and mixed with ordinary soil with tomato seeds "Black Prince" - a medium-sized variety, and put in pots. Soon more intensive growth of a tomato and its inflorescence on 13-14 sm for a month was noticed. At the same time, identical tomato seeds planted in a pot at one time with experimental only in ordinary soil grew by the same time by 10-11 cm.
Results and its discussion
The result of the study was the accelerated growth of plants and fruits. Fruits from the experimental pot were obtained 2.5 months after the seeds were planted, and in a pot with ordinary soil without the addition of biohumus in 3 months 10 days.
According to the results of chemical analysis in soil, not enriched fertilizer, the content of humus was 5.75%, and in soil enriched with fertilizers 7.89%. In soil, taken from a tray with worms, the humus content is 50% higher than in soil without the addition of fertilizer, which is 11.83%.
Conclusion
Thus, the use of biohumus plays a decisive role in the return to the soil of organic matter and valuable nutrients for plants, helps maintain sustainable farming.
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