Which is better: humus or black soil? This question is asked by many gardeners who are forced to bring soil to their plot due to the unsuitability of the natural option. Both of these substances have different origins and differ in purpose. This article examines these two concepts and lists how to apply them.

Chernozem is one of the types of soil, rightfully considered the most fertile and versatile. In Russia, the Black Earth Zone occupies a huge area. This is natural wealth, which cannot be created artificially. Chernozem is not a fertilizer, but contains all the necessary substances that allow you to grow plants without adding fertilizers.

Humus is an organic fertilizer, it is prepared from animal waste products (manure), or from green manure plants by collecting them and laying them down to rot. This is the difference between the concepts under consideration: humus is a fertilizer, and chernozem is a type of soil.

Another popular type organic fertilizers is peat - a substance that has natural origin. It is obtained from plant residues that have rotted in swamps and along river banks. Application rock improves the structure of the soil, saturates it with nutrients.

Pros and cons of humus

The key to obtaining a harvest is fertile soil, but often places with poor soil composition are allocated for dacha plots. Even rich lands become depleted over time and require fertilization. The most common and beneficial organic substance is humus. Main advantages of the product:

• accessibility - it can be purchased at a fairly low price, and in rural areas it is easy to make it yourself;
• versatility (suitable for application to any type of soil);
• ease of use.

1. Obtaining humus requires a lot of time.
2. Weed seeds and pest larvae are introduced with manure.
3. There is a danger of overdose.

Humus soil is not; it must be mixed with soil, observing the required proportions.

Chernozem: features and advantages

The formation of soil occurs continuously over centuries, and the darker it is, the higher the humus content in it.

Signs of black soil:

1. black;
2. lumpy structure;
3. high concentration nutrients;
4. resistance to washing and weathering.

Chernozem contains chemical elements necessary for normal height plants:

• calcium – 70%;
• magnesium – up to 20%;
• nitrogen, iron, phosphorus and others.

Real black soil has no disadvantages, but acquiring it is not an easy task due to:

• the fact that it is easy to run into a counterfeit;
• high price.

Often, instead of high-quality soil, they sell soil from greenhouses, which has already given up all its nutrients and may be infected with fungi. Sometimes, under the guise of black soil, they offer top layer with construction sites, which contains garbage and harmful impurities. Some suppliers themselves produce a soil mixture of unclear composition, which can be contaminated with pest larvae, dangerous viruses and fungi. It is impossible to determine this visually; only laboratory analysis can distinguish a counterfeit from a counterfeit.

Advantages and disadvantages of peat

This unique natural substance contains all the basic nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. Adding peat will make sandy and suction soil fertile. sandy soil on personal plot, its addition to loams will improve the structure, make the soil breathable and light.

When wondering what is better - peat or humus, you should take into account the type of soil and the possibility of purchasing one or another fertilizer. Humus is richer in composition than peat, but the latter can be used in almost unlimited quantities without fear of harming the plants. These materials differ in that the manure product is usually recommended to be applied in the fall for digging, and the use of peat for the garden is done without prior preparation.

The disadvantages of the marsh substrate include its ability to increase the acidity of the soil, so it is recommended to add chalk or dolomite flour along with it.

Comparative analysis of chernozem, peat and humus on composition, properties and cost

The table shows that 1 m3 of humus is more expensive than the same amount of chernozem, but based on the fact that the first substance is fertilizer, it is required significantly less than chernozem.

Conclusions: in what cases is it more profitable to use chernozem, peat, humus?

If you need to fill new areas with infertile soil with earth, raise the surface level in the lowlands where it stagnates. rainwater, build a high flower bed or replace the soil in a greenhouse, then it would be right to bring in black soil. This will make it possible to grow plants for several years without worrying about fertilizing.

If you need to increase soil fertility in developed garden plots, it is more advisable to choose humus or peat. The use of these substrates is more profitable because a lot of black soil is required, and humus and peat are fertilizers that are mixed with the soil available in the beds, i.e. Their difference from chernozem is the volume of application.

What is preferable for the garden, humus or black soil? It all depends on what task the materials will perform.

