Northern California Query: I would like to ask about your knowledge of allelopathy and eucalyptus leaves as mulch and compost ingredients. What is the party line on safe usage of eucalyptus leaves and wood chips from there in its native land? The research that Ive found so far does talk about its allelopathy properties, but there appears to be some controversy as to whether its autotoxic (only harms eucalyptus seedlings) as opposed to heterotoxic (can cause harm to some or all other plants in the near vicinity). There are many areas here In California where eucs are grown, so the question regarding their safe use in the garden/compost always comes up with little in the way of definitive research based facts. I did find a source for a South American reforestation research paper that stated that they discouraged locals from planting eucalyptus for this reason of allelopathy in the forest floor, but because they were so fast growing they got a lot of push back from locals who really needed the wood. My personal position is to avoid using it in compost as that may interfere with germination, but as a pathway mulch where growth isnt wanted it seems to be fine. Has your Ag Dept done the research to come up with a definitive rule re which plants are harmed, or not, or is it all just urban legend?
Posted on: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 00:14:09 +0000
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