How leaf mold is made

Abstract

To provide a method of producing leaf mold, capable producing leaf mold equivalent to leaf mold produced in the nature in a shorter time than the nature, while preventing generation of odor resulting from anaerobic decomposition.SOLUTION: The method of producing leaf mold, comprises a deposition step S1 of depositing a leaf mold raw material, a fermentation step S2 of fermenting the deposit, and an agitation step S3 of agitating the fermented deposit, the deposition step S1 comprising a tree-root layer forming step S101 of uniformly laying tree roots to form a tree-root layer 1, a cut grass layer forming step S102 of uniformly laying cut grass over the tree-root layer 1 to form a cut grass layer 2, and a tree leaf layer forming step S103 of uniformly laying crushed tree leaves over the cut grass layer 2 to form a tree leaf layer 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing leaf mold, the method including a tree root layer step, a grass clipping layer step, and a branch and leaf layer step. [Background technology]

[0002] In mountain forests, rotting wood, fallen leaves, and fallen branches accumulate on the ground, and these deposits are gradually decomposed by soil organisms such as microorganisms. The process of decomposing and rotting this deposit accumulates over many years and is called leaf humus. This leaf humus is suitable for growing plants and can be used for agricultural crops, but usable leaf humus in the natural world takes a very long time to form, such as 50 to 100 years.

[0003] Since leaf mold in nature takes a very long time to form, artificial leaf mold is also known, as described in Patent Document 1, Non-Patent Document 1, and Non-Patent Document 2. Artificial leaf mold as described in the patent documents and non-patent documents is produced by collecting and piling fallen leaves and fermenting them for about six months to a year. As described in paragraph

[0028] , Patent Document 1 mixes in fermentation aids (fermentation bacteria and rice bran) to promote fermentation, and Non-Patent Document 2 also mixes in rice bran. Animal waste such as chicken manure may also be mixed in. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-341859 A [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Koshin Kawara Co., Ltd. "Leaf mold sales" Search date: February 5, 2023 <http: / / www.koshin-kawara.com / fuyoudo> [Non-Patent Document 2] Mynavi Agriculture TOP>Production Technology>Easy even for beginners! How to make easy leaf mold [The field is a small great nature vol. 76] Search date: February 5, 2023〈https: / / agri.mynavi.jp / 2020_04_16_116169 / 〉 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem with leaf mold in nature is that it takes a very long time to become usable. In addition, since it is made by simply piling up fallen leaves and other debris, the supply of oxygen during the fermentation process is low, and so-called anaerobic decomposition occurs easily. Therefore, the hydrogen sulfide and methane generated by anaerobic decomposition during the fermentation process produce a foul odor.

[0007] The problem of bad odors caused by anaerobic decomposition also occurs during the fermentation process in artificial leaf compost made by piling up fallen leaves, so consideration must be given to the surrounding environment, and it is difficult to carry out large-scale production in areas with houses nearby. In addition, frequent stirring is required to suppress the bad odors caused by anaerobic decomposition.

[0008] In addition, as described in Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2, some artificial leaf mold contains rice bran and the like, and some are not made from pure organic materials like natural leaf mold. Some also contain animal waste, but animal waste can contain pathogenic bacteria, and there is a risk that the pathogens will remain if fermentation is insufficient.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a method for producing leaf humus that enables large-scale production of leaf humus without giving too much consideration to the surrounding environment by suppressing the generation of foul odors due to anaerobic decomposition. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing leaf humus that can produce leaf humus equivalent to that found in nature in a shorter period of time than that found in nature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the method for producing leaf mold of the present invention comprises a piling step of piling leaf mold raw materials, a fermentation step of fermenting the pile, and a stirring step of stirring the fermented pile, wherein the piling step includes a tree root layer step of spreading tree roots evenly to form a tree root layer, a grass clipping layer step of spreading grass clippings evenly on the tree root layer to form a grass clipping layer, and a branch and leaf layer step of spreading crushed branches and leaves evenly on the grass clipping layer to form a branch and leaf layer, and the stirring step is characterized in that the grass clipping layer and the branch and leaf layer above the tree root layer are stirred.

