Autumn leaves, covering the ground with a golden carpet, hold amazing potential for gardeners.
Many gardeners ask themselves: can fallen leaves be used as fertilizer? The answer to this question lies in natural cycles and ancient farming practices.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", a scientist agronomist and landscape designer, told how to do the right thing.
Natural wisdom of foliage
Fallen leaves are a real treasure trove of nutrients for the soil.
During the decomposition process, they enrich the soil with organic compounds, improve its structure and promote the development of beneficial microorganisms.
Gardeners who use foliage as fertilizer are following a natural cycle that has kept forest ecosystems healthy for centuries.
Benefits of foliar fertilization
Using leaves as fertilizer has a number of significant advantages.
Firstly, foliage is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium – the main elements necessary for plant growth.
Secondly, it helps retain moisture in the soil, which is especially important during dry periods. In addition, the layer of leaves protects the roots of plants from temperature changes and prevents the growth of weeds.
Proper use of foliage in the garden
For maximum benefit, the leaves should be properly prepared and used. It is best to crush the leaves before use - this will speed up the process of their decomposition.
The layer of leaves on the beds should not exceed 5-7 cm, otherwise the air exchange in the soil may be disrupted.
It is also important to consider that the leaves of some trees, such as oak or walnut, decompose more slowly and can change the acidity of the soil.
Leaf composting
One of the most effective ways to use leaves is to compost them.
In a compost heap, leaves are mixed with other organic waste, which speeds up the decomposition process and enriches the final product.
Ready-made leaf compost is an ideal fertilizer for the garden, which can be applied to any crops.
Mulching with leaves
Foliage is great for mulching plantings. A layer of leaf mulch protects the soil from drying out, regulates its temperature and suppresses weed growth.
Mulching with leaves is especially effective for perennial plants and in the trunk circles of trees and shrubs.
Precautions when using foliage
Despite the obvious benefits, some precautions should be taken when using the leaves as fertilizer.
Leaves collected along roads or in polluted areas should not be used as they may contain harmful substances.
You should also avoid leaves of plants affected by diseases to avoid spreading the infection throughout the garden.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
