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What's the difference?

josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
in Tools and techniques

Can anyone explain the difference, if there is any, between "surface composting" and mulching?   For instance, I've just cut the last of the comfrey to the ground as it was starting to wither.  I spread it on a concrete path, trampled it to crush the big stalks, and spread it on the soil around the  currant and gooseberry bushes.  Then lay awake half the night, wondering whether I was mulching or surface composting?

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  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090

    I think mulching implies a thick layer of well-rotted compost or manure which is worked into the soil over winter by natural activity from worms and other soil organisms.   This would be the no-dig type and brilliant for improving fertility in veg plots and soil structure on clay or sand.

    The other kind of mulch is the weed suppressing layers of chipped bark, gravel or pebbles or slate chippings.

    I think that means your comfrey is surface composting.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530

    Thanks, I shall sleep tonight.

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