Control is minimal
Beginning gardeners usually do not think about what is in the packages with soil, which is sold both in hypermarkets and in convenience stores. But if the land is of poor quality, then the seeds may not sprout at all, and the seedlings may not form.
Experts pay attention that soil as a product does not require certification from manufacturers, therefore, there is virtually no state control over its turnover. As a result, some unscrupulous manufacturers underestimate the proportion of the main important components: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
“GOST requirements for soil take into account only the permissible level of humidity (no more than 75%) and the maximum content of heavy metals, radionuclides and pathogenic microflora“- says candidate of agricultural sciences Elena Zavyalova, “Public control”.
The expert notes that such an indicator as soil acidity, although GOST is not taken into account, it must be indicated on the packaging, as well as the amount of nutrients. These requirements are fixed in the Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation of July 31, 2020 No. 441.