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from Ed ex@directory contains these words:
On 10/09/08 13:24, Charlie Pridham wrote:
In article ,
says...
I have been told that I must pick up all clippings from a privet hedge
if they fall in a flower border, on the grounds that the cutting inhibit
growth of other plants. I suspect this is an old wife's tale. Is there
any substance to it?

unless they are actually on top of plants they will do no harm, the "It
will take nitrogen from the soil" statement is technically possible but
in practice never happens as there is plenty of nitrogen in the air


Indeed, air is mainly nitrogen.

Even so, plants cannot absorb this gaseous nitrogen through their leaves.

Peas, beans, lentils, clover etc can, I understand, and there is work
going on at the moment to genetically engineer the ability into other
types of crop in order to reduce the need for the energy-hungry
manufacture of artificial fertilisers.

--
Rusty
Direct reply to: horrid dot squeak snailything zetnet point co period uk
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