Eucalyptus Leaves As Mulch

Eucalyptus leaves make fine mulch when used correctly. However, the improper use of eucalyptus leaves or bark will have an adverse effect on some food-producing plants, according to James J. Ferguson and Bala Rathinasabapathi of the University of Florida. Eucalyptus leaves are an allelopathic plant matter and, unless composted, may harm crop production.

An allelopath is a plant that releases a beneficial or harmful chemical substance to aid or suppress the growth of surrounding vegetation. This release can occur from "leeching, root exudation, volatilization, residue decomposition and other processes in both natural and agricultural systems," according to Ferguson and Rathinasabapathi. Eucalyptus is a common allelopath, and both the leaves and bark of the plant pose a serious threat to other vegetation if not composted before being used as mulch.

Composting helps to control a wide assortment of allelopaths, including eucalyptus. Properly composting the leaves and bark or sawdust of a eucalyptus tree--grinding or chopping, then adding to a compost pile and awaiting natural decomposition--will aid in removing a large portion of allelopathic chemicals from the eucalyptus waste. Unfortunately, trace amounts of allelopathic chemicals remain in even composted eucalyptus mulch, and this may have an effect on various vegetation.

According to Lorrie Stromme of the University of Minnesota, eucalyptus trees release phenolic compounds that harm the growth and development of most shrubs, herbs and grasses. This renders eucalyptus mulch unfit for use around shrubs, herbs and grasses, but should allow for the control of grass growth in areas where grass is unwanted. Most allelopathic toxins are contained within a 5-meter radius, according to Ferguson and Rathinasabapathi.

There are many uses for eucalyptus leaves, including essential oil manufacture and cold and sinus remedies. These industries produce an enormous amount of eucalyptus waste product that has led to many studies on the uses of eucalyptus waste, according to Science Daily. Mulch is one of the many things these studies have tested. Many plant species are not affected by eucalyptus allelopaths, but a grower should check individual plant susceptibility before using eucalyptus mulch.

According to Science Daily, eucalyptus leaf mulch is acceptable mulch for popular mushroom varieties. When Pleurutus ostreatus and Polyporos teniculus mushroom varieties--two very different and distinct mushroom types--were grown on bay leaf or eucalyptus mulches, there was a beneficial increase in the flavor, color and texture as compared to traditional mushroom mulches. This exciting discovery will aid in the environmentally conscious disposal of eucalyptus leaves and suggests that eucalyptus mulch is fit for growing a wide variety of mushrooms.