Fungi are an important component of healthy soil. It binds carbon and decomposes organic waste, making nutrients available for plants. However, not all fungi are beneficial It can cause problems for plants by damaging their roots and preventing them from growing properly.
A fungus is something that most gardeners despise. They not only look bad, but they also harm our plants.
The fungus is the root rot and blight in plants’ main cause. So, do you know how to get rid of the fungus in your garden soil? If not, keep reading.
Soil fungus can also be harmful to humans and animals, as it can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
In this article, we will discuss in detail soil fungus and look at a number of different methods, including treating the fungus with chemicals and killing fungus in soil by adding anti-fungal agents directly to the ground.
Table of Contents
What is a fungus?
The primary meaning for the word “fungus” comes from its use to describe a fungus. A fungus is a collection of organisms better recognized for spore formation. In fact, any creature that generates spores and consumes organic material is referred to as a fungus. It is neither a plant nor an animal.
Technically, all fungus is a eukaryotic creature that belongs to the kingdom Fungi. Single cells like yeast or mould are among their many forms, while multicellular Mushrooms are among their examples.
Fungi can be divided into three different groups based on their functions. The first group includes parasitic fungi that feed on other organisms, the second one includes saprotrophic fungi that feed on dead organic matter and the third one includes a fungus that doesn’t fit into either of the previous two categories, for example, mycorrhizal fungus.
What causes fungus in soil?
Fungus in the soil is generally caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia, which can quickly destroy a garden. It can affect a wide range of plants, from vegetables and flowers to shrubs and even trees. Fungi thrive in a warm, dark, and humid environment. The main cause of fungus development in our garden is the high amount of moisture. In fact, the darker areas of the garden are more prone to fungus growth.
The fungus’ main concern is the abundance of moisture and the presence of nutrients in the garden soil. Believe it or not, fungus development is a good indicator that your garden soil is extremely healthy and nutrient-dense. However, the main problem is that the fungi can cause root rot. Root rot is the most common reason for plant mortality. So if you want to create a beautiful blooming garden, get rid of any plant fungus as soon as possible.
How do fungi affect the soil?
Fungi rarely cause damage to the garden soil itself. The issue is that there aren’t enough nutrients going into the plants, which can lead to an overabundance of fungus that then contributes to the deaths of these plants.
Fungi have the ability to:
- Increase the soil’s water retention capacity.
- Adjust the mineral balance of the garden soil.
- Help with the decomposition of the most tenacious organic substances.
- The excess fungus will exacerbate the soil’s salinity.
- It uses up nutrients at a faster rate than any other plant.
- Creates dead patches in the soil, particularly on the lawn.
- Cause stem rot
How to prevent fungus growth in the soil
- Using fertilizer too often – Fungal growth may be sped up by overfertilization. Fertilizers can act as a source of nutrients for fungal spores.
- Use organic fertilizer – Make sure your organic fertilizer is properly decomposed to decrease the chances of fungal growth forming. keep an eye on allowing your fertilizer to decompose too much as this will reduce the nitrogen present in the soil- resulting in wilting of plants.
- Stop Overwatering – The main cause of fungal development is too much water. Water only when absolutely necessary, avoid overwatering, and never allow the soil to get too soggy.
How to Remove Fungus from soil organically?
Let explore another question before we get into the main topic. Is it truly necessary to eliminate fungus from the soil..? The answer is a firm yes. Even if the circumstances vary, it is usually suggested that you do your utmost to remove fungi altogether.
Is it possible to remove it? If so, how can we do it properly and quickly? Let’s get started with the fundamentals. If you enjoy gardening in your spare time, you can accomplish this task effortlessly for your own garden. You don’t need any special equipment or expensive fungicide to achieve success. To entirely eliminate fungus from your plants, follow these simple instructions.
Step 1
If the plant is in a pot, move it to a light-starved area or one with less airflow exposure. This might be all that’s required in some cases. This isn’t always an option, as is the case with whole lawns. If this is the case, proceed with the following actions.
Step 2
Examine the plant leaves and soil for fungal infections. It might be seen as fuzzy white or grey patches on the plant or soil.
Step 3
Remove any visible fungus using your hands. If the leaves of a plant are entirely coated in fungus, it may be necessary to remove them.
Step 4
Spray the affected soil and plants with a mixture of baking soda and water. The mixture should be 1 tbsp. of baking soda per gallon of clean water. For more stubborn areas, you can increase the baking soda to 2 tbsp. Additionally, 1 tsp. of vegetable oil can be added to the solution. This will help the mixture stick to the leaves of the plant.
Step 5
Repeat the process every two days until the fungus symptoms have vanished. If the fungi are persistent, move on to the next stage.
Step 6
Once every week, sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon on the soil and afflicted plants. Cinnamon is an organic fungicide that has been shown to be effective. Make careful not to use too much cinnamon since it might stifle plant growth.
