Paper Mulch

[lfcjohn]

I have access to large amounts of shredded paper and was wondering if i could use this as a mulch when my potatoes start showing
thanks
John

[SimonCole]

Paper mulch is becoming more heavily used in agriculture. It contains quite a lot of lignin that holds moisture for 1000 years before it breaks down. The problem with it is that it contains quite a lot of copper and heavy metals that some plants don't like. It depends very much on the soil type as to whether it should be used.

Top soils are have very complex microbiology and I would be uncertain how that would be affected. I tend to think that potatoes do perfectly fine on their own without mulching, just earthing-up.

Small quantities should be fine as you normally see over an inch on fields.

[ClayGarden]

I bet you sure could as a mulch. Though digging in would be a lot better. I'd water it a bit to get it to wet down. It would be gone in no time.

[Hans Mum]

& you can use it to line trenches if youre growing beans