Why compost leaves first?

Using Leaf Compost

Why compost leaves first? If newly fallen leaves are added dirctly to the soil without first being composted, the microbes that decompose the leaves complete witht he growing plants for soil nitrogen. The temporary nitrogen shortage caused by the microbes can reduce plant growth. To reduce or eliminate this competion for nitrogen, composting of the leaves is recommended prior to incorporating them into soils. Using leaf compost