Leaf mold

Leaf mold (spelled leaf mould outside of the United States) is the compost produced by decomposition of shaded[1] deciduous shrub and tree leaves, primarily by fungal breakdown in a slower cooler manner as opposed to the bacterial degradation of leaves.[2][3]

Description

Leaves shed in autumn tend to have a very low nitrogen content and are often dry. Their main constituents, cellulose and lignin, are two recalcitrant molecules resistant to degradation.[4][5] Because of this, autumn leaves break down far more slowly than most other compost ingredients which may take a very long time on their own. Specialised biota, such as molds,[6] produce extracellular enzymes[7] which can easily break down those complex plant polymers(cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose)[8] into biologically accessible forms[9] enriching the soil environment.

The importance of this decomposition of the leaves and other shed plant litter is that their degradation and decomposition forms a critical step in the mineralization of organic nutrients and their recycling.[9]

Time and process

Fungal decomposition of a heap of leaves in damp temperate climates can take between one and three years to break down into a dark brown fine powdery humic matter. A succession of different fungal species may be involved.[10] A range of micro detritivores are also involved in converting the leaf material into a fine-grained humus, including many isopods, millipedes, earthworms, etc.

Uses

In the natural environment, the decomposition of leaves provides a moist growing medium for young plants and protects the ground from drying out during periods of low rainfall. It is a significant component of soil organic matter, particularly in temperate deciduous woodland. The slow rate of decomposition gradually releases plant nutrients bound up in the leaves back into the environment to be re-used by plants. Autumn leaves are often collected in gardens and farms into pits or containers for the resultant leaf mold to be used later.

Oxygen and moisture are essential for leaf decomposition. Leaf mold is not high in nutrient content but is an excellent humic soil conditioner because its structure and moisture retention provide a good growing medium for seedling roots.

Leaves collected from roads and pavements may be contaminated by pollutants which can become more concentrated as the leaves decompose into a smaller volume [11]

See also

References
  1. Travis, Mike. "Leaf Mold compost" (PDF).
  2. Travis, Mike. "Leaf Mold Compost" (PDF).
  3. Trautmann, Nancy; Olynciw, Elaina (1996). "Compost Microorganisms". Cornell Waste Management Institute.
  4. Kai Yue; et al. (2016). "Degradation of lignin and cellulose during foliar litter decomposition in an alpine forest river". Ecosphere. 7 (10). doi:10.1002/ecs2.1523.
  5. "Compost Chemistry". Cornell University. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  6. Lakna (6 December 2017). "Difference Between Mold and Fungus". Pediaa. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  7. Anna M Romaní; et al. (2016). "Interactions of bacteria and fungi on decomposing litter: differential extracellular enzyme activities". Ecology. 87 (10): 2559–2569. doi:10.1890/0012-9658(2006)87[2559:iobafo]2.0.co;2. hdl:10256/7689. PMID 17089664.
  8. Anna M Romaní; et al. (2006). "Interactions of bacteria and fungi on decomposing litter: differential extracellular enzyme activities". Ecology. 87 (10): 2559–2569. doi:10.1890/0012-9658(2006)87[2559:iobafo]2.0.co;2. hdl:10256/7689. PMID 17089664.
  9. Kai Yue; et al. (31 October 2016). "Degradation of lignin and cellulose during foliar litter decomposition in an alpine forest river". Ecosphere. 7 (10). doi:10.1002/ecs2.1523.
  10. Jana Voříšková1; Petr Baldrian (11 October 2012). "Fungal community on decomposing leaf litter undergoes rapid successional changes". The ISME Journal. 7 (3): 477–486. doi:10.1038/ismej.2012.116. PMC 3578564. PMID 23051693.
  11. "Leaf litter in street sweepings: investigation into collection and treatment" (PDF). The Environment Agency. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
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