Nitrogen hunger occurs when mulching with materials like leaves, grass clippings, or straw. While mulch offers countless benefits, you might notice yellowing leaves on plants a few days after application. This is
nitrogen hunger: soil bacteria decomposing the mulch temporarily rob nitrogen from the soil, starving nearby plants. The nitrogen returns later as decomposition progresses, but plants can suffer in the interim. For authoritative insights, see Supagro's explanation:
here.
To prevent this, apply a 1-2 cm layer of compost just before mulching. This simple step is a proven precaution in organic gardening.
Strawberries thriving under mulch.
