Can Natural Insecticides Damage Soil or Compost?
Over use of any insecticides is never a good idea but if you have to use one it is always better to use a natural insecticide. This can be a common concern for the eco-conscious gardeners who are also trying to improve the quality of their soil.
Synthetic insecticides tend to have a lingering effect and are often produced in slow release formulas. Once they are on the ground or mixed in the soil such as, when you weed the garden, they can linger within the soil. With the overuse of insecticides in general and the general consensus of a little more won't hurt, synthetic insecticides have been known to build up in the soil.
Natural insecticides that are made from plants containing these properties not only are generally milder than their synthetic counterparts, but since they are plant based they degrade rather quickly. Natural insecticides being plant based are normally utilized within the soil just as if you were to add these plants clippings to your compost pile.
Overall natural insecticides should not damage the soil and\or compost if used wisely and appropriately. Often if you utilized companion planting, in which plants that have natural insecticide qualities are placed strategically within your garden for insect control, you are adding these to your compost anyway.
The chemical compounds of compost tend to absorb the type of material that is added to it. So if you are adding plant debris of plants that have natural insecticide qualities this is also being broken down and utilized. With proper use natural insecticides should not harm your soil nor damage your compost.
Healthy soil includes some beneficial insects that are needed in order to keep it that way. The majority of natural insecticides do not damage or kill these beneficial insects however, it is known that there is residual effects within the soil that has been treated with a synthetic counterpart and it may take awhile before these beneficial insects can return.
Converting your garden into an eco-friendly garden can be a challenge in the beginning. It can take some time to bring your soil back into a healthy condition especially if there was an over use of synthetic insecticides. It can be done but be prepared for it to take a little while for the lingering effects to work their way out of the soil.
Starting a healthy compost is a good way to begin to get to soil back to a healthy state. Companion planting with plants that have natural insecticide qualities can cut down on the need for any added insecticide treatment. Any trimmings of these plants with natural insecticide qualities can in most cases be safely added to your new compost pile along with any other organic material.
In a majority of cases you can begin to improve the soil as soon as your compost has been properly cured but do not be surprised if it takes a season or two before you can see a noticeable improvement. It takes time to heal the soil from abuse of synthetic chemicals. For the eco-friendly gardener this can be a challenge but by incorporating natural insecticides and proper composting techniques you can make your soil healthy.
