Turning Leaves into Soil quickly (See Article Link below for skeptics)
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- Опубликовано: 13 май 2024
- Recently we removed the leaves (insulation blanket) from the fig trees that were overwintered and today it's time to get them composted. We are using the same technique that we used in the fall to creat the nice soil that we have been using for weeks.
Here is an article I wrote about building soil www.mindfullivingsanctuary.co...
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I just fill my planting beds or buckets with raked leaves and green grass and weeds. I top with just enough dirt to get the tomatoes or potatoes started. I can always add more if it breaks down too much. When I harvest the potatoes the green matter is completely broken down and most of the leaves are, too. I refill the bucket with more green yard trimmings and brown leaves and some of the broken down leaves from the bucket I just harvested.
I do this over and over.
I'm getting more and more soil to fill my grow buckets. It breaks down in my buckets as I'm growing in it.
It's a good way when you don't have the big equipment.
Fantastic job
Cool, about the buckets. I prep my buckets and other containers with a Hugelkulter method: assorted rotting wood, leaves, sticks, etc. in the bottom,topped 3:37 by six or 8 inches of unsifted, Compost, and or forest soil!
I would usually have a 9x9x9 pile in November of mostly maple leaves. I would sprinkle in a 3 lb bag of bone meal through out the pile. Adding food scraps and whatever. Over the winter the rain and snow would add moisture. In late April and early May, I'd sift it through a pair of 1/4" screens. Mother nature does all the work.
I have about 35 oak trees on my property and I use every bit of my leaves. During the garden season, they serve his great mulch and over the winter all that plus the new leaves gets turned into compost through the next spring works out great never have had to burn one leaf.😂
I get a many yards of leaves every year from my property and dump them in piles. I never turn or move the piles until I am ready to use them after they completely break down which takes several years. Moving or turning them is more work than I want to do; I can wait.
Machine operator artistry at its finest! Nice dirt too. 👍
Watching you drive your tracked vehicle is so satisfying lol. It's so dang efficient. I don't have one so it's nice to see someone not have to break the back to move material!
Excellent video.
Excellent video. Thank you. Subscribed.
Great scooping skills.
Compost is a "Long Game" strategy. So beneficial when done right.
I make 40yrd of finished compost every 6 months
@@antwain7942 Woaah!
@@3Sphere it takes a lot of n2. Some sugar and a good amount of water. I turn it every 4 weeks. I couldn’t do it if I didn’t have a tractor.
You have black gold there! I watched This Old House years ago and a lady couldn't get grass to grow. They came out and started by dethatching and removing that material. Ther they plug aerated and seeded. The had a load of decomposed leaves that was like black powder that they just flung with shovels over the entire lawn. They didn't cover it just scattered it on the top of the ground. You should have seen the grass it grew in just weeks. It was amazing, but to buy tat material is seriously like gold! I started a pile two years ago and it doesn't take long. I back into it with my 60" tiller and then turn it. I don't have near the amount you created.
I can turn a bucket of compost into gold in a very short time. I will add meat material. Leave it open for a couple days . Inviting the soldier flys in close the lid and wait. They do amazing decomposing work. Never had an animal issue.
Yes I am on the same page / Doing the same thing 💥
10/10, that an expensive way to make compost(nice machine). Leaf-mold sells for $145 per cy here.
I usually "harvest" leaves with lawn mower, that has collector box. That way you speed up the process.
thoughts and prayers for your mower blade
@redemptiverevelation my last one lasted 8 years and was still mulching stuff when the lawn mower broke 😂
looks like a great idea to me!!!
@cathyplantlover2862
Thanks, Cathy! I'm glad you think so! Turning leaves into soil has been a game-changer for us. It's a great way to recycle organic material and enrich our soil naturally. Have you tried anything similar in your garden?
You're living the dream.
Yes we are indeed! Thanks for the comment!
My test planting of two tomato plants, radish, cucumbers and carrots in a bed of a mix of unfinished compost made of green grass clippings, chopped leaves, pine straw, some urine & forest soil along with a little organic soil with 20 soil microbes, some lime pellets, bone meal, and organic fertilizer are doing great. I surrounded the bed with old oak firewood chunks I found that had started decomposing.
It will be even better next year !