[0011] As a result, sufficient soil microorganisms survive in the tree root layer, and the gaps created by the tree roots ensure sufficient oxygen necessary for decomposition, which is called aerobic decomposition, and the generation of bad odors can be suppressed. In addition, since the grass clippings and branch / leaf layer are simply stirred (turned over), the tree root layer, which is a breeding site for soil microorganisms, can be protected, and the generation of bad odors can be suppressed by continuing aerobic decomposition. Furthermore, the formation of a branch / leaf layer on top of the grass clippings promotes fermentation by soil microorganisms. Therefore, large-scale production of leaf mold can be performed even in places with living areas nearby. In addition, tree roots, grass clippings, and branches, which are not used in patent and non-patent documents, can be effectively utilized.

[0012] The method for producing the leaf mold of the present invention is also described. method The method is characterized in that the grass clipping layer step and the branch and leaf layer step are repeated in the accumulation step, which allows the fermentation by soil microorganisms to be uniform and more accelerated.

[0013] The method for producing the leaf mold of the present invention is also described. method is the branch layer process Crushing The branches and leaves are characterized by having been subjected to a branch and leaf fermentation process in which they are piled up and fermented before forming the branch and leaf layer, which further promotes fermentation.

[0014] The method for producing the leaf mold of the present invention is also described. methodThe method is characterized in that the branches and leaves in the branch and leaf layer process are made of live wood. Because the branches and leaves are live wood, they are rich in chlorophyll, which makes it easier for oxygen to be mixed in and promotes fermentation. 。 [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a method for producing leaf mold according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-section of a deposited layer according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is an image of tree roots forming a tree root layer according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an image of branches and leaves forming a branch and leaf layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1A is an image of leaf mold separated in the second sorting step according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an image of leaf mold separated in the third sorting step S7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The following describes the mode for carrying out the present invention with reference to the embodiments and drawings, but the embodiments shown below are not intended to limit the present invention to those described herein, and the present invention is equally applicable to those in which various modifications are made without departing from the technical ideas set forth in the claims. Note that in each drawing used for explanation in this specification, each component is shown at a different scale so that each component is large enough to be recognized on the drawing, and is not necessarily shown in proportion to the actual dimensions.

[0017] [Embodiment] The leaf mold manufacturing method of this embodiment uses natural materials and involves a stacking process, a fermentation process, and a stirring process. By devising each process, it is possible to produce leaf mold equivalent to that formed in nature in a shorter period of time than in nature, while remaining almost odorless even during production due to aerobic decomposition.

[0018] First, to briefly explain the concept of leaf mold formation in nature, fallen leaves and dead branches accumulate on the ground surface above tree roots, and then weeds that grow on the ground surface die and the dead grass accumulates. In the accumulated deposits, soil microorganisms gradually become active and fermentation progresses. This process is repeated every year. At this time, oxygen is basically only supplied to the deposits by small animals such as earthworms, so the fermentation of the deposits is due to anaerobic decomposition, which produces an odor. Also, it usually takes 3 to 5 years for dead branches to start decomposing, and 10 to 50 years for roots to start decomposing, and the amount of decomposition is only small. Therefore, leaf mold formed in nature takes a long period of 50 to 100 years.

[0019] The leaf mold manufacturing method of this embodiment can produce leaf mold equivalent to the leaf mold formed in nature, which requires a long period of time, in a short period of time, such as about 10 years, and furthermore, can produce the leaf mold without producing any unpleasant odors during the manufacturing process. Fig. 1 is a production process diagram showing the method for producing leaf mold according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-section of a pile layer according to the present embodiment. The piling step S1 is a step of piling raw materials for leaf mold, and more specifically, includes a tree root layer step S101, a grass clipping layer step S102, and a branch and leaf layer step S103.

