Research about Wood Mulch and Nitrogen

**G* S* <g*@northcoastgardening.com>**

Linda Chalker-Scott on this:

 "Concern:  Wood chip mulches will
tie up nitrogen and cause deficiencies in
plants.
Evidence:  Actually, many studies
have demonstrated that woody
mulch materials increase nutrient
levels in soils and/or associated plant
foliage.  My hypothesis is that a zone
of nitrogen deficiency exists at the
mulch/soil interface, inhibiting weed seed
germination while having no influence
upon established plant roots below
the soil surface.  For this reason, it is
inadvisable to use high C:N mulches in
annual beds or vegetable gardens where
the plants of interest do not have deep,
extensive root systems."

http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/~linda%20chalker-scott/horticultural%20myths_files/Myths/magazine%20pdfs/Woodchips.pdf

I agree with Linda just from personal experience. Annuals and veggies with
shallow roots do poorly in wood chipped soil, but landscape shrubs and
larger perennials seem improved by it.

Gen

Genevieve Schmidt
(707)822-2075

*****
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