wood chippings as a mulch

[iam]

I have noted in some other threads that the advice is to use wood chippings, sawdust etc. as a mulch, I was always under the impression that this would use up nitrogen in the soil to decompose or is the effects minimal

[zazen999]

If it sits on the soil, how would it use up nitrogen in the soil?

[binley100]

If you're worried then put a thick layer of newspaper down first.....

[roitelet]

I've been using it for several years now and the plants have not shown any ill effects.

[Bigmallly]

I've been using it for several years now and the plants have not shown any ill effects.

Likewise...........

[Olorin2001]

Woodchips depletes nitrogen only when mixed with the soil, as a mulch it's fine.

[bojangles]

Can connfifers chippings be used in the same way?/ I have a few bags and was thinking of using them on the fruit bed?? Thanks

[BertieFox]

Coniferous chips can make your soil more acid and some types will deter seedlings from growing (as will things like poplar leaves.)
I use all kinds of things as a mulch around growing vegetables once they get going, but the real problem comes at the end of the season or when you want to cultivate the soil again as they are difficult to remove. Wood chips can take several years to rot and it is far too easy to dig them in in future cultivations which WILL deplete some nitrogen.
The ideal situation would be to compost them for a year and only then use them.

[iam]

If it sits on the soil, how would it use up nitrogen in the soil?

See BertieFox`s answer

[keepitgreen]

You probably know this but I have heard that kids playground wood chippings quite often have weed killer on. Just in case you are thinking of buying.

[zazen999]

See BertieFox`s answer

Which bit exactly are you referring to? Bertie is taking about digging them in not leaving them in the soil as a mulch.

[iam]

Generally if I have a mulch down it finish`s up being hoed into the soil, but the original question finished with, or are the effects minimal, showing that I was unsure of the actual effect and therefore seeking advice on this.

[bojangles]

O dear!! Now what can I use the 20+ bags full of the stuff for!! That's my idea now in the bin.

[zazen999]

O dear!! Now what can I use the 20+ bags full of the stuff for!! That's my idea now in the bin.

Mulching?

If you use it as a mulch and let the worms drag it down there is no effect apart from a distinct lack of weeds and water retention. Which are good things. If you want to remove them, just rake them into the compost heap. It really is that simple.

[Scarlet]

I've used it for years around my fruit beds as a mulch to stop the weeds. I don't dig or hoe around them, just pull out the weeds that creep through and add more as needed. My fruit bushes seem to be doing well on it!