[0020] The tree root layer step 101 is a step of forming a tree root layer 1 by spreading tree roots evenly. These tree roots are tree roots, and can be, for example, tree roots obtained from natural mountains or tree roots washed away by disasters such as landslides. These tree roots mainly function as a breeding ground for soil microorganisms and as a place for oxygen to be mixed in. Note that FIG. 3 is an image of the tree roots used as the tree root layer 1 before the tree root layer 1 is formed.

[0021] Such a tree root layer 1 is formed by spreading tree roots evenly to a thickness of about 1 m in an outdoor location that is exposed to rain and has good drainage and can be dried in the sun. At this time, there is no need to separate the tree roots into taproots, lateral roots, and fibrous roots, and there is also no need to crush the roots into small pieces. As shown by the arrow in Figure 2, roots that are large enough to fit into the tree root layer 1 can be used as they are, but roots that are too large to fit (especially taproots) can be cut to a size that will fit. By using such large roots as they are, gaps between the roots are formed in the tree root layer 1, and these gaps function effectively as breeding grounds for soil microorganisms and as a place for oxygen to enter the soil.

[0022] In the tree root layer step S1, tree roots are spread evenly to form the tree root layer 1, but the spreading and spreading mentioned here does not necessarily mean that the surface is strictly flat. The surface will be uneven to some extent, but it is fine as long as it is generally even. Also, the grass cutting layer step described later explains that the raw material is spread evenly, and the meaning is the same here.

[0023] The grass clippings step 102 is a step of forming a grass clippings layer 2 by spreading grass clippings evenly. The grass clippings are weeds, and are made from natural sources, such as grass clippings from parks and riverbeds, without drying. This type of grass clippings can be effectively used, as it is difficult to dispose of, such as by being disposed of as general waste. The grass clippings fill the gaps on the surface of the tree root layer 1 and function to promote the movement of soil microorganisms in the tree root layer 1. In addition, by using fresh grass that has not been dried, the remaining abundant chloroplasts can be utilized to promote oxygen mixing, and aerobic decomposition in the fermentation process can be further promoted. The grass clippings layer 2 is formed by spreading it evenly on the tree root layer 1 to a thickness of about 0.5 m.

[0024] The branch and leaf layer step 103 is a step of forming the branch and leaf layer 3 by spreading crushed branches and leaves evenly. The branches and leaves are living trees, and for example, tree branches and leaves obtained from natural mountains, branches and leaves generated by pruning roadside trees, etc. can be utilized. In particular, the branches and leaves generated by pruning roadside trees can be effectively utilized because they are difficult to dispose of, such as having to be disposed of as general waste. In addition, in Patent Document 1, the branches are purposely removed because they delay fermentation, but in this embodiment, the branches are not removed but are actively utilized. Note that FIG. 4 is an image of the crushed branches and leaves of living trees used as the branch and leaf layer 3 before the branch and leaf layer 3 is formed.

[0025] Although dead leaves such as fallen leaves may be used as the branches and leaves that form the branch and leaf layer 3, by using living tree branches and leaves as in this embodiment, the abundant remaining chloroplasts can be utilized to promote oxygen mixing, thereby promoting aerobic decomposition in the fermentation process.

[0026] Furthermore, the branch and leaf layer 3 of this embodiment has undergone a branch and leaf fermentation process in which the branches and leaves are piled up and fermented before the branch and leaf layer 3 is formed. In the branch and leaf fermentation process, for example, the branches and leaves are crushed into sizes of 30 mm to 50 mm in order to accelerate the decomposition rate, piled up, and the piled up is temporarily fermented. By carrying out this branch and leaf fermentation process, the branches and leaves can be decomposed efficiently, so that even branches that were removed in Patent Document 1 can be more effectively utilized. This branch and leaf fermentation process is carried out for about six months. The branches and leaves that have undergone the branch and leaf fermentation process are then spread evenly on the cut grass layer 2 to a thickness of about 0.5 m to form the branch and leaf layer 3.