Step 7
Earthworm castings, which can be purchased online or at local nurseries, are a great way to fertilize your plants. Apply a 1-inch layer of earthworm castings to the soil. Local nurseries and gardening shops may sell Anilazin, Captafol, Copper Sulfate, Dinocap, Folpet, Thiram, and Zineb as fungicide chemicals. Fungicides made of copper sulfate are commonly available at local nurseries or garden centres.
Here are some kitchen products that can kill fungus
- Baking Soda
- Cinnamon Powder
- White Vinegar
- Garlic Powder or Garlic Juice or Garlic Paste
- Liquid Dish wash mixed with Vegetable Oil
Using baking soda to remove fungus from the soil
Baking soda is a simple and affordable way to kill fungus in the soil. It can be used as a spray or mixed with water to pour on the soil. To make the baking soda spray, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 gallon of clean water.
For more stubborn areas, you can increase the baking soda to 2 tablespoons. Additionally, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil can be added to the solution to help it stick to the leaves of the plant. Spray the affected soil and plants with this mixture every two days until the fungus symptoms have vanished. If the fungi are persistent, move on to the next stage.
Using Cinnamon Powder to remove fungus from the soil
Cinnamon powder is an organic fungicide that has been shown to be effective against fungus. You can sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon on the soil and afflicted plants once a week until the fungus symptoms have vanished. Make careful not to use too much cinnamon since it might stifle plant growth.
Using White Vinegar to remove fungus from the soil
- White vinegar is another affordable and effective fungus killer. To use white vinegar in fungus in the soil, mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water and pour the solution on the affected area. You can also dispense the mixture in a spray bottle to kill fungus on contact.
Using Garlic Powder or Garlic Juice to remove fungus from the soil
Garlic juice and garlic powder are antibacterial and antifungal which make them an excellent fungus fighters. They also prevent fungus from growing too.
To use garlic powder, you simply need to sprinkle it over the dirt every 2-3 weeks throughout the whole plant’s growth cycle. For better results, combine garlic powder with cinnamon powder when using it on fungus in soil: Simply mix one tablespoon of each with one gallon of water and use it as fungus spray.
Using Liquid dish wash to remove fungus from the soil
Liquid soap or dish wash is an antifungal agent that works on fungus in soil by killing fungus spores. Mix 2 tablespoons of liquid dish wash with 1 cup of vegetable oil, then pour the mixture over the affected area every two days until fungus symptoms vanish.
Using Turmeric powder to remove fungus from the soil
Turmeric powder, which can be made from grinding turmeric root, is another fungus-fighting substance that’s readily available in grocery stores. It can also kill fungus on contact. To use it as a fungicide, mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder with 1 gallon of warm water and pour the mixture over fungus infested plants.
Using neem oil to remove fungus from the soil
Neem oil has some antifungal and antibacterial properties and can help fight fungus in the soil. You can either use it as an organic pesticide by mixing some neem oil with water and spraying it on fungus-infected plants or you can add 10 ml of neem oil to 5 litres of water and apply this solution to fungus affected parts of the plant or fungus affected soil.
Steps to use Inorganic Fungicide
- Take a tiny quantity of inorganic or commercial fungicide. To measure, use a spoon.
- To prevent spider mites, use 1 teaspoon of fungicide in a gallon of water. The commercial fungicide must be diluted considerably.
- Pour a tiny quantity of this combination on the soil. Always keep some distance from the roots. If at all feasible, avoid coming into direct contact with the fungus affected plant parts because the fungus can travel through its stalks, leaves and roots.
- Use this fungicide combination once every two weeks to combat fungus.
- You can also spray the solution over the plants. But we don’t recommend spritzing on flora and fruit.
- You can also combine fungicide with water and use it as a fungus spray. However, we do not recommend using fungus spray on plants.
- If you apply fungicide to fruits or vegetables, wash the produce carefully before eating it. The commercial fungicide includes a variety of hazardous and poisonous chemicals.
- During the application of a chemical fungicide, you must completely cover your face and hands. You may also protect yourself from direct contact with these chemical fungicides
- Personally, we never advise the use of chemical fungicides. we prefer to utilize an organic one that I’ve mentioned previously.
Other Related Questions
How do I know if my soil has fungus?
Place the amount of dirt you wish to sterilize in a bowl and then cover it with boiling water. After the soil has been moistened, use a spoon or other utensils to work it around. The hot water will destroy the insects and their eggs in the soil, making it suitable for planting again.
How do you sterilize soil?
Place the amount of dirt you wish to sterilize in a bowl and then cover it with boiling water. After the soil has been moistened, use a spoon or other utensils to work it around. The hot water will destroy the insects and their eggs in the soil, making it suitable for planting again.
Will bleach sanitize soil?
To sanitize dirt, pour household bleach over the dirt until it’s completely moistened. Then cover it with plastic wrap and let it stay for at least twelve hours. After the time has elapsed, rinse the dirt thoroughly to make sure there is no residual bleach that could cause plants harm.
Conclusion
So not all fungus can be deemed to be called harmful fungi but to maintain healthy plants you need to avoid attracting pathogenic fungi into your potting soil. Just a few drops of fertiliser may be all you need to keep your acidic soil balanced and help produce a healthy plant.
