Wood chips in the garden

Tania · October 2, 2014

Wood chips will contribute into building humus (as lignin is broken down by fungi). Hay - I am not so sure, as is it broken down by bacteria.

Wood chips promote fungi. Hay will help to feed bacterial life in the soil.

They say that fruit trees prefer fungi dominant soil.

So they are very different.

By the way, there is an easy test for herbicides in hay - plant a few tomato or pepper seeds in a pot and cover with hay. Watch for signs of herbicide damage as they sprout and grow. You'll notice it, if there is any herbicide residue in there, as tomatoes and peppers are very sensitive. You can also do that with peas.

Cheers,
Tatiana

October 2, 2014	#18
Tania Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Anmore, BC, Canada Posts: 3,970	Wood chips will contribute into building humus (as lignin is broken down by fungi). Hay - I am not so sure, as is it broken down by bacteria. Wood chips promote fungi. Hay will help to feed bacterial life in the soil. They say that fruit trees prefer fungi dominant soil. So they are very different. By the way, there is an easy test for herbicides in hay - plant a few tomato or pepper seeds in a pot and cover with hay. Watch for signs of herbicide damage as they sprout and grow. You'll notice it, if there is any herbicide residue in there, as tomatoes and peppers are very sensitive. You can also do that with peas. Cheers, Tatiana __________________ Tatiana's TOMATObase