[0027] 2, the grass clippings layer 2 formed on the tree root layer 1 is designated as grass clippings layer 2-1, the branch and leaf layer 3 formed on the grass clippings layer 2-1 is designated as branch and leaf layer 3-1, and the grass clippings layer step 102 and the branch and leaf layer step 103 are repeated to stack the grass clippings layer 2 and the branch and leaf layers 3 into three layers. By repeatedly stacking the grass clippings layer 2 and the branch and leaf layers 3 while sandwiching them in this way, fermentation by soil microorganisms is further promoted.

[0028] The number of repeated grass clippings layers 2 and branches and leaves layers 3 is not limited to three as in this embodiment. The inventors of the present invention call this method of producing leaf mold in this embodiment, in which the grass clippings layers 2 and branches and leaves layers 3 are repeatedly laminated on top of the tree root layer 1, the sandwich method.

[0029] After the accumulation step S1, the next step is the fermentation step S2. In this fermentation step S2, the accumulation layer formed in the accumulation step S1 is fermented. The structure of the accumulation step S1 promotes the decomposition of the leaf humus raw material through the activity of microorganisms throughout the accumulation layer, and leaf humus is formed. In addition, since the accumulation layer is outdoors, the emergence of earthworms and small animals creates paths for oxygen and rainwater, further promoting the decomposition of the leaf humus raw material. In addition, since the tree root layer 1 is formed, there is sufficient oxygen, allowing aerobic microorganisms to multiply, allowing aerobic decomposition to continue, and suppressing the generation of foul odors during the fermentation process.

[0030] In the leaf mold manufacturing method of this embodiment, the fermentation step S2 lasts for about one year, and then the stirring step S3 follows. In this stirring step S3, the sedimentary layer is stirred, and the layer of sediment to be stirred is made up of three layers: the grass clipping layer 2 and the branch and leaf layer 3. In other words, the tree root layer 1 is left as is, and only the sedimentary layer above it is stirred. This is to make the most of the environment in the tree root layer 1, which effectively functions as a good breeding ground for soil microorganisms and a place for oxygen to be mixed in. The stirring step is a step in which the soil is stirred during fermentation to expose the bottom part to air, and is also called turning over.

[0031] 1, the fermentation step S2 and the stirring step S3 are repeated. At this time, in the stirring step S3, as described above, only the grass clippings layer 2 and the branch and leaf layer 3 above the tree root layer 1 are stirred. Naturally, once the tree root layer 1 and the grass clippings layer 2 have been stirred, the fermentation step S2 will be carried out thereafter in a state in which the grass clippings layer 2 and the branch and leaf layer 3 are mixed, and this mixture will be further stirred in the stirring step S3.

[0032] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the fermentation step S2 and the stirring step S3 are repeated once a year for a period of about 10 years. Note that the stirring step S3 stirs only the grass clippings layer 2 and the branch and leaf layer 3 above the tree root layer 1, but since the boundary between the tree root layer 1 and the grass clippings layer 2 is not strictly defined, it is not a problem if some of the tree root layer 1 is included in the stirring step S3. In addition, since a period of about 10 years is assumed as described above, fermentation also progresses in the lowermost tree root layer 1 in the latter half of the period, so that it is of course acceptable to stir the tree root layer 1 as well once fermentation of the tree root layer 1 has progressed.

[0033] After repeating the fermentation step S2 and the stirring step S3 for about 10 years, the process moves to the next first separation step S4. This first separation step S4 is a step for removing large residues, such as remnants of tree roots, from the leaf mold formed by the above steps. In particular, since the tree roots that form the tree root layer 1 are effectively used in this embodiment, this is an important step since there is a possibility that large residues such as tree roots will ultimately remain.

[0034] Next, in the sun drying step S5, the leaf mold separated in the first separation step S4 is spread evenly and exposed to the sun for several days to dry in order to dry in the sun. Since the drying in this embodiment is not forced drying using a dryer, it is possible to prevent the microorganisms in the leaf mold from being killed off.

