Is it a bad idea to till dry leaves into the soil?

Question

There is a person in my neighborhood who disposes of a large quantity of dry leaves each fall by tilling them into a field. They are not composted, they are collected and applied within 2 -3 weeks. He applies them from 2 - 6 inches thick, then tills then in. Is this good or bad for the soil? Does it matter that the soil is cold at the time of application?

Answer 1

There's nothing wrong with tilling them into the soil......whether the leaves are dried or still green. The leaves act as a good food source of carbon (food) for microbes (beneficial fungi & bacteria).

The higher the microbial population, the better! They're responsible for capturing/storing nutrients in their bodies and making them available for roots to absorb. They also help protect the plants/trees from various diseases.

These microbes may not be too active during colder weather, they basically remain in a state of dormancy but will begin to flourish once the soil begins to become warmer. You'll start to see plenty of earthworms in his field next spring...which is evidence that his soil is healthy.

Hope this answered your question.

(Certified professional crop consultant with a degree in plant science)

Answer 2

It is quite good for the soil actually. Consider it a form of composting. It will add nutrients and other good things back in to the soil. While it is cold the leaves won't break down as fast, but once the soil temperatures begin to rise again the leaves will break down faster. The decomposing leaves also are a really good attractant for worms which will also help to amend the soil.

Answer 3

You didn't say what kind of leaves but some types, like oak leaves, tend to be acidic on the ph scale. This can cause sour acidic soil over time, which certain kinds of plants don't like. Suggest you get a soil ph test kit or litmus paper and test the ph. You can add some lime when you work the leaves in if needed to balance out the ph of the soil.

Answer 4

It is very good for the soil. No it doesn't matter what time of year you do this. It is good to leave them in your flowers beds also. It helps keep your bulbs from freezing to bad. And it is good cover for the good bugs and small frogs and lizards that help with the plants. So don't worry about raking them all up and when spring gets here your ready to go with all the new planting.

Answer 5

Actually it's excellent for the soil. The leaves will compost on their own under the soil.

Answer 6

Not at all. I do the same thing each fall by Just mowing the leaves instead of raking them. It's good for the soil.

Answer 7

it's great for the soil . . I do this in my veggi garden every winter as the leaves fall we rake them and cover the garden area. Then I till them in and the soil in our garden is really rich and has lots of worms in it . The Veggis do really good I do not use any fertilizer in my garden.

Answer 8

dude that's fine it will turn to compost and its better than dumping them into a pile were they will never decompose. and if its winter its still good for the soil, by spring you'll have happy soil.

Answer 9

no, it is a natural fertilizer that will turn to compost