When do fall leaves release their nutrients?

[Woodznutz]

Scientists say it happens in the fall. However, I believe it happens mostly in the spring when the weather warms and the leaves really begin to disintegrate. What say you?

 

[Meister]

I say in the fall, when the leaves turn, and fall with their nutrients. The benefits are shown in the spring from
the decomposed leaves.

Also, Woodznutz , shouldn't you have a linked source to your claim?

 

[Woodznutz]

I say in the fall, when the leaves turn, and fall with their nutrients. The benefits are shown in the spring from
the decomposed leaves.

Also, Woodznutz , shouldn't you have a linked source to your claim?

My own observation is my source. Fall leaves basically remain whole until spring, especially oak leaves. Decomposition virtually stops when winter sets in.

 

[Sunsettommy]

My own observation is my source. Fall leaves basically remain whole until spring, especially oak leaves. Decomposition virtually stops when winter sets in.

No I can't agree with that since decomposition begins immediately at different rates based on variable factors such as soil fertility, contact with soil, temperature, moisture and fragmentation of the leaf cells.

 

[progressive hunter]

Scientists say it happens in the fall. However, I believe it happens mostly in the spring when the weather warms and the leaves really begin to disintegrate. What say you?

if it happens as they fall would mean the nutrients would blow away in the wind and never get into the ground,,

they get compacted into the ground over the winter months and start decomposing as temps rise,,
at least thats what I have observed over the 60 yrs working in the dirt,,
IMO

 

[progressive hunter]

No I can't agree with that since decomposition begins immediately at different rates based on variable factors such as soil fertility, contact with soil, temperature, moisture and fragmentation of the leaf cells.

nothing decomposes when the temp is low during winter months,,

just look in your refrigerator for an example,,
nothing decomposes when its frozen,,

 

[progressive hunter]

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[Sunsettommy]

nothing decomposes when the temp is low during winter months,,

just look in your refrigerator for an example,,
nothing decomposes when its frozen,,

LOL, they still decompose but at a very slow rate as they lose moisture, Enzyme action and more but as I stated the RATE of decomposition varies based on a number of factors. The amount of LIGNIN in the leaves is a major factor on how fast it will decompose and the C to N ratio is also a major factor which educated gardeners add some soil into the compost mix even a small scattering of nitrogen into it and of course some manure to accelerate the breakdown process.

I have composted leaves several different years, I speed it up by shredding the leaves with the lawnmower which greatly increases the surface area for decomposition.

 

[progressive hunter]

LOL, they still decompose but at a very slow rate as they lose moisture, Enzyme action and more but as I stated the RATE of decomposition varies based on a number of factors. The amount of LIGNIN in the leaves is a major factor on how fast it will decompose and the C to N ratio is also a major factor which educated gardeners add some soil into the compost mix even a small scattering of nitrogen into it and of course some manure to accelerate the breakdown process.

I have composted leaves several different years, I speed it up by shredding the leaves with the lawnmower which greatly increases the surface area for decomposition.

I ways just giving the short answer,,

but youre right the whole process can take yrs depending on what specific nutrients youre talking about,,

what doesnt happen is all nutrients are released at once when the leaves fall

 

[Sunsettommy]

I ways just giving the short answer,,

but youre right the whole process can take yrs depending on what specific nutrients youre talking about,,

what doesnt happen is all nutrients are released at once when the leaves fall

The longest is around 3 years for high lignin leaves.

 

[Woodznutz]

LOL, they still decompose but at a very slow rate as they lose moisture, Enzyme action and more but as I stated the RATE of decomposition varies based on a number of factors. The amount of LIGNIN in the leaves is a major factor on how fast it will decompose and the C to N ratio is also a major factor which educated gardeners add some soil into the compost mix even a small scattering of nitrogen into it and of course some manure to accelerate the breakdown process.

I have composted leaves several different years, I speed it up by shredding the leaves with the lawnmower which greatly increases the surface area for decomposition.

I have four cubic yards of shredded leaves from last fall ready to be mixed with mowed grass and garden soil and composted this spring and summer.