@@kahvac It`s shrinking down. I`ve been adding to it since last November and kept it wet but it wasn`t fully broken down at planting time. I added about 2 inches of rich forest soil to the top before planting but it already had some mixed in. There was no soil in this yard so I had to begin making it.
@@baneverything5580 Sounds good. I have tons of wood chips some about six years old, it can look like soil and things will grow in it but it is not soil..I found out the hard way even when using fertilizer it still needs soil added for plants to grow as they should. You'll be fine !
lol love your picture
I am very impressed by your video Kevin, especially because you take the time to reply to those who comment. 👍
I pretty much do the same thing with the leaves in our yard i have 55gal barrels and just flip em when i feal like it
my dream of living place.....
I've had a leaf pile for two years and it's just now starting to look right
Tractor makes that process fun. Doing this by hand with a shovel is difficult, hard to get everything turned and mixed properly. I have leaf piles that are a couple years old and still not completely soil yet.
Absolutely, using a tractor definitely makes the process much more manageable and efficient! It allows for thorough mixing and turning, which is crucial for the decomposition process. When done by hand, it can be quite labor-intensive and time-consuming, and it can be difficult to ensure that all the materials are properly aerated and mixed.
Leaf piles can take a long time to break down into soil if they’re not turned and mixed regularly. This is because the microorganisms responsible for decomposition need oxygen, moisture, and a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to work efficiently. Without regular turning, the pile can become compacted and anaerobic, slowing down the decomposition process.
If you’re looking for ways to speed up the process without a tractor, here are a few tips:
Turn the Pile Regularly: Use a pitchfork or garden fork to turn the pile every few weeks to incorporate air.
Add Nitrogen-Rich Materials: Mix in green materials like grass clippings or kitchen scraps to balance the carbon-rich leaves.
Monitor Moisture Levels: Ensure the pile stays moist but not waterlogged. It should feel like a wrung-out sponge.
Shred the Leaves: Shredded leaves break down faster than whole leaves. Consider using a leaf shredder or lawn mower to chop them up before composting.
We’re all working towards the same goal of creating rich, healthy soil, and sometimes it just takes a bit of patience and persistence. Keep at it, and your leaf piles will eventually transform into valuable soil for your garden. Thanks for sharing your experience!
@@GrowingABetterTomorrow thank you. My leaf piles have done exactly as you described, compacted and slimy, anaerobic.
This kind of makes me think of making yogurt where you take a few spoons from your old batch to make your new batch.
Thanks for the info! Look out for the poison ivy on the tree where you placed the camera when you were on the machine.
Great video.. thanks.. do you think adding some wood chips would speed the leaves to break down just as the broken down leaf mold does? I Have more wood chips and not so many leaves... yet!
I think it is possible to speed up the breakdown of wood chips by inoculate them with fungi from other wood chips that have been breaking down. I used forest floor debris to inoculate a pile of wood chips in the past I'm not certain that it's sped up the process however I think it may have because of the number of mushrooms that came out the next spring.
I have done some amount of composting on and off for years. But watching this gives me about a thousand questions I’d like to ask you. I’m going to go to your website to see if y’all have a “contact us” e-mail link or some such. If not how can I contact you? Sorry, I do not do any social media.
I'm Lucky there are lots of brush turkeys in my area (NSW AU) they create their nest by basically gathering huge piles of mostly leaves and any other forest floor debris once they have hatched their young they leave these piles to breakdown and im able to cross a river and have access to tons of free leaf breakdown
Hi @raff6636! That sounds fantastic! Brush turkeys are definitely helpful little workers in your area. It's great that you can take advantage of their nest-building habits to access such a rich source of leaf breakdown. Nature's composters at their finest! Enjoy that free, nutrient-rich material for your garden. It's always amazing to see how wildlife and gardening can complement each other so perfectly. Happy gardening! 🌿🦃
Skid steer is a great tool to have
Track loader
Does that sand layer inform you on where to stop harvesting?
Yes and it helps me reduce the number of stones that I have to pick out of the finished product. It also helps to keep the lower part of the pile from going anaerobic if we get a lot of rain. The organisms need oxygen.
Hi is it ok to have chestnut hulls mixed in with leaves for compost?