Of the two plots of land, one is located on soil rich in humus, and the second is on a peat bog. Which one is preferable to choose for your dacha? Anyone who has at least some experience of working on the ground will not be slow to answer - naturally, the first! It is useful for a novice gardener to learn how peat differs from chernozem, if only in order to correctly compose a soil mixture for seedlings.

Note: the presence of a peat layer does not frighten a competent gardener, but, on the contrary, makes him happy. Stable harvests are guaranteed to the owner - of course, with proper agricultural technology and correct selection crops

"Rust of the earth" and "combustible earth"

“Noble rust of the Earth” – the founder of soil science V.V. Dokuchaev briefly and aptly called the soil. The main component, without which soil formation is impossible, is vegetation, which is born and dies year after year. Invertebrates and bacteria, feeding on organic residues, decompose them to the state of humic acids. Soil rich in humus is black in color, which is why it is called chernozem (also known as humus).

Peat is a valuable source of energy. Pliny the Elder in the 1st century AD e. referred to it under the name "combustible earth". Like soil, peat is also formed from plant residues. But not on a hard surface, but in the depths of bogs, with excess humidity and lack of oxygen.

In cool climates, swamp vegetation, dying, does not have time to completely decompose. Gradually, under the pressure of more and more layers of turf, the layers are compressed and go deeper. There they can remain for many millennia, undergoing almost no changes.

Thus, the difference between peat and chernozem lies in their very definition: the first is a combustible mineral, the second is soil.

Appearance

In mound form, both substrates are often similar. It’s easier to determine by touch what is in front of you - light and elastic peat is difficult to confuse with weighty, sticky black soil.

Chernozems have a characteristic soil profile: dark on the surface, the soil gradually becomes lighter downwards and smoothly turns into the parent rock. The richest chernozems are two meters deep, they are rare and are a national value; their average thickness is 30-50 cm.

In Western Siberia, there are 36 types of peat, which vary greatly in color (from yellow to black), structure and thickness. The most common is high-moor peat of bog origin. Its layer in section consists of large quantity fine-fiber identical layers, their total thickness can reach tens of meters. Woody peat is homogeneous and plastic, while low-lying, heavily decomposed peat is black and lumpy.

Exposed peat deposit on the left (layered structure visible) and black soil profile on the right

Physical properties and composition

Peat is flammable and, when dry, is prone to heating from the inside and spontaneous combustion (which leads to peat fires). It is a valuable energy carrier - in a number of regions boiler houses and power plants operate on it.

When peat is burned, only a little ash remains (5-10%), since it consists mainly of organic matter. If the course of natural metamorphoses continued, then today's peat layers would eventually turn into brown coal, and then into anthracite.

Chernozem, like any soil, consists primarily of minerals. After annealing at high temperature all humus burns out, and about 90% of the original volume remains. The residue has a reddish color and a powdery structure, and when moistened it acquires all the properties of clay. Thus, the basis of chernozem is clay or heavy loam enriched with humus.

Comparison from an agronomist's point of view

On summer cottage Both peat and black soil will be useful. In the gardener’s opinion, the main difference between peat and chernozem is the method of their use: chernozem is used as is, and peat needs preliminary preparation. Freshly extracted peat is aged for one to three years. outdoors in order to reduce its acidity.

Even prepared peat is not used in pure form. It is a valuable component soil mixtures and composts. Add peat to the soil to optimize mechanical composition and soil structure: it makes heavy loams and clays more loose, permeable to roots; on sandy soils, it improves moisture accumulation and increases overall fertility. Peat is used to regulate the acidity of the substrate - it is especially useful on leached, calcareous soils.

In the photo: 1 – peat, 2 – black soil

Peat and black soil are mixed in various proportions - usually when growing indoor flowers, seedlings or for the needs of greenhouse farming. Peat fibers can be easily pressed - they are used to make convenient and environmentally friendly containers (in the form of cups or cubes) for seedlings - when they get into the soil, such a container eventually becomes part of it.

