As part of my ongoing experimentation into the capabilities of AI, I asked ChatGPT what I could do with the branches I produce when pruning my trees. I was quite surprised when it suggested hugelkultur. I'd never heard of this previously. After it described the process (it's basically making raised beds out of layers of branches), I asked it if the rotting branches would rob nitrogen. Here's what it had to say: 'As the woody material in a hugelkultur bed decomposes, it can tie up some of the nitrogen in the soil. This is because nitrogen is one of the key nutrients that decomposing organisms require, and the decomposition process can temporarily deplete the available nitrogen in the soil. However, this is only a temporary issue, and in the long term, hugelkultur beds can actually improve the nitrogen content of the soil. This is because the woody material in the bed breaks down slowly, providing a long-term source of organic matter and nutrients. As the woody material breaks down, it releases nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium into the soil, which can be absorbed by plant roots. To help mitigate the temporary nitrogen depletion, you can add a nitrogen-rich layer like grass clippings or compost to the top of the hugelkultur bed before planting. This can help provide a source of nitrogen for the plants until the woody material in the bed starts to break down and release its own nutrients. Overall, while there can be some temporary nitrogen depletion in a hugelkultur bed, it's not a significant issue, and the long-term benefits of the bed typically outweigh any short-term challenges'.
Think we remember seeing a clip on Tv about doing just that and at the time thought it was a bit too of a rough and ready method, but at least its properly organic. Are you going to give it a try ?
I'm not sure I have the space to do so. I handed control of my back garden to my kids and relegated myself to the role of labourer and consultant. Since then my lawn has already shrunk, a pseudo-Japanese garden with water feature is under construction, and apparently next on the list is a gnome garden. That said, the front garden has so far been a consistent failure, so maybe I could try there.