Yes, it is generally okay to include chestnut hulls in your compost along with leaves, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind to ensure the composting process is effective:
Benefits of Adding Chestnut Hulls:
Nutrient Contribution: Chestnut hulls can add valuable nutrients to your compost, including potassium and phosphorus, which are beneficial for plant growth.
Organic Matter: Hulls contribute to the overall organic matter in your compost, helping improve soil structure when the compost is used in the garden.
Considerations:
Decomposition Rate: Chestnut hulls are quite tough and woody, which means they decompose more slowly compared to softer materials like leaves. To accelerate decomposition, it's a good idea to chop or shred the hulls before adding them to the compost pile.
Balance of Greens and Browns: Ensure you maintain a good balance of greens (nitrogen-rich materials) and browns (carbon-rich materials). Leaves are typically brown, and chestnut hulls would also fall into the brown category. You may need to add more green materials (like kitchen scraps, grass clippings, or manure) to keep the composting process active.
Moisture Management: Because hulls are more resistant to breaking down, they might cause the compost pile to dry out if not mixed well. Regularly check the moisture level and turn the pile to ensure even decomposition.
Potential Allelopathic Effects: Some nut hulls, such as black walnut, contain compounds that can inhibit the growth of certain plants. Chestnut hulls do not have strong allelopathic properties, but it’s always good to compost them fully before using the finished product in your garden to avoid any potential issues.
Tips for Effective Composting with Chestnut Hulls:
Shredding: Shred the chestnut hulls to increase their surface area, which helps speed up the decomposition process.
Layering: Layer the hulls with other compost materials to ensure they are well-mixed. Alternate between layers of green and brown materials.
Turning: Regularly turn your compost pile to introduce oxygen and help break down the hulls and other materials evenly.
Monitoring: Keep an eye on the moisture content and add water if the pile becomes too dry. The compost should be moist but not soggy.
By managing your compost pile effectively, chestnut hulls can be a beneficial addition, contributing to the nutrient content and organic matter of your finished compost.
Wow, what a boon. Ten wheeler's full!!! Those trees bring up nutrients from deep, deep in the earth, put them in the leaves then dump 'em on the ground. Talk about good mulch and compost! I need to find a source like that! Unfortunately, your leaves are haunted though....... Don't visit them at night on a full moon. Heh.....
Hi @3Sphere,
Absolutely, those truckloads of leaves are like gold for our garden! It's amazing how trees draw up nutrients from deep in the soil and then deposit them in their leaves, which become nutrient-rich mulch and compost when they fall to the ground. It's nature's way of recycling and enriching the soil.
Finding a good source of leaves can make a huge difference in your gardening efforts. And as for the haunted leaves, we'll be sure to keep an eye out for any supernatural activity on full moon nights! Thanks for the fun comment!
Best,
Kevin
how often do you turn piles? i get truck loads of leaves and they are not even close to finished in 6 months
I just turned that new pile yesterday. I keep the thermometers in it to monitor the temperature. Temperature doesn't get very high but gets to about 100° f in about 2 weeks I'll probably turn it again. Thanks for asking
I take my yard vacuum and shred part of the leaves before winter hits, it provides nice insulation for the sleeping plants and by spring I reshred and re-lay the leaves so it helps to keep the moisture in the beds then I can add mulch or compost if another kind. It all ends up breaking down and builds the soil. I have so many worms in my soil I don't want to plant in it anymore for fear of chopping them up.I think people tend to overthink compost, go look under the debree in the woods. Gorgeous soil and no one had a hand in it. Mother nature provided everything necessary. Blessings for a gorgeous natural garden.
So you don't need to chop or shred them?
No I don't do any shopping or shredding of the leaf matter or of weeds for that matter. The system works very well. You can see the videos that I created in the fall and winter when I first got the leaf material in the process of turning it a few times.
Mulch and leaves brought in from other properties is a prime method of exponential asian jumping worm expansion Once a property gets infested there is no going back.
There are hardly any worms in the soil anymore.
When I was a kid they used to take a pitchfork fishing where the Platte and Missouri meet in Nebraska there used to be worms every time you turned the soil... Now you gotta buy worms because there ain't any there... Fishing has gotten so bad too. The last 30 years have taken a toll on this world.
