[Arid_gardener] palo verde leaves as mulch

[Dick Gross]

Carolyn, This is off the top of my head but, organic debris is not compost until it has been eaten by a soil organism, digested and processed through it's gut; a process that renders complex hydrocarbons to elements that can be re-adsorbed by feeder roots to produce new carbon compounds. Any portion or fragrament of the original organism that can as recognized  as a twig or leaf particle has not been composted. Decomposition is faster if the living organisms are fed a diet of nitrogen from a fertilizer or blended with greenery, each  high in nitrogen. Ammoniun  sulfate disolved and poured into a cold compost heap will cause it to heat up significantly from the digestive activity of the microscopic varmints chowing down on it. A compost pile also needs air so turn it at least weekly.

Uncomposted organic debris blended with soil will--as decomposition proceeds, rob the soil of avaliable nitrogen leaving the plants struggling in that medium hungry and puny. 

Shredded or finely ground organic debris placed on top of the soil as mulch will nourish beneficial soil organisms that feed off the interface. It will also conserve moisture but the mass isn't by any stretch of the imagination, finished compost. It is mulch.

I have never knowingly added potentially poisonous plants like Oleander or Eucalyptus into my compost because I am simply uncomfortable with the practice but, theoretically, if all compounds are decomposed in the process, the posionous compounds would be rendered harmless. But, I said "theoretically". Don't take my word for it!

Bottom line, composting is probably the most important activity for gardening in desert soil known most for the absence of organic compounds--one of the many things I believe I have learned from County Agent Terry Mikel.  

Dick Gross, Master Gardener Volunteer
University of Arizona Maricopa County
Cooperative Extension

----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Carolyn Owens 
  To: arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu 
  Sent: Friday, June 01, 2007 11:28 AM
  Subject: [Arid_gardener] palo verde leaves as mulch


  Hello!

   

  We have been discussing whether it is okay to use Palo Verde leaves as a mulch. We think they are okay to use in the compost pile if they are brown, but we're not sure. Are they all right as a mulch or too resinous? 

   

  Thanks for your help,  

   

  Carolyn Owens, Grant Development Associate

  Native Seeds/SEARCH

  cowens at nativeseeds.org

  526 N. 4th Ave.

  Tucson, AZ 85705

  Phone: 520-622-5561 or 622-0830

  Fax:  520-622-5591

   



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