Table

Peat	Chernozem
Definition
Fossil fuel	Soil
Origin
Incomplete decomposition of plant residues in a humid environment with oxygen deficiency	Complete (to humic acids) decomposition of organic (both plant and animal origin) substances in the top layer of soil, with the participation of invertebrates and protozoa
Appearance
An untouched deposit consists of many thin, identical layers. In loose form it can resemble chernozem, but it has a fine-fibrous structure and is lighter in weight. specific gravity. The color is usually yellow-brown, rarely black. Water-saturated peat is like a sponge	The soil profile of uncultivated chernozem has a characteristic color - very dark in the upper layers, gradually becoming lighter downwards. When mixed with water, it becomes sticky because it contains clay particles
Properties
It is flammable and prone to spontaneous combustion. Burns almost completely. Has an acidic (low) or slightly acidic (high) pH reaction	It is non-flammable, on the contrary - it can extinguish a fire, like any other primer. Typical chernozems are pH neutral
Application
In the energy sector - as fuel. In agriculture and private farming - as a component of soil mixtures and composts, organic fertilizer. As a hygroscopic bedding for animals. In construction - as a heat insulator. As a natural filter for water purification... and in many other areas	A universal, very fertile substrate for growing crops (open, closed ground, container and others). Particularly significant for agriculture

Today, more and more gardeners and gardeners prefer to use organic fertilizers in their areas. Quite similar on the outside and so different on the inside. This is exactly what can be said about peat and humus, which so often inexperienced gardeners mistake for the same type of fertilizer. However, these two fertilizers have different properties and characteristics. In each specific case, an individual approach is required, so decide what exactly is worth using or needed, weighing all the pros and cons.

What such peat ?

Peat is the compressed remains of plants and animals to varying degrees, containing minerals. In nature, peat is formed in large quantities in swampy areas. All plants and organisms living in such an environment die over time, forming biomass that is layered on top of each other and gradually compressed.

Peat has found its application in many areas. So, it is used as fuel to make thermal insulation materials and as a fertilizer. Peat can be used for the following purposes:

1. Improvement of soil characteristics. The addition of peat has a positive effect on the microbiological and nutritional composition soil, increases its porosity, density, moisture and air permeability.
2. Increasing soil fertility. Organic substances and minerals in peat have a positive effect on productivity.
3. Plant growth stimulation. Composts containing peat are used.
4. Making pots for growing seedlings.

Advantages And flaws humus

Humus is an organic fertilizer formed by rotting manure, in which plant residues are no longer discernible. The popularity of this fertilizer is explained by its excellent characteristics and properties that it possesses:

• Saturates the earth with all necessary nutrients.
• Good for use on any soil. It makes clay soil more loose, and retains moisture and nutrients in sandy soil.

3) Using humus as mulch attracts earthworms, which increase the efficiency of the roots.

4) Nutrients from such mulch gradually reach the roots when watering the plants.

However, using humus also has its drawbacks. First, it is necessary to carry out a series preparatory work with soil. Humus must be added to the ground in the fall by digging the fertilizer into the soil. Secondly, in the area where humus was used, there is a high probability of a large number of weeds appearing.

What better : peat or humus ?

In order to pick up proper fertilizer for your site, you must first compare the characteristics of peat and humus.

Peat is highly acidic, so it is perfect for clay and sandy soils, as well as for areas with very poor soil composition. Humus, in turn, is a universal fertilizer that is suitable for any type of soil. However, its use requires special preparation of the land, in addition, you will have to fight weeds.

In any case, which fertilizer to choose must be decided, taking into account all the factors and the desired result that needs to be achieved. The main thing to remember is that using correct amount organic fertilizers will allow you to get good harvest and avoid negative consequences.

The Samosvalov company also deals with peat in Krasnoyarsk, as well as throughout the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The land in this region does not have the best indicators, so the use of organic fertilizers such as humus and peat is simply necessary here.

Typically the following types of substrates are offered for sale by machine:
- Universal garden soil;
- Peat-;
- Peat soil mixture;
- Chernozem;
- Vegetable soil;

Let's briefly look at what these soils should look like and what is included in the composition.

1. Universal garden soil.
Composition: lowland peat - 40-50%; compost - 30-40%; vermicompost - 5%, sand - 10-20%.

It is a dark brown mass with a uniform loose structure, a pleasant smell of forest litter, inclusions of unrotted plant residues, and sand. This substrate is optimal for the selection of elements useful for plants; it can be immediately used in beds, greenhouses, flower beds, and when laying lawns.

