Soil Improvement with a Penny: Boosting Plant Growth through penny usage
In the realm of gardening and horticulture, many myths and folklore persist, one of which is the practice of burying pennies for plant health benefits or pest prevention. However, scientific evidence does not support this claim.
While copper, a key component of pennies, does play a crucial role in plant health, its presence in coins is not enough to provide significant benefits. Copper is an essential micronutrient in soil, aiding overall plant growth and health by supporting various plant processes, including the production of chlorophyll required for photosynthesis and giving foliage its green colour.
However, the copper content in modern pennies, which are made of 97.5% zinc with a thin copper coating, is insufficient to address a copper deficiency in the soil. Before 1983, when pennies were made of 95% copper, burying them might have created a slight barrier against certain soil-borne diseases, but their effectiveness is questionable due to the low copper content in modern pennies and the insolubility of elemental copper.
Instead, to address a copper deficiency in the soil, specific products such as copper sulfate, copper chelate, or copper oxide can be applied. It's essential to follow the directions carefully to avoid toxicity to plants. Organic matter rich in copper or copper-based fertilisers can also be used, but care must be taken to avoid over-application and potential toxicity.
On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda solution, or diluted milk can be used as foliar sprays to prevent and treat fungal diseases. These practices are based on empirical scientific research and are known to be effective.
It's important to note that science supports the use of soil amendments like compost, manure, or topsoil to improve plant health by enhancing soil nutrient content and structure. Effective pest control methods are typically based on evidence-based practices such as integrated pest management strategies that may include biological control, chemical control, and cultural practices.
In conclusion, while the idea of burying pennies for plant health or pest prevention is a popular belief, it lacks scientific support. Instead, gardeners should focus on evidence-based practices for soil amendment, pest control, and disease prevention.
Maintaining soil health is pivotal for optimal plant growth, and the essential micronutrient copper plays a significant role in this process. While copper can be found in pennies, modern pennies contain insufficient amounts of copper to address any potential copper deficiency in the soil. Instead, to improve soil health, gardeners should consider using specific products rich in copper or copper-based fertilisers, while taking care to avoid over-application and potential toxicity.
