Why I use and Love Wood Chips

Written By Kevin Wallace

Wood chips, often used as mulch or soil amendments in gardening and landscaping, contain a variety of nutrients that can benefit plants as they decompose. However, the nutrient content of wood chips can vary depending on the type of wood and its age. Generally, wood chips provide the following nutrients:

Major Nutrients

1. Nitrogen (N):

• Wood chips contain low levels of nitrogen. As they decompose, they can temporarily tie up nitrogen in the soil, which is important to consider when using them as mulch.

• Over time, as wood chips break down, they release some nitrogen back into the soil.

2. Phosphorus (P):

• Present in small amounts, phosphorus is essential for root development and energy transfer within plants.

3. Potassium (K):

• Wood chips contain potassium, which helps with water regulation, disease resistance, and overall plant health.

Secondary Nutrients

1. Calcium (Ca):

• Many wood chips, especially those from hardwoods, contain calcium, which is important for cell wall structure and stability in plants.

2. Magnesium (Mg):

• Essential for chlorophyll production and enzyme activation, magnesium is found in small amounts in wood chips.

Micronutrients

1. Iron (Fe):

• Iron is crucial for chlorophyll synthesis and enzyme function and is present in trace amounts in wood chips.

2. Manganese (Mn):

• Involved in photosynthesis, respiration, and nitrogen assimilation.

3. Zinc (Zn):

• Important for enzyme function and protein synthesis.

4. Copper (Cu):

• Necessary for photosynthesis, respiration, and lignin synthesis in plant cell walls.

5. Boron (B):

• Plays a role in cell wall formation and reproductive development.

1. Molybdenum (Mo):

• Essential for nitrogen fixation and utilization.

Organic Matter and Soil Benefits

• Organic Matter: Wood chips are rich in organic matter, which improves soil structure, moisture retention, and aeration as they decompose.

• Lignin and Cellulose: These complex organic compounds decompose slowly, contributing to long-term soil organic matter and the formation of humus.

• Microbial Activity: The decomposition process of wood chips supports beneficial microbial activity in the soil, enhancing nutrient cycling and soil health.

Application Tips

• Nitrogen Management: Since wood chips can temporarily deplete soil nitrogen during decomposition, it may be helpful to add a nitrogen source, like compost or a balanced fertilizer, when using fresh wood chips as mulch.

• Layer Thickness: Apply a 2-4 inch layer of wood chips around plants, keeping them a few inches away from stems and trunks to prevent rot.

• Mixing with Soil: Incorporate aged or partially decomposed wood chips into the soil to improve organic matter content without significant nitrogen depletion.

By understanding the nutrient content and benefits of wood chips, gardeners and landscapers can use them effectively to enhance soil health and support plant growth.

Using wood chips for mulching a food forest offers several benefits:

1. Weed Suppression: Wood chips form a thick barrier that inhibits weed growth by blocking sunlight, and reducing competition for nutrients and water.

2. Moisture Retention: They help retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation, which is crucial for maintaining consistent soil hydration and reducing the need for frequent watering.

3. Soil Temperature Regulation: Wood chips help moderate soil temperatures, keeping roots cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, promoting healthier plant growth.

4. Nutrient Enrichment: As wood chips decompose, they gradually release nutrients into the soil, enriching it and improving its fertility over time.

5. Soil Structure Improvement: The decomposition process of wood chips adds organic matter to the soil, enhancing its structure, aeration, and drainage.

6. Erosion Control: The mulch layer helps protect the soil from erosion caused by wind and water, preserving the topsoil and preventing nutrient loss.

7. Fungal Growth Promotion: Wood chips create a favorable environment for beneficial fungi, such as mycorrhizae, which form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake.

8. Biodiversity Enhancement: The mulch layer provides a habitat for various beneficial organisms, including insects, earthworms, and microorganisms, which contribute to soil health and ecosystem stability.

9. Aesthetic Appeal: Wood chips create a neat and visually pleasing appearance, enhancing the overall look of the food forest.

10. Cost-Effective: Often available as a byproduct from arborists or landscaping services, wood chips can be an inexpensive or even free mulching option.

11. Carbon Sequestration: The use of wood chips contributes to carbon sequestration, as the carbon in the wood is gradually incorporated into the soil rather than being released into the atmosphere as CO2.

12. Pathway Material: Wood chips can also be used to create natural and comfortable pathways through the food forest, reducing soil compaction in walkways.

By incorporating wood chips into a food forest, gardeners can create a healthier, more sustainable, and productive ecosystem.