What to do with fallen leaves in autumn: advice from an ecologist
[ad_1]
Traditionally, in autumn, the ground is covered with a yellow-crimson layer of fallen leaves.
The worst thing to do with these leaves is to burn them. But this method is the most popular outside the city. The best option is to leave the leaves on the ground.
Why so? “UP.Zhyttia” dealt with ecologist, co-founder of NGO SaveDnipro Iryna Chernysh and National Geographic.
Fallen leaves: good or bad for the earth
Not only leaves fall from trees. Structurally, leaf litter consists of
plant remains such as leaves, flowers, bark, seeds and twigs.
Chemically, it contains substances such as cellulose and lignin. A 2023 study found that leaf litter strengthens ecosystem biodiversity by making soil more fertile and reducing the risk of pathogens left behind by animals.
Leaf litter goes through three stages of decomposition, forming soil.
The visible top layer is the litter layer.
The second layer, consisting of rotting leaves, is the fermentation layer.
The final, fully decayed layer consists of a thick and dark organic substance called humus – a type of soil that provides the perfect environment in which plants grow and thrive.
“There is no reason, other than an aesthetic one, that justifies the collection of fallen leaves. The leaves rot during the season, enriching the soil with minerals, structuring and improving its quality.” – says environmentalist Iryna Chernysh.
| Collecting fallen leaves in green areas has only an aesthetic reason/Depositphotos |
In Kyiv and many cities of Ukraine, leaf collection is provided only on the territory of parks, recreational areas, areas of green spaces, squares, and is carried out only on main avenues, paths, recreation areas, parterre lawns, lawns, and flower gardens.
At the same time, in some localities, it is emphasized that leaves in green areas cannot be taken at all.
For example, in 2021, in Boryspil, the “Procedure for implementation of improvement and maintenance of improvement objects” was approved, which states that “Collecting leaves from groups of trees and shrubs in parks, squares, and green areas is prohibited, as this leads to the removal of organic fertilizers and the reduction of the insulating layer for the soil. It is prohibited to burn leaves“.
Why you can not burn fallen leaves
“The main problem is burning leaves – it is that it smolders at the level of human breathing. When conventionally burning 1 ton of leaves, about 30 kg of carbon monoxide is released into the air. A person also inhales dust, heavy metals, nitrogen oxides, carcinogenic compounds”– explains the environmentalist.
If compared to smoking or living in industrially loaded areas, inhaling smoke from a smoldering pile of fallen leaves and waste is situationally worse, Chernysh emphasizes.
Read also: 11 reasons why you should not burn leaves
When burning leaves, the soil cover is destroyed, soil-forming microorganisms die, and ash is formed, which is not a good fertilizer. So burning leads to soil impoverishment.
In natural areas, fire destroys the seeds and roots of herbaceous plants, damages the lower parts of trees and bushes.
 |
During seasonal smoking, air quality maps show an active jump in the direction of air deterioration.
And finally, according to the law “On Protection of Atmospheric Air”, by burning dry grass and leaves a fine from 3,060 to 6,120 hryvnias is provided.
How to get rid of fallen leaves ecologically
The main alternative to burning is composting plant residues.
It is easy to organize both on a private plot and in municipal conditions. The main requirements for proper composting are the arrangement of the composting site (composter, pit in the ground), ensuring air access to the composted plant residues and periodic moistening during a particularly dry period.
“I can say from my own experience that during the season plant residues turn into high-quality compost, which is organic soil for a garden, vegetable garden or home flowers.” – confirms the environmentalist.
 |
| An example of compost from leaves and other plant residues/Depositphotos |
If there is a lot of leaves, you can cut them into smaller pieces with a lawnmower and move them to the flower beds. According to Sue Barton, a plant and soil scientist at the University of Delaware, shredded leaves improve the quality of the soil, so plants growing in the area have more nutrients to absorb. Looser, open soil with better structure promotes better root growth, which of course makes for healthier plants.
It is better to remove leaves from lawns, as they can interfere with photosynthesis and block light.
Barton also cautions against sending leaf litter to a landfill. Usually, it is packed in a plastic bag and taken away. However, this is how people independently deprive themselves of a useful resource.
“If the leaves grew near heavily loaded highways or in the sanitary and protective zone of an industrial enterprise, then it is not worth using compost from them for growing vegetables”– emphasizes environmentalist Iryna Chernysh.
If you don’t have a place to dispose of leaves from your own yard, you can find out what is done with them in your city and turn them in for recycling or compost.
You may also be interested in:
How to compost organic waste in the city: experience and tips
[ad_2]
Original Source Link
