leaf mold
Decayed leaf matter
Leaf mold is partially decomposed leaves used as a soil amendment or mulch.
Gardeners prize it for improving soil structure and moisture retention: I let the leaves break down for a year to make leaf mold.
The term also refers to fungal diseases that affect plant foliage, causing spots or decay on leaves.
Protective plant bedding
- soil amendmentSubstance improving dirt quality
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
- potting mixSoilless blend for containers
- seed startingInitiating plant growth
top dressing · raised beds · container gardening · transplanting · vermiculture · horticulture · permaculture · ground cover
Decayed organic soil matter
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
- myceliumFungal filament network
- decomposersOrganisms breaking down dead material
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
microorganisms · rot · breakdown · biodegradation · detritus · humification · mineralization · litter
Nutrient-rich surface earth
- loamFertile soil mixture
- textureSurface tactile quality
- structureArrangement of interconnected parts
- porosityVoid space density
aeration · drainage · water retention · friable · crumbly · forest floor · substrate · root zone
Ground beneath trees
- understoryForest's lower vegetation tier
- woodlandForested land area
- deciduousSheds foliage seasonally
- microhabitatSmall distinct living area
invertebrates · beetles · millipedes · springtails · fungi · biodiversity · ecosystem · nutrient cycle
Vital dietary substances
- nitrogenElement seven, colorless gas
- carbonSixth element, atomic symbol C
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- enrichmentImprovement through addition
plant growth · soil health · earthworms · crop yield · regenerative
mulch
Protective plant bedding
- soil amendmentSubstance improving dirt quality
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
- potting mixSoilless blend for containers
seed starting · top dressing · raised beds · container gardening · transplanting · vermiculture · horticulture · permaculture · ground cover · moisture retention
humus
Decayed organic soil matter
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
- myceliumFungal filament network
- decomposersOrganisms breaking down dead material
bacteria · microorganisms · rot · breakdown · biodegradation · detritus · humification · mineralization · litter · duff
topsoil
Nutrient-rich surface earth
porosity · aeration · drainage · water retention · friable · crumbly · forest floor · substrate · root zone · organic matter
forest floor
Ground beneath trees
- understoryForest's lower vegetation tier
- woodlandForested land area
- deciduousSheds foliage seasonally
microhabitat · invertebrates · beetles · millipedes · springtails · fungi · biodiversity · ecosystem · nutrient cycle · carbon sink
nutrients
Vital dietary substances
- nitrogenElement seven, colorless gas
- carbonSixth element, atomic symbol C
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
enrichment · plant growth · soil health · earthworms · crop yield · regenerative
- cookie moldsgingerbread man
- forest floorfallen leaves, dead leaves, rotting wood, rotting logs, dead wood
- moldsPenicillium, koji, slime mould, ice trays, madeleines
- compostcompost, compost bin, compost pile, compost bins, compost tumbler
- growing mediapotting mix, potting soil, garden soil, perlite, vermiculite
- Soil Amendmentscompost, manure, peat moss, lime, gypsum
leaf moldsynthetic fertilizer
Chemically produced crop nutrients
chemical fertilizer · perlite · vermiculite · sand · gravel
mold, leaf, leafy, moldy, molding, mildew, leaflet, foliage, molds