Agronom gave advice on the use of fallen foliage in the country

According to the expert, healthy leaves serve as an ideal food for earthworms. Processing organic matter, worms saturate the soil with biohumus and loosen it with their moves. In addition, a thick layer of foliage works like a natural mulch: it retains moisture, protects plant roots from freezing and creates comfortable conditions for the wintering of useful insects. Even in severe frosts, the ground under such a “blanket” remains alive.

However, there is an important rule: you can use only a healthy fall. Leaves with signs of scab, rust or coccomycosis are a direct threat. Left on the surface, they will become a breeding ground for fungal spores that attack fruit trees in the spring. Burning such garbage is not recommended due to pungent smoke. The best solution is to dig a compost pit or trench, put contaminated foliage there and fill it with earth.

Healthy fall (birch, oak, lime) agronomist advises to actively apply in beds. Excellent life hack to fight weeds and drought: cover the soil around currant or raspberry bushes with dense cardboard, and cover it with a thick layer of leaves or mowed grass from above. This combination blocks the growth of weeds and retains moisture for two months ahead.

In the spring it will be enough just to rake this shelter to get loose, wet and clean land, ready for new landings.