Homeowners and businesses whose landscapes were damaged or destroyed by the recent wildfires, should begin taking steps to prevent erosion before fall and winter rains by repairing the soil and adding nutrients to promote plant growth, says Rick Wilson, Ph.D., chief science officer at Agromin, the largest organic waste recycler and compost and mulch producer in California.
When landscapes are affected by fire, the soil loses its top layer of organic matter (leaves, twigs and other organic materials), and soil particles fuse together, causing soil compaction. This prevents water from penetrating the soil, increasing runoff and erosion. Key nutrients, especially nitrogen, are lost and microbes are destroyed.
“To prevent erosion, particularly on slopes, we recommend mixing organic compost into existing soil and putting a two-to-four-inch layer of composted mulch on top of the soil,” says Willson. “Compost and mulch restore water-holding capacity, improve infiltration, replenish nutrients, and reintroduce beneficial microbes that help soil and plants to recover naturally. Mulch also keeps soil cool, which is conducive to plant growth.”
Wilson says California SB 1383, a law designed to reduce greenhouse gases, is a game-changer for those who need to address soil issues.
“SB 1383 requires jurisdictions to distribute compost and mulch made from its collected organic waste that would have otherwise ended up in landfills, where it would emit methane gas,” says Wilson. “To meet the distribution requirements, jurisdictions have created programs that offer soil and mulch to residents and businesses at no cost. These programs have come at a perfect time for those who must totally relandscape their property. Contact your city or county to find out if a giveaway program is available.”
Agromin serves more than 200 California communities and recycles over 1.2 million tons of green waste each year. It turns the waste into earth-friendly soil products for homeowners, landscapers, government entities and farmers. For information about Agromin’s organic Compost 100 and Cover Mulch, go to www.Agromin.com or call 800-485-9200.