2. Peat-sand mixture.
Composition: peat - 70-80%, sand - 20-30%
It is a loose black mass interspersed with sand. Sand grains must be available.

This substrate can be immediately used when laying lawns and flower beds, and is also an excellent improver for clay soil with which it must be mixed.

3. Peat-soil mixture.
Composition: vegetable soil – 60%, peat – 20%, sand – 10%, compost – 10%

This is a denser soil than the previous substrate, since it contains 60% of local soil (meaning the Central region, where clay soils). It is usually purchased to improve overly drained and quickly drying soils (sandy, sandy loam), since the clay contained in the composition retains moisture well.

4. Chernozem.
Composition: chernozem 100%

It looks like a very dark-colored substrate with a granular-lumpy structure.

Can be used to improve any type of soil. Regarding chernozem, we can add the following. For Muscovites, the northernmost part where it is filmed is the Tula and Ryazan regions. The southern Moscow region can still count on the fact that it will receive real black soil, and the delivery cost here is 4,000 rubles). To the north, you are unlikely to buy real black soil; it will be either local clay soil, blackened by waste from thermal power plants, or low-lying peat (which also has a rich black color). Don’t be naive, you can’t buy black soil for less than 20 thousand rubles (per 10 cubic meters) in the north of Moscow!

And is there any point in buying it? After all, black soil in our climate loses all its properties for which it was acquired. After all, soil is not only a composition, it is also a structure. And the structure of chernozem is formed only when evaporation exceeds precipitation (moistening coefficient is less than 1). In the Central region, this coefficient is greater than one, and within a couple of months the black soil loses its structure, “floats”, and a crust forms on the surface. In our country, this soil can only be used as an additive (no more than 10% by volume) to various types of earthen mixtures, including peat. Why chase him with such fanaticism?

5. Vegetable soil.
Composition: 100% local topsoil.

Be sure to carefully consider the contents. The structure should be loose and dark in color. Large conglomerates of clay and various debris are excluded. Such soil, if it good quality, can be used to raise the soil level on the site or as a filler for beds, subject to the application of fertilizers.

Keep in mind that often under the name “vegetable soil” they will try to “fuse” you with “construction soil”, which is a mixture of lumps of clay with construction waste.

To avoid deception, you should perform the following research algorithm.

Take:
- a long, smooth, pointed stick-probe from 1.5 meters (“testing stick”);
- soil acidity determinant "Soil Control", sold in garden departments;
- some clean water.

a) Take a “testing stick” and pierce the pile of land you are purchasing with its sharp end. If the probe moves effortlessly through the ground into different places, then there are no large pieces of clay and debris there.

b) An acidity test will tell you what to expect from the soil. If the acidity is high, then the mixture contains a lot of high-moor peat; it cannot be used independently, only mixed with other components. If the soil is highly alkali, then this is the other extreme; it was obviously removed from some industrial waste dump.

C) Check for structure: moisten a handful of soil with water to the consistency of dough, roll it out into a cord with a diameter of about 3 mm in the palm of your hand, and roll it into a ring. In this case, we get the following results: it is impossible to form a cord, it crumbles - a lot of sand; the cord becomes cracked when rolled out - light loam; the cord is solid, but the ring falls apart when rolled up - medium loam; The cord is solid, the ring is whole - clay (you can engage in pottery production).

d) In addition, it is advisable to check the substrate for radioactivity with a household meter. Nowadays, a substrate that appears to be of high quality, but with increased radiation activity, is very often sold cheaply.

Be careful! Take care of your health and that of your relatives, try to purchase the substrate from old, trusted companies that provide quality certificates for all components, even if it is a little more expensive.

Indistinguishable, from the point of view external characteristics, peat and humus are often confused, and some inexperienced amateur gardeners sometimes even mistake them for the same fertilizer. However, the difference between these nutritional supplements for plants is colossal and the question of which one is best to use in a particular garden should be decided individually.

Peat, a natural product, is formed under the influence of biochemical processes in the absence of oxygen. Raw materials are obtained by transforming objects such as: tree branches, dead swamp plants, leaves and other natural materials. At the end of the transformation process, coal is obtained.

