Re: Why use uncomposted leaves?
- To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: Why use uncomposted leaves?
- From: b* m*
- Date: Mon, 02 Nov 1998 13:03:37 PST
This weekend I did numerous soil tests and could not believe the amount
of micronutrients and fertility I lost this year. I then had the soil
lab at my local University test it-same results. Nitrogen levels were
extremely depleted. So I spent a few hours at the library, now I'm more
confused. Every book I read told me not to add leaves that were not
composted to my soil. From Rodales's Garden Problem Solver, RE: Fall
soil amendments;"-----adding organic material (in the fall) such as
chopped leaves, chopped straw, or peat moss will ease the compaction and
drainage problems, but such materials takes nitrogen from the soil as it
decomposes, and over time, it reduces the amount of nitrogen available
to your food crops.----Leaves, especially Maple, contain growth
inhibiting phenols that should be allowed to leach away for 8 to 12
months before they are used. Finished compost containing leaves doesn't
deplete since it has already decomposed."
Every book I read regarding soil amendments said pretty much the same
principle. I used shredded leaves in the fall of 1997, and I had a
depleted nitrogen content when I tested in May, which I corrected with
bloodmeal and langbeinite. This correction is only to be done every two
years according to my Univ. soil lab.
Maybe putting down a layer of shredded leaves that have not been
composted is not a good idea? Please prove what I've researched is
wrong-because I put 3 inches of shredded leaves on top of my winter rye
last week, and I don't feel like taking them off.
Any thoughts?
Buck
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