The world really went crazy when Trump got elected, then along came Biden, Covid, the border…. I love worms, can cultivate them but the crazy things going on in the world right now is unbelievable.
The only thing missing is water. Wetting it down will make compost quick.
@johnblay155, you're absolutely right! Water is crucial for speeding up the composting process, especially for leaf mold. It helps to break down the materials faster and encourages microbial activity. Thanks for highlighting this important step!
Was just realising ; are there examples of piling organic material in nature or is it just a human concept?
Hi @MrWookie21! That's an interesting question. While humans have certainly refined the concept of piling organic material for composting or mulching, similar processes occur naturally in nature. For instance, in forests, organic matter accumulates on the forest floor as leaves, branches, and other plant materials decompose over time. This natural decomposition process enriches the soil with essential nutrients and creates a fertile environment for plant growth. So, while we may have formalized the practice, the idea of piling organic material to improve soil fertility is rooted in nature itself.
I can't get much in the way of leaves but scrounge every bit of organic matter I can & add shredded brown cardboard for additional carbon.
My total area under cultivation is only 75m²/90yd² excluding paths (these have a 5cm/2" layer of chipped prunings & branches applied annually). As I'm no dig/no till, I apply 2.5cm/1" of compost every year & this alone requires 1.8m³/2.5yd³ plus more for 30 potato tubs, potting on, decorative planters...
Last year, I managed to make more than I needed, so I'm letting it age more & will steam sterilise to use for seed sowing.
If you're adding nitrogen (kitchen scraps) to your leaf pile, then how is it a fungal process producing leaf mold? The food scraps attract bacteria, which produces compost, not leaf mold. No?
You're right to point out the distinction between composting and leaf mold production. While adding kitchen scraps to the leaf pile can indeed introduce nitrogen and accelerate the decomposition process through bacterial activity, our approach to leaf mold is slightly different.
Leaf mold is primarily a fungal process, and it typically occurs when leaves are left to decompose under conditions that favor fungal growth, such as high humidity and low oxygen levels. The key is to balance the carbon (leaves) with just enough nitrogen (from green materials or kitchen scraps) to keep the pile active without overwhelming it with bacteria. In our process, we aim to maintain this balance to promote fungal activity, which is essential for producing that fine, crumbly leaf mold.
You can see in our video how we manage the pile, using a mix of leaves and occasional kitchen scraps, ensuring that we maintain the right conditions for both fungi and bacteria to work together, albeit with a slight bias towards fungal decomposition. Thanks for bringing up this important point!
More like turning leaves into compost mulch.
Your town turns leaf gold into air pollution? Rationale?
I believe its because of limited space, gradually the guys have gotten to know me and the things we do and they feel good about someone using the material as valuable resource.
Go away ! You have nothing worthwhile to say.
IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE - FACTOR THE COST OF EQUIPMENT COST, STORAGE, MAINTENANCE ???
Thanks for your comment! I understand your concern about the cost of equipment, storage, and maintenance. While it's true that these factors can add up, there are a few key points to consider:
Long-term Savings: The initial investment in equipment can be offset by the long-term benefits of producing high-quality compost for our garden. This reduces the need for purchasing commercial compost and fertilizers.
Sustainability: Turning leaves into soil helps us recycle organic matter that would otherwise go to waste, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly gardening practice.
Efficiency: With the right equipment, the process of breaking down leaves into soil is much faster and more efficient, allowing us to keep up with our gardening needs.
Customization: Making our own compost allows us to control the quality and composition, ensuring the best possible results for our specific gardening conditions.
Multi-functionality: The equipment we use for composting also serves multiple purposes, including construction projects and earthworks. This versatility helps justify the investment, as the machinery is not limited to a single function.
While it's not for everyone, for those of us deeply invested in our gardening projects, the benefits can definitely outweigh the costs. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
Compost returns to carbon gas, so we can’t call it soil
Thank you for your comment! While it’s true that the composting process involves the release of some carbon dioxide as organic matter breaks down, this doesn't mean that compost doesn't contribute to soil formation. Here's why:
Compost Enriches Soil: Compost is a crucial component in building healthy soil. When organic matter like compost is added to soil, it enhances the soil structure, improves water retention, and increases nutrient availability for plants.
