Did you know?
- In the Dutch city of Eindhoven, the Council is putting out 200 “leaf baskets” around the city and is encouraging people who are tidying up fallen leaves around their street or home to deposit them to be diced, mulched and used as compost for city plants next spring
- Soil is a complex system with a mineral component of sand, silt, and clay, spaces that are filled with air or water and organic matter. The important part for feeding plants is the living component – earthworms, fungi, bacteria protozoa and nematodes which release the nutrients that plants need
- Leaf litter contains substances such as cellulose and lignin. These strengthen ecosystem biodiversity by making soil more fertile and reducing the risk of pathogens left behind by animals
- Well-decayed leafmould (more than two years old) can be used as compost to sow seeds, or laced with existing garden compost, sharp sand and good quality soil to use as potting compost
- Leaf mould is ideal for germinating seedlings, for suppressing weeds and for locking moisture into your flower beds – just collect them up and cover your beds in Autumn
Why is this important?
- Without enough oxygen to decompose, organic matter such as leaves release methane gas, which is more than 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere
- Decomposing leaf litter helps store carbon. The leaves continue to store some of their carbon in the soil so the less you rake, the more you help fight climate change and save biodiversity
- Leaf litter helps ecology and biodiversity – but it also slows down water after heavy rainfall, helps the ground to hold on to water in the Summer and means fewer weeds
- Producing your own compost can help to protect Ireland’s peatlands and reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfill sites
- Fallen leaves provide nesting materials for many species. Others such as frogs, toads, insects, slugs, snails, worms, spiders, beetles and millipedes use leaf litter as cosy winter blankets
- Over 90% of moth species rely on the leaf layer to complete their life cycle. The caterpillars find cover under leaves, emerging as adults the next spring
- Invertebrates, or insects, feed on the leaves and break it up into smaller pieces. Microscopic organisms like bacteria and fungi then decompose the leaves, converting it into beneficial chemicals and minerals such as nitrogen, calcium, and sulphur that helps feed crops, plants and trees
What can you do?
- Instead of raking and removing your leaves this autumn, let them work their magic by leaving them on the ground. Leaving a light layer is best as thick leaf build-up can impact plant growth beneath
- Make a storage unit for your leaves by stretching wire mesh around four posts in the ground. Fill the cage with soggy leaves and cover with old carpet or cardboard
- Leaf mould that is less than two years old can be used as part of mulch, soil improver (especially good for clay soils), top-dressing for lawns in autumn, or covering for bare soil in winter. After 2 years it is ideal for adding to beds and compost
- In Autumn, allow vegetation to die back naturally, mow less, and leave twigs and leaves for insects to shelter. Leave seedheads as these can provide a food source for birds and a home for insects
- When foraging gather carefully, to avoid damage to plant roots or fungus mycelium. Select plants which are abundant, not taking too much from any one plant or tree, picking only what you will use and leaving enough for mammals, birds and insects
For more Information
How to make Leaf Mould
Using Leaf Mould
http://www.ipcc.ie/advice/composting-diy/composted-leaves-leaf-mould/
Preparing soils in Autumn
https://www.quickcrop.ie/blog/preparing-the-vegetable-garden-for-winter
Soils and Microbiology
https://www.ceh.ac.uk/why-do-soil-microbes-matter