Unique plant raw materials have many advantages and are widely used in agriculture. It is used for the following purposes:

• Creation of fertile soils and fertilizers;
• Application of peat oxidate as plant growth stimulants;
• Production of special pots for growing seedlings and feeding tablets by pressing the material;
• Use as insulation when cultivating plants that are not resistant to frost during the cold period;

Based on their origin, raw materials are divided into three types:

• Horse: composed of grasses and leaves, formed on the surface of swamps. It has a loose and light structure;
• Lowland: formed at the bottom of swampy reservoirs, it contains mosses, remains of tree species and shrubs. This type is characterized by high humidity and density;
• Transition: mixed type of peat;

Peat is a free-flowing and light product; it is also highly acidic. The raw material contains elements that inhibit the development of plants, blocking access to nutrients, but due to its porosity, peat allows it to saturate the soil with oxygen. For these reasons, peat should be used carefully; you should not densely cover the entire territory of a garden or other plot of land with it.

To answer the question of which is better - peat or humus, it is necessary to analyze the rules for using this or that raw material.

Tips for using peat on the site:

• The entire territory of the site should not contain more than 65% of raw materials;
• Before use, it is better to dry the peat and mix it with humus or sand;
• It is best to use peat fertilizers on soils with a high content of clay and sand;

By adding peat during the growing process, every gardener can get big harvest, however, when using it, you should carefully examine the soil and apply only required quantity fertilizers

Humus

Humus is a natural fertilizer that is formed in the process of overheating natural materials., which include: grass, leaves, manure, small branches. This fertilizer is popular not only because you can create it yourself, even in the smallest garden plot, but also because of its high characteristics. Humus:

• Nourishes and saturates the soil with moisture and oxygen;
• Structures loose soil;
• Regulates the delivery of mineral fertilizers during feeding;
• Can completely replace other fertilizers and relieve the soil from depletion;
• Attracts earthworms while repelling moles;
• Allows you to avoid mulching for some types of plants.

Since humus is formed from several types of materials, it is usually divided into two types:

• Herbal;
• Dung.

Types of humus differ from each other in the amount of nutrients and their effect on plants, however, when comparing peat and humus, this difference is not significant.

Answering the question of what is better, peat or humus, It is also necessary to consider the disadvantages of rotted raw materials:

• To use humus, you need to prepare the soil. Standard for fertilizing the land with humus, the raw material is buried for the winter, mixing it with soil 1:1;
• Land fertilized with humus is highly susceptible to weed infestation, which is a significant disadvantage for any gardener.

Otherwise, humus is an ideal fertilizer, the constant use of which will allow you to collect impressive harvests from the site.

Peat or humus - which is better to choose?

When choosing between peat and humus, it is necessary to consider their main differences and indicators. The most obvious and significant difference between peat and humus is increased acidity. This property makes peat the most popular fertilizer for structured soil or as the main component in depleted soils. land plots. Peat is excellent for clay, sandy, loamy and sandy loam soils, which are often found throughout Russia, including the suburbs of Krasnoyarsk and other Siberian cities.

Humus is universal remedy for fertilizer, however, due to long soil preparation and a large number of weeds, many try to use it in minimal quantities.

Thus, we can say that humus - the best remedy for fertilizer, however, you shouldn’t forget about peat either. The right mixture natural fertilizers with the soil will allow it to be nourished in a balanced manner useful substances and grow the best harvest.

Company " Samovozov» delivers humus in Krasnoyarsk and nearby populated areas, including Emelyanovo, Drokino, Muzhichkino, Berezovka, Elite and others. In most cases, the soils in our region require humus. The land near Krasnoyarsk, as a rule, is depleted of fertile humus, so for better growth plants need to be fertilized in this way.

You can order delivery of humus in Krasnoyarsk by calling the number listed on the website page “ Contacts».

Konstantin Denisyuk

when a house is built, a fence is built, a well is drilled, the sewerage works, all underground communications and infrastructure are laid, and construction waste collected and taken to a landfill, the time has come for the formation of a fertile layer of soil on the site. Two logical questions arise: what is the best way to form a fertile layer and what should be its thickness? As you know, the devil is in the details, and you should pay attention to them.

