Yes, dry leaves do contain nitrogen. While the exact percentage varies, they are a source of this essential nutrient.
Nitrogen Content in Dry Leaves
Leaves naturally contain nitrogen as they are part of a living plant. When leaves dry and fall, the nitrogen remains within their structure, although its availability to plants depends on decomposition.
According to sources, including information regarding composted leaves, nitrogen is present in dry leaf matter. Specifically, the nitrogen content of composted leaves on a dry basis usually varies from 0.5 to 1.0 percent. This indicates that even after composting, which involves significant decomposition, nitrogen is still a measurable component of the dry material.
Nutrients in Composted Dry Leaves
Besides nitrogen, composted dry leaves also contain other valuable plant nutrients:
- Nitrogen: 0.5 to 1.0 percent
- Potash: In the same range as nitrogen (around 0.5 to 1.0 percent)
- Phosphate: Around 0.1 percent
These nutrient levels, particularly in composted leaves, make them a beneficial addition to soil.
Why Add Composted Leaves to Soil?
While the nutrient percentages might seem modest compared to synthetic fertilizers, incorporating composted leaves offers significant advantages:
- Increases Organic Matter: The main benefit of incorporating composted leaves into the soil is increasing its organic matter content.
- Improves Soil Structure: Organic matter helps sandy soils retain moisture and nutrients while improving drainage in clay soils.
- Supports Soil Life: It provides food for beneficial microorganisms, improving soil health.
- Slow-Release Nutrients: Nutrients like nitrogen are released slowly as the composted leaves continue to break down, providing a steady supply for plants.
Adding dried or composted leaves back to the garden enriches the soil, contributing to a healthier environment for plant growth over time.
