Algae or Moss (on the Soil)
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Description
Algae and Moss are simple plant organisms.
When given the proper conditions, either
may be found growing on the surface of the
growing soil. Algae appears as a green slime
covering the soil. By themselves, neither
is dangerous to plants. However, both should
be considered as a warning that the soil
is too wet and/or ventilation is too bad.
Associated problems:
-If algae is allowed to dry out, it can actually
create a seal on the surface of the soil
which may reduce the availability of oxygen
and inhibit the soil's ability to absorb
water.
-Once algae growth has started, it’s difficult
to stop it without under-watering your plant
-Algae and moss bring insect diseases; Fungus
gnats and shore flies are lovers of such
environment; These not only cause general
nuisance when they are in adult flying stage
but also could cause serious root damages
when they are in larvae stage.
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| Fungus gnat adult caught on a yellow sticky trap |
The shore fly (right) has a more |
Fungus gnat larvae. |
Shiny trails on the soil surface |
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Prevention
-The key to preventing the growth of Algae
or Moss on the surface of potting soil is
to make sure your plant is receiving the
proper amount of water. Keep in mind that
proper watering is not simply a factor of
quantity and frequency. It is also a factor
of how much water your potting soil holds
relative to the amount of water your plant
is able to absorb. If the soil holds more
water than your plant can absorb, it may
be the result of an over-watering program
combined with inadequate drainage.
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| Usage if fans in small operation | Fan tubes efficient in air exchange | Larger operation using circulating fans |
-If weather is humid (wet season) try to
use a potting mix that is light and porous
(i.e use coarser texture or mix with perlite).
Also, unless your plants require different
pH, try to use potting soil that has a pH
between 5.8 and 6.2.(typical SAB substrate
range)
-If potting soil product is used for seeding
objective, you can help controling algae
growth by avoiding light; In fact you don't
need to have the seed under lights until
there is germination, the factors in a seeds
germination are temperature and water
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| Seed tray covered until germination starts |
Treatment
-Simple treatment: If you find that either
Algae or Moss is growing on the surface of
the soil, you will need to control watering
and ventilation.
-Home made treatments, for small surfaces,
and to avoid using chemicals, here are some
home made recipies that could be tried; PLEASE
USE THESE SUGGESTIONS WITH CAUTION; ALWAYS
MAKE SMALL TESTING BEFORE APPLYING ON LARGER
SCALE; Results could differ depending on
water hardness and soil characteristics;
a) Water with light chamomile tea.
b) Mix 1 part grocery store peroxide: 9 parts
water.
c) Spray the affected soil with a solution
of 2-3 tea spoons baking soda mixed with
1 liter water.
-For larger surfaces, try to use chemical
Algaecides; However that usage must be carefuly
monitored specialy if plants grown are edible
(i.e vegetables)