Purdue Newsroom - Drought-exposed leaves adversely affect soil nutrients, study shows

10 April 2011

Purdue Newsroom - Drought-exposed leaves adversely affect soil nutrients, study shows

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Chemical changes in tree leaves subjected to warmer, drier conditions that could result from climate change may reduce the availability of soil nutrients, according to a Purdue University study.

via www.purdue.edu

Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. This research is actually an argument FOR using these precious leaves to protect and build your soil on site.

Composting leaves with grass clippings together accelerates the decomposition process. All you have to do is mow and leave in place, and/or mow and bag and place contents on garden beds in autumn. It is more sustainable to use on-site inputs than purchased fertilizer, even in drought years.

This sobering additional effect of climate change is another argument FOR replenishing your soils with last year's composted leaves, grass clippings and food waste.

Apr 10, 2011 8:19:12 AM

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