SUNFLOWER SHELL MEAL
Sunflower meal is a product that is obtained by squeezing oil from the residues of sunflower seeds. It can be used in the diet of any domestic animals.
The introduction of sunflower meal into the diet of animals produces a beneficial effect on the metabolism and reproductive function, reinforces the immune system, improves the growth of young animals, as well as increases the egg and milk production, etc.
SUNFLOWER OIL SOAPSTOCK
Soapstock is a viscous paste of dark brown color representing wastes of vegetable oil processing, which contains 41% fatty acids and 50% neutral inclusions. It is not dissolved in water, but is highly soluble in oil products. Soapstock forms a stable emulsion with water.
Soapstock is valuable because it includes up to 40% of various fatty components in its composition – high-molecular carboxylic acids, glycerides, soaps and phospholipids. It can be used to expand the range of metal salt compositions of fatty acids used in various industries.
SUNFLOWER SEED HUSKS
Sunflower seed husks are a valuable resource of sunflower crops that is effectively used in the garden. Thanks to the presence of valuable components, the sunflower seed husks improve the yielding quality. According to their characteristics, they resemble sawdust and wood shavings, tree bark, buckwheat husks, birch bark peels, wheat husks or nut processing products.
The experienced land owners know about the positive properties of sunflower husks. The fertilizer is used in form of compost, mulch or drainage. The material contains nutritive elements in its composition that are necessary for the plant development. Thanks to the structural features, the husks increase the permeability and air exchange of soil.
Variants of proper application:
Compost
One of the husk application methods is compost. The finished composition is introduced in the middle of autumn, when the soil is turned over. In spring, the compost is placed into soil 30 days before the first planting of vegetable crops. The optimal depth is 10 cm, about 100 g of the product is distributed per 1 m2 of the land plot. The experts recommend introducing one handful of the composition when planting potatoes and tomatoes.
Ash
The benefits of sunflower seed husk ash have been proven by various tests. The substance contains potassium and other useful elements therefore it can be introduced without adding other components. Ash belongs to the group of organic insecticides. The active substances in its composition resist such parasites as slugs, aphids and larvae of the Colorado potato beetle. The infusions of different concentrations are used for spraying.
The product effectiveness decreases when it gets wet, therefore it is important to observe the preparation and storage conditions.
The positive features include the decreased soil acidity, the increased resistance to fungal infections, the improved soil quality and a long period of action (up to 4 years).
Mulch
The seed husks as mulch have been used for a long time due to their composition. The main component of husks – cellulose – rots through slowly, so the material is used for mulching the garden throughout the season. The optimum thickness of the mulch layer from sunflower husks is 2-3 cm. Such an obstacle cannot be overcome by weeds. It retains moisture required for plants. Many gardeners mulch garlic and strawberry beds with husks.
Drainage for seedlings
Husks can be used as drainage. To prepare it, a small quantity of seed husks is required. First of all, it is necessary to prepare tare for seedlings. A handful of husks shall be placed at the bottom of each glass. This improves air exchange in the root system. The seedlings will grow strong and healthy.
