Pecan Shell Mulch Pros and Cons

Most farmers around the world use a mulch to protect their trees and fruit crops from pests and damage. A good example is the use of organic mulches like pecan shells, straw, or hay as mulches for plants. Over time, new methods have pushed out the old ones.

Pecan shell mulch is a dark, reddish-brown material made by breaking down pecan shells and using them to preserve the soil and landscaping. It is a mulch that is both aesthetically pleasing and effective, and it is frequently used in landscaping and gardening.

The majority of individuals prefer to manufacture their own pecan shell mulch rather than purchase it. It is a simple process that begins with the storage of leftover pecan shells.

When it comes to good gardening, it's critical to use cracked pecan shells, which are considered waste, to make efficient mulch. To attract squirrels and birds to the garden, we should use fresh ones instead of old ones.

It may not be as effective if the majority of the shells are consumed. However, pecan shells of any size can be used as mulch. It may take longer to break the larger ones, but their effectiveness is equal. Because of their circular design, they are able to interlock with one other and avoid being blown away by the wind.

Making pecan shells for mulch may be a time-consuming and labor-intensive procedure. Every time you eat a pecan, drop the pecan shells into the compost bin after you finish eating them. In a coffee grinder, grind some of the pecan shells into smaller pieces to smooth out the edges.

This strategy is only effective with little amounts and does not function well on a large scale. Spread the pecan shell mulch over the beds in small parts, leaving at least a 1-inch layer to maintain soil moisture. For big quantities, they are pulverized in a commercial grinder or it may be preferable to spread them out and allow them to degrade naturally over time.

Distribute the mulch evenly over the plant beds, leaving a 2- to 3-inch layer for weed suppression and water retention.

Pecan Shell Mulch Pros

Its round shape makes it easier for the shell cells to blend in with other materials when mixed together, which increases its utility. The fluffy, coarse form of less processed pecan shell mulch can be used in a compost bin as an active catalyst or as a natural biodegradable mulch. Companies, on the other hand, purchase it when it has been processed into fine flour for use in the thickening of liquid latex.

When compared to other types of mulch that are regularly utilized, pecan shell mulch offers a number of advantages. The main benefit is that this mulch has a higher water retention capacity because it decomposes more slowly in the soil than standard wood mulches.

It helps to keep the soil moist, which benefits the plants. The nutrients it releases into the soil once it has broken down are extremely beneficial to plant growth. Pecan shell mulch is lighter in weight than shredded mulches, making it easier to transport from one location to another in a cart. It is extremely light on the feet and has a pleasant crunch underfoot.

Another advantage of pecan shell mulching is that it helps control weeds and prevents undesired growth in the garden. Weed control is a significant concern with all types of fruit and vegetable crops. These problems can be solved by using mulch.

However, when they are washed away by rain, related mulches typically put us at a disadvantage. As opposed to shredded mulches, pecan shell mulch takes a long time to decompose and will not wash away as easily as those mulches. Unlike wood or shredded alternatives, its shells do not become moist. They leave behind a hard crust that is easy to remove and discard.

This organic mulch can also be used to protect the soil from extreme temperature variations, which is another beneficial property. It protects perennial plants from freezing during the harsh winter months, and it protects heat-sensitive plants during the hot summer months to keep them from scorching.

When pecan shell mulch breaks down and decomposes, it leaves behind a rich source of nutrients in the soil. Because they have a pH of 4.34, they give plants acidic properties and a lot of copper, zinc, phosphate, iron, manganese, and zinc.

They also improve the soil's acidity, decrease its alkaline levels, and refine its texture by feeding it with these nutrients. It is especially beneficial for acid-loving plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons.

Pecan Shell Mulch Cons

The cost of pecan shell mulch is high, so it would be best for a small garden, not a large one. The downside of pecan shells as a waste product is that they do not have cost-effective and environmentally friendly disposal solutions.