In autumn, we often wonder what to do with leaves falling from trees and shrubs. It is worth developing them practically, transforming them into valuableleaf soilPreparing your own leaf soil is very simple, although it takes time. Seehow to compost leaveswhich leaves are best for composting andhow to use leaf soilfor your garden: -)
Leaf earth
What is leaf soil?
Leaf earth is a type ofcompost that we get only from the leaves of ornamental and fruit trees and shrubs.Leaf soil differs from traditional compost in the content of minerals. It is poor in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but rich in carbon compounds.The finished leaf soil has a light and plump structure , it is characterized by high water capacity and air circulation, as well as a neutral or slightly acidic pH.
What leaves can be composted?
For the preparation of the leaf soil, we use soft leaves, without symptoms of diseases or traces of pests.The leaves of trees and shrubs that shed their leaves for the winter are suitable for composting. The leaves of evergreen plants are often covered with a waxy layer, which makes them stick together when moistened with water, which hinders air access and slows down the mineralization of organic matter. So these leaves are better not to compost.
Leaves of ornamental and fruit trees and shrubs can be used for composting. However,leaves of individual species differ in decomposition rate This is due to the different structure of tissues and the content of components formed as a result of metabolism.Hard leaves, rich in tannins and phenolic compounds, have the longest decompositionThese include oak, pear, alder and walnut leaves. The leaves of these tree species should be composted in a separate container so that they do not slow down the decomposition of the entire mass.
Beware of this list!
- Walnut leaves contain juglone , an allleopathic compound that inhibits the growth of certain plant species (e.g. tomatoes, azaleas). Thereforewalnut leaves should be composted in a separate place , and when using the obtained leaf soil, use only for mulching plants insensitive to juglon (e.g. thujas, red currants).
- Chestnut leaves should not be used to prepare the leaf soil , due to the mass occurrence of the pest - Cameraria ohridella, whose larvae can winter on the leaves.
How to make leaf soil
The leaves for the preparation of leaf soil are best collected after rain, when they are wet . Collect fallen leaves on a pile, from which we choose twigs and other debris. It is also worth shredding the leaves, e.g. with a lawn mower, thanks to which they will decompose faster.
Leaves are a good composting material
Fig. Getty Images
We can prepare the leaf soil in two ways:
1. Preparation of leaf soil in a composter
The leaf soil can be prepared in a traditional composterRemember that you cannot put other waste into it. In the composter, the leaves are placed on a heap in about 20 cm layers, which we translate with thin layers of mature compost or fresh forest soil.To speed up the decomposition of leaves, add a dose of nitrogen to the pilee.g.urea (500g / 1m³ leaves) or fresh manure. Cover the ready stock pile with fresh soil and water it generously. Then we cover the entire prism with foil. Every few months, the organic mass should be turned over and moistened with water to prevent it from drying out.
2. Preparation of leaf soil in foil bags
A convenient way to prepare the leaf soil is to compost the leaves in thick plastic bags.Put the ruffled leaves into black plastic bags, pressing them lightly. Put fertilizer chalk (CaCO3) or wood ash (2-3 kg / 1m³) on top of the leaves and a dose of mature compost (20 liters / 1m³) or manure as an activator. The addition of urea will also be useful to increase the nitrogen content, which will accelerate the process of decomposing the leaves. Knead the whole thing, pour plenty of water, and then tie the bags tightly. We forge the sides of the bags in several places to ensure air access.
Leaves can be composted in plastic bags
Fig. pixabay.com
The bags with leaves should be placed in the shade and, for aesthetic reasons, preferably in an inconspicuous place in the garden. Each bag should be labeled with a date so that you know when the soil will be ready and the plant species from which the leaves come from. Every 2-3 months, the bags are tossed to break up the lumps formed inside. The humidity of the decomposing mass in the bags should also be constantly monitored (the mass must be constantly wet).
When will the leaf soil be ready?
The time of leaf decomposition depends on the plant species and the degree of their fragmentation.It takes an average of 1 to 2 years to obtain a fully mature leaf soil , however, well-fragmented and constantly moist leaves of trees and shrubs that are easily mineralized (e.g. birch, apple, hazel, willow )can transform into soil even after 6 months
The process of leaf soil formation can be significantly acceleratedusing the Trigger-4 compost bioactivator .It contains bacteria and enzymes that facilitate the breakdown of organic matter. As a result, ready-made, fully ripe leaf soil can be obtained in as little as 3 months. This means thatleaves collected in bags in autumn will be mature leaf soil by spring , ready to be used in the garden
We especially recommendpurchase Trigger-4 together withcomposting bags, which have the necessary holes already made to ensure air supply to the composted material. The leaves, ruffled into sacks, are enough to be packed into sacks and the preparation added.
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Foliage application
Leaf earth should be used as a substratefor ornamental plants with low nutritional requirements.
Very oftenleaf soil is one of the components of the substrates for sowing seedsand for the production of seedlings and other horticultural substrates.
Leaf soil mixed with soil improves its structure . It loosens heavy and loamy soils, while light soils enrich them with organic matter and increase their water capacity.
Leaf soil can be used for mulching flower beds and beds with vegetables . This increases the soil moisture and reduces the growth of weeds.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