Nutrient Cycle: Composting is part of the natural nutrient cycle. While some carbon is released as CO2 during decomposition, the remaining organic matter becomes humus-a stable, nutrient-rich material that is essential for soil health. Humus helps to bind soil particles together, creating a crumbly texture that improves aeration and root penetration.
Soil Microorganisms: Compost introduces and supports a diverse population of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. These microbes continue to break down organic matter, cycling nutrients and contributing to the formation of rich, fertile soil.
Organic Matter: Adding compost to soil increases its organic matter content. Organic matter is a key component of soil, contributing to its physical, chemical, and biological properties. It helps to retain moisture, reduce erosion, and provide a slow-release source of nutrients for plants.
Carbon Sequestration: While some carbon is released during composting, the process also sequesters carbon in the form of stable organic matter in the soil. This helps mitigate climate change by storing carbon in the soil rather than releasing it all into the atmosphere.
In summary, composting is a vital process that not only recycles organic waste but also plays a significant role in building and maintaining healthy soil. The end product, compost, enriches the soil, supports plant growth, and contributes to sustainable gardening and agriculture practices. So, while some carbon is indeed released during decomposition, the benefits of compost in creating and enhancing soil far outweigh this aspect.
@@GrowingABetterTomorrow awesome reply and thanks for the time it took to type this👏🏼👏🏼👊🏻
Half a year is not quickly. That’s a typical compost pile.
Thank you for your comment! While it's true that half a year might seem typical for a compost pile, our demonstration was specifically focused on the process of transforming leaves into leaf mold (not a compost video). Leaf mold naturally takes longer than thermophilic composting due to its reliance on fungal decomposition rather than bacterial heat generation.
We've made numerous videos on thermophilic composting, which can break down organic material much more quickly, often within a few weeks. Leaf mold, however, is a different product with unique benefits, particularly for soil structure and moisture retention. Each process has its own timeline and advantages, and we enjoy sharing the diversity of composting methods with our viewers. Thanks for watching!
Gee... unless you have a goddamn tractor; this is completely useless.
Absolutely wrong, if you didn't learn anything from this then you already know what's being done here or you are not capable of learning or don't want to. Tractor, shovel or turning bin, doesn't matter how big.
Hi @indrekkpringi,
I understand your frustration, but creating soil from leaves doesn’t necessarily require heavy machinery like a tractor. There are several simpler, more accessible methods that can be just as effective:
Composting Pile: You can create a compost pile in your backyard. It doesn’t require any machinery, just some space, and a bit of effort. By regularly turning the pile with a pitchfork or shovel, you can help the decomposition process along.
Leaf Mold: Another method is to make leaf mold. Simply gather leaves in a pile or a bin, keep them moist, and let them decompose naturally over time. This process takes longer but requires minimal effort and no machinery.
Mulching: You can also use leaves directly as mulch. Spread them over your garden beds to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Over time, they will break down and enrich the soil.
While it may seem daunting, starting small and being consistent can yield great results without the need for heavy equipment. Happy gardening! 🌿
@@GrowingABetterTomorrow
I have places where I pile up the leaves every autumn for years and they don't turn into soil here in Quebec and it rains a lot here... BTW: with a 6-7 month winter, the decomposing only happens for 4 months, and there are no earth worms here in the Laurentions; just granite and trees.
So the lesson is: don't assume something works everywhere; there are exceptions for everything.
You're making compost not soil, they're different things and you can't make soil.
While we can't replicate the exact complexity of natural soil formed over centuries, we can certainly create a soil-like medium that supports plant growth. By mixing mineral components (sand, silt, clay) with organic matter (compost, leaf mold), and ensuring proper aeration and nutrient balance, we can produce a healthy, fertile growing medium. This process mimics natural soil formation and provides the necessary conditions for plants to thrive. So, yes, we can create soil that meets the needs of our gardens and landscapes!
Leaf mold and compost both contribute valuable properties to soil, but they are different. Leaf mold is made from decomposed leaves and is excellent for improving soil structure and moisture retention, whereas compost is made from a variety of decomposed organic materials (kitchen scraps, garden waste) and is rich in nutrients. Together, they create a well-rounded, fertile soil mix. So, yes, we can create soil that meets the needs of our gardens and landscapes!
how fun is life when you are that pedantic?