The Cook wrote:

I seem to remember that wood as it decomposes uses up the nitrogen in
the soil. Not really good for the garden. Old wives tale or true?

True, with a caveat or two: Any material absorbes nitrogen as it
decomposes. If it doesn't contain much nitrogen of its own, the deficit
comes from its surroundings. Having said that, if the wood chips or
whatever are on the surface, they won't steal much N from the soil under
them. And if the "brown" material is partially rotted already, there's
less of an issue.
So, let it rot and weather as mulch before turning it in, or partially
compost first, and you'll be fine.


Gary Woods AKA K2AHC- PGP key on request, or at home.earthlink.net/~garygarlic
Zone 5/6 in upstate New York, 1420' elevation. NY WO G