Seeing Song Wanyin slowly put down her chopsticks, and then glancing at Wang Xian's enthusiastic expression without noticing anything amiss, Meng Zhao couldn't help but cover his mouth and chuckle: "Regarding the specific uses of excrement and the construction method of the 'toilet,' I will write a detailed plan and submit it to you when I get back, so that the magistrate can refer to it."
"That's wonderful!" A hint of admiration flashed in Wang Xian's eyes. "Madam Meng, your method of increasing production is beneficial to the country and the people. I will definitely promote it vigorously. Once we see results, I will report to the imperial court and try to win you an award."
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhao's eyes flashed with joy. Although she had contributed to the opium incident last time, it wasn't exactly a glorious affair, and she ultimately received no credit. This method of increasing production, however, was entirely beneficial, and if she could be rewarded for it, she would feel much more confident.
"Then thank you very much, Magistrate." Meng Zhao nodded slightly, his tone filled with gratitude.
Upon returning home, Meng Zhao immediately found pen and ink and began to write down the fertilizer formula and usage instructions in detail.
Plants need various fertilizers during their growth process, which are mainly divided into four categories: organic fertilizers, nitrogen fertilizers, phosphorus fertilizers, and potassium fertilizers.
Organic fertilizers can improve soil structure and increase soil nutrients.
Nitrogen fertilizer can promote the growth of plant leaves.
Phosphate fertilizer can promote root growth in plants and help with the formation of flowers and fruits.
Potassium fertilizer can increase the plant's disease resistance and lodging resistance.
In addition, there are various compound fertilizers, but with Meng Zhao's abilities, he really can't make them that perfect; he can only do his best.
After the government collected all the summer taxes, the farmers had a short break. Meng Zhao first arranged the affairs of his shops, then packed his things and went back to Shenjia Village to stay for a few days, specifically to teach everyone how to compost.
Early in the morning, apart from those working in the workshops and pig farms, most of the villagers in Shenjia Village gathered in the open space at the village entrance. People chatted in small groups, while children of all ages chased and played around the open space.
The village headman was furious when he saw the noisy scene. He yelled at the top of his lungs, "What are you doing? Do you think this is a show? I told you it's serious business, serious business! Why did you bring so many children here?"
His gaze swept across the crowd and landed on an old man sitting on a chair next to him. "Uncle, you're already eighty-six years old. Why aren't you resting at home? Why are you out here joining in the fun?"
The village head's voice was loud enough, but it was clear that Fourth Uncle still couldn't hear him. He slowly replied, "Huh? What did you say? I've already eaten."
The village head took a deep breath, turned around and found a large bronze gong. After striking it a few times, he shouted to the crowd, "Quiet down! Quiet down! Now, everyone, quickly take your children and elderly back home. Each household is only allowed to leave two people here at most. Those who don't usually work in the fields and just come to watch the fun, get back here right now! If you come out again to gossip, don't blame me for being impolite!"
Seeing that the village head was serious, everyone stopped laughing and joking. Soon, the crowd in the open space began to disperse, and things quieted down a bit.
In addition to the people from Shenjia Village, Wang Xian also sent four other people, all around forty years old, with dark skin and calloused hands.
Meng Zhao didn't know their identities, but judging from their hands and faces, he could tell they were experienced farmers, so he let them stand at the front.
Meng Zhao borrowed the village head's gong, struck it a few times to attract everyone's attention, cleared his throat, and began his opening remarks.
"Fellow villagers, I am Meng Zhao, a junior member of the village. As you have probably heard, I recently learned a new method for fertilizing the fields and tried it out in a few households in the village, with pretty good results. Today, I am willing to teach this method to everyone for free."
After a pause, his expression turned serious. "However, with the village head and elders all here, I must make some things clear beforehand. I have only recently learned these methods. Although they have worked well in the few households I have tried them on, the land in our village is different, and I cannot guarantee that they will be effective for every plot. I hope everyone will be cautious when using them and try them on a small plot first."
"Don't worry, everyone. I will never think that you don't trust me just because you don't use my methods. I sincerely hope that you will act cautiously. But if someone is willing to take out all their land to try it, I hope that if the harvest is not so good next year, or if there are any problems, you will not blame me."
Hearing this, the village head nodded and continued, "Meng Zhao is right. We all have our own hands, feet, and heads. Those who want to work can stay, and those who don't can leave now. Nobody's forcing you. If anyone tries to cause trouble later, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Someone immediately said, "Everyone in our village knows this principle. We'll bear whatever comes our way, good or bad."
"I'll use this fertilizer on half of my land this year. If it works well, I'll bring good gifts and vegetables to thank Qing'an's wife. If it doesn't, I'll accept it myself. Who can guarantee a good harvest every year with this kind of land? We farmers rely on the weather for our livelihood!"
Seeing that everyone was saying the same thing, Meng Zhao felt relieved. He waved his hand and said in a relaxed tone, "It's alright to give nice gifts and food. We're all from the same village, so it's only right that we help each other out. As long as everyone has a good harvest, that's all that matters."
After finishing the disclaimer, Meng Zhao began to teach everyone how to compost.
"Actually, there are many things in life that can be used as fertilizer. Don't throw away the eggshells and bone scraps that we leave behind. Put them in a stone mortar and grind them up. Once you have enough, put them in a jar with cleaned fish scales and fish entrails, add water, and seal the jar. Wait for the water to slowly turn black and rot. When the wheat sprouts, water the soil with this solution. It will be the best fertilizer for root growth."
Phosphate fertilizer can promote root growth and is suitable for use during the seedling stage. Moreover, the materials used are all common household waste, which can be made with just a little time.
Then Meng Zhao taught everyone how to make nitrogen fertilizer using rice water and kitchen waste, and potassium fertilizer using fallen leaves and withered grass, explaining everything in great detail.
The four people sent by Wang Xian were not from Shenjia Village, so they were not convinced of Meng Zhao's abilities. At first, they were somewhat disdainful, thinking that it was simply a fantasy that the county magistrate would send them to learn farming from a little girl.
However, after Meng Zhao's explanation, even though the fertilizer had not yet been tested, they began to believe her. After all, Meng Zhao was very knowledgeable about the growth cycle of plants and could clearly explain when to use which fertilizer. It was obvious that she had real expertise, which made the four of them listen attentively.
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