1. Dendroplane with a list of plants

The soil is poured in order for plants to grow on it and should be selected based on their preferences. Of all the many soil preferences, the most key is acidity. For plants that prefer acidic soil, you need to import acidic peat. For other plants, properly prepared neutral soil is also suitable, with possible deviations towards alkaline or slightly acidic. Using the links provided here you can familiarize yourself in detail with the list of plants that prefer acidic, alkaline, heavy clay and loamy, as well as sandy soils.

2. Thickness of the fertile soil layer

For a lawn, a fertile layer thickness of twenty to thirty centimeters is sufficient, since the roots are deeper lawn grass they simply don't grow. For not very demanding shrubs, which are the majority, this layer thickness is also suitable. And for large plants and demanding shrubs will have to be locally selected and filled in fertile soil into planting holes.

3. Chernozem or peat? Which is better?

The main difference between peat and chernozem is the humus content. Humus – organic part soil obtained as a result of the decomposition of plant and animal remains and their waste products. Chernozems are famous for their fertility precisely due to their high humus content. Humus is a universal fertilizer that cannot be overdosed, suitable for all plants, containing everything necessary for their normal life. If humus were cheaper, then plants should be planted directly in it. Now humus is obtained on specialized farms that breed red Californian worms. Worms devour organic matter and secrete humus, which is sold both in pure form and in the form of various extracts or added to soil mixtures.

The disadvantages of chernozem are the number of diseases and pests that always live in the upper soil layer. Of all possible soil types, chernozem is the most contaminated. Preventive procedures No one has been doing this for a long time; ammonia water has not been brought into the fields. In addition, soil collected in greenhouses is often passed off as chernozem. Friability and black color do not at all guarantee the quality of chernozem, the presence of humus in it and the absence of pests and diseases, nitrates and nitrites and pesticides. Therefore, if you decide to import black soil, we recommend that you submit it to a laboratory for analysis.

ORF is a universal component that is part of almost all existing soil mixtures and soil substrates. So, if you take peat, mix it with sand to improve the structure, add perlite or vermiculite, and of course humus, you will get an excellent fertile substrate that will better than black soil. In the vast majority of cases, it does not contain pests and diseases, since production comes from the depths. Pure peat is flammable, and in the heat, under direct sun rays, may spontaneously ignite. Therefore, it is better to immediately mix it with sand. Many peats have a very acidic pH of 3.5-4.5. Such peat is only suitable for acidic soil plants - heathers, rhododendrons, blueberries, cranberries, azaleas, etc. Such acidity is not suitable for most plants and the peat will have to be deoxidized, that is, the required amount of chalk or lime must be added to it. Therefore, when buying peat from a peat bog, do not forget to ask for a certificate (then you will not have to do the analysis yourself). There is no need to mix acidic peat with sand and other additives.

4. Budget

The main component in the price of soil is the cost of delivery. If someone is digging a lake or removing the top layers of soil in the surrounding area, you should definitely pay attention to this. Lakes are dug in the lowlands, where there are almost always deposits of excellent peat.

5. Substrate (bottom, rough layer of soil, under the fertile layer)

orf or black soil must be mixed with sand to improve their structure. It is better to choose sand of large fractions, perhaps gully sand, with a high content of clay particles that retain water and contain a huge amount of useful microelements. With sand, the soil becomes lighter, more airy and moisture-permeable. If you have soil with a high sand content as a substrate, then you can do without importing sand. Use the existing substrate as a sand component, which is mixed with imported peat or black soil using a walk-behind tractor.

Taking into account all of the above, we summarize:

In our work we use peat, black soil and ravine sand, mixing them in proportions 2:1:1 . If peat mining is nearby and the budget is limited, then we mix peat with ravine sand in the proportion 3:1 . If we have loose and sandy soil as a substrate, then we can do without gully sand by mixing peat with the substrate in the same proportion 3:1 . Immediately before mixing, add mineral fertilizers, for example, nitroammophoska at the rate of 30-40g per square meter. In cases where fertility is a key factor, humus (or vermicompost) of 1 l/m2 should be added before mixing.