Can shredded paper be used directly on the soil?

[sez]

Bit of a stupid question this, but is there any use for shredded paper 'as is' on heavy clay soil? I've had a bit of a google for it but nothing conclusive. Ie could it be dug in at the end of summer to rot down and possibly improve soil structure over winter?

I don't have a compost bin (and due to rat problems don't plan on one at the moment), it can be recycled by our council but will be a faff wrapping it up so it doesn't blow away! So if it can be used, i'd like to use it!

[gardenplot]

Not sure really, i could be messy if used a on top of soil as it would blow all over in the wind, i use my shredded paper in the compost bin, you could get a tub and mix it in with some soil and let it rot down a bit then use it to dig in to your soil.

[gojiberry]

Don't see any reason not to use your shredded paper straight onto your soil as long as you do it in moderation. It will very quickly break down in the soil. I use newspapers for mulching and it only takes a couple of months for that to break down, but that is due to the thickness that I put down in the first place.

[Flummery]

People plant paper pots which rot down very quickly. I would think the problem is stopping it blowing away!

[Hans Mum]

if you dampen it before puting it down it should stop it blowing away till it starts to rot down, although probably not in the winds weve got at the moment

[MURFE 18]

bean trench

Hi, all i use my shredded paper in a bean trench at this time of year i dig a trench for my runner beans about 12inches deep fill it with the paper, and kitchen scraps ,also cardboard then back fill leave it alone till ready to plant beans the week before add a top dressing .etc.

[bridget mc laughlin]

I use all my scrap paper and keep it in sheets and mulch all of my oinons with it,it sure does save alot of hoeing

[Two_Sheds]

I use shredded paper (after the guinea pigs have peed on it) in bean trenches and on compost bin.
BTW, compost heaps don't necessarily attract rats: I've never had rats in any of my compost heaps (mice moved into the Dalek last year, but moved out pronto once I watered it thoroughly)

[momol]

I used some old newspaper for mulching tomatoes, it works very well to retain moisture during hot summer, just make sure your shredded paper are wet before using it for mulching this way they will not be blown away by wind. I did use them for paper pot too and it works very well.

[chrissie the chippy]

I've put a few inches of mushed up paper and horse poo down on half of my potatoe bed.... no idea if it was a good idea or not It comes bagged up from a horse man..... just paper, poo and wee.

I did dig in a bit, but that was because I had run out of tarp to cover it with to stop it flying about, if, it were to dry out. I'll dig the rest in as soon as I can, hopefully it will be ok on my potatoes

I'll also be having a go at using paper for trenches for the beans and for making pots! I get everyone to save them for me... and loo rolls

[nick nack]

I mixed shredded paper with compost into my raised beds , around October, and it has rotted down nicely.

NN