But Woodchips Are Good!
I think
there is an epidemic going on of people adding woodchips to the soil as a
amendment. Woodchips applied to the soil surface as a mulch is okay but mixing
these into the soil can lead to problems if you aren’t careful.
there is an epidemic going on of people adding woodchips to the soil as a
amendment. Woodchips applied to the soil surface as a mulch is okay but mixing
these into the soil can lead to problems if you aren’t careful.
Part of this
trend is fueled by social media like YouTube and Internet discussion groups and
experimentation by gardeners with concepts such as Hugelkulture. It works but
it must be done correctly.
trend is fueled by social media like YouTube and Internet discussion groups and
experimentation by gardeners with concepts such as Hugelkulture. It works but
it must be done correctly.
 |
| Tomato failure. Why? Woodchips.I would not add woodchips to an area that has to be dug up every year. |
Everything in Moderation
Adding
wood debris to the soil for its improvement requires a balance between the
carbon load added to the soil in the form of woodchips, water and nitrogen
added to the soil at the same time to help it rot.
wood debris to the soil for its improvement requires a balance between the
carbon load added to the soil in the form of woodchips, water and nitrogen
added to the soil at the same time to help it rot.
Add Nitrogen
These sources of nitrogen help
woodchips to decompose and rot without affecting other plants growing in the
same area. Without this additional nitrogen, plants growing in the area yellow
and may die. Seeds planted in these types of amended soils fail to germinate.
woodchips to decompose and rot without affecting other plants growing in the
same area. Without this additional nitrogen, plants growing in the area yellow
and may die. Seeds planted in these types of amended soils fail to germinate.
Additional
nitrogen can be added by chopping up kitchen scraps, green waste from the yard
such as leaves and grass clippings and even mixing in commercial fertilizers
high in nitrogen such as 21-0-0. Rotting is sped up by turning it and keeping
it moist.
nitrogen can be added by chopping up kitchen scraps, green waste from the yard
such as leaves and grass clippings and even mixing in commercial fertilizers
high in nitrogen such as 21-0-0. Rotting is sped up by turning it and keeping
it moist.