Method of Making Leaf Mold
In home gardening, leaf mold is a natural fertilizer that improves soil structure. It not only provides abundant nutrition for plants but also improves soil aeration, making it an excellent medium for green plant maintenance. Mastering the correct method of making leaf mold and understanding its decomposition cycle can make your plant care more effective and less laborious.
Complete Process Analysis of Making Leaf Mold
Key Points of Raw Material Collection and Processing
When collecting leaves, it is recommended to choose broad-leaved trees such as ginkgo and plane trees, and avoid coniferous trees like pine and cypress. The best collection time is from after the first frost to before the beginning of spring, when the cellulose in the leaves is fully decomposed. During collection, pay attention to removing stones and impurities, and retaining intact leaves to facilitate microbial decomposition.
Optimization Scheme for Composting Process
When using the layered composting method, every 10cm layer of leaves should be covered with 3cm of garden soil as a carrier for microorganisms. It is recommended to sprinkle EM bacteria accelerant between layers to speed up decomposition, and maintain the moisture content of the heap at 60%-65%. Regular turning of the heap can maintain oxygen supply, promote the reproduction of aerobic bacteria, and shorten the fermentation cycle.
Key Parameters for Temperature-controlled Fermentation
The fermentation drum should be placed in an environment of 25-35°C, and the first turning should be done when the core temperature reaches 50°C. In winter, black plastic film can be used to cover and insulate, while in summer, shading is needed to prevent excessive evaporation of water. Adding soybean cake water or brown sugar water can supplement the carbon-nitrogen ratio and improve humification efficiency.
Judging Decomposition and Post-treatment
Standard for Maturity Identification
Quality leaf mold should present a dark brown granular structure, have no odor, and have a stable pH value between 6.0-7.5. It can be tested by the hand-squeeze method: if it forms a ball when squeezed and crumbles easily when lightly tapped, it is in the best state. Clearly visible leaf veins in partially decomposed soil indicate the need for extended composting time.
Necessity of Sterilization Treatment
In the hot summer noon, spread the leaf mold in a thin layer of 3cm, and ultraviolet radiation can kill 99% of pathogens. Combined with boiling water irrigation or microwave heating treatment, it can completely eliminate eggs. After treatment, it is recommended to add 5% perlite to improve aeration.
Mastering the essence of making leaf mold can not only obtain quality cultivation substrates but also achieve the recycling of garden waste. Through scientific proportioning and process control, a stable output of nutrient-rich soil with a moderate pH and humic acid can be achieved, creating an ideal growth environment for plant roots.