Succession Mulching

Improving soil structure for plants and trees.

Often we think that throwing a handful of NPK fertiliser at a plant will fix a nutrient problem; which it sort of does by providing nutrients directly to the plant but it does not improve soil structure, does not encourage aeration , or leave long lasting nutrient content in the ground .

Succession Mulching ' is a simple technique where different organic matters are layered in a specific succession ( order ) starting with compost or organic matter then composted lawn clippings finally topped with a wood chip mulch.

By mulching in this order the compost and organic matter increase the good bacteria and the wood chip

mulch promotes good fungal growth. As they slowly break down they feed different groups of micro-organisms in the soil , leaving a stronger soil structure, improved soil

nutrients and improved water retention.

Important reminders :

People often over mulch thinking that thicker is better. It's important to

mulch relatively thinly, which cools the soil, conserves moisture, inhibits weeds and more importantly allows water to penetrate the soil and not just sit under the mulch and it also allows oxygen to filter into topsoil.

If applying fresh manures as your organic matter be cautious as fresh manure can be too strong which will kill your plants. It should be aged for several months or composted to break down any harmful ammonia.

Composted lawn clippings release nutrients slowly, acting as a soil conditioner. Fresh lawn clippings provide an immediate, rapid release of nutrients (nitrogen and potassium).

When apply fresh lawn clippings to an area , be mindful of what time of year it is , grass in seed will grown grass weeds where ever you put it if it's not composted or aged.

Succession mulch also works for garden beds that are being over wintered , just dig everything in a week before planting in spring.

Interesting fact:

Soils repeatedly mulched with wood chips made from pine / pine bark will gradually become water repellent.

( Hydrophobic)

Below are photos of recent succession mulch of a large magnolia tree in a raised garden bed where the soil had become Hydrophobic so water would either bead on the surface or run

straight off. Using - aged chook pooh, aged lawn clippings and tree mulch.

Finished result

Composted lawn clippings.