[0035] Next, in the second sorting step S6, the leaf mold is sorted by size through a sieve and separated into fine grains. In the third sorting step S7, the leaf mold is sorted into even smaller grains by passing it through an even finer sieve or removing impurities (e.g., pebbles) by visual inspection. The leaf mold sorted in the second sorting step S6 is intended for use mainly in landscaping and farming, and is suitable for such uses because appropriate gaps are formed between the grains for oxygen to enter. The leaf mold sorted in the third sorting step S7 is intended for general use such as plant cultivation. Note that FIG. 5(A) shows the leaf mold sorted in the second sorting step S6, and FIG. 5(B) shows the leaf mold sorted in the third sorting step S7.

[0036] Then, those that have passed through the second sorting step S6 and the third sorting step S7 proceed to the next inspection step S8, where after the required inspections, leaf mold that is found to have no problems is filled into bags in the filling step S9 and shipped in the shipping step S10. The inspections in the inspection step S8 include inspections of the leaf mold's components, pH value, water content, etc. The pH value of the leaf mold produced in this embodiment was measured to be 7.0 to 7.2, which is much higher than the average pH value of 5.5 of the surrounding soil, and is also higher than the pH value of general leaf mold.

[0037] Thus, in the manufacturing method of the leaf mold of this embodiment, the piling step S1 includes a tree root layer step 101 of spreading tree roots evenly to form a tree root layer 1, a grass clipping layer step 102 of spreading grass clippings evenly on the tree root layer 1 to form a grass clipping layer 2, and a branch and leaf layer step 103 of spreading crushed branches and leaves evenly on the grass clipping layer 2 to form a branch and leaf layer 3, and in the stirring step S3, the grass clipping layer 2 above the tree root layer 1 and the branch and leaf layer 3 are stirred. In this manufacturing method of this embodiment, it is assumed that the fermentation step S2 and the stirring step S3 are repeated once a year over a period of about 10 years. This period is significantly shorter than the period for the formation of leaf mold in nature.

[0038] In addition, although it takes a longer time to make artificial humus than the ones described in patent and non-patent documents, it can be made from pure organic materials such as natural humus. Also, since it does not contain animal waste such as chicken manure, pathogenic bacteria contained in animal waste do not remain, and it is possible to suppress infectious diseases caused by residual pathogenic bacteria.

[0039] In addition, the provision of the root layer 1 provides a place for the proliferation of microorganisms and the introduction of oxygen, which promotes aerobic decomposition by maintaining the proliferation of aerobic microorganisms. In fact, no foul odor is generated during the fermentation process, so production was possible without any complaints from the surrounding area.

[0040] In addition, since the pH value of the leaf mold of this embodiment is about 7.0, this leaf mold can be used as soil to adjust the pH value to 5.5 to 7.0, which is suitable for growing vegetables. Lime, which is alkaline, is often used to adjust soil that has become acidic, but lime can cause skin inflammation and eye damage, and can also kill soil microorganisms. However, the leaf mold of this embodiment does not have the same problem as lime, and can be used to adjust the pH of the soil.

[0041] The inventors of this embodiment have named the leaf mold "vegetation soil" rather than simply calling it leaf mold, because the leaf mold of this embodiment is rich in soil bacteria and was created using only naturally derived materials over a period of about 10 years, making it very suitable for growing plants. The leaf mold manufacturing method of this embodiment also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for example, Goal 15 "Protect and sustainably use land." [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1: Root layer 2: Grass cutting layer 3: Branch layer

Claims

1. A method for producing leaf humus comprising a piling step of piling leaf humus raw material, a fermentation step of fermenting the pile, and an agitation step of agitating the fermented pile, The depositing step comprises: A root layer process of spreading the roots evenly to form a root layer; A grass clipping layer process of spreading grass clippings evenly on the tree root layer to form a grass clipping layer; A branch and leaf layer step of spreading crushed branches and leaves evenly on the grass clipping layer to form a branch and leaf layer; Including, A method for producing leaf mold, characterized in that the stirring step comprises stirring the grass clipping layer and the branch and leaf layer above the tree root layer.

2. The method for producing leaf mold according to claim 1, characterized in that the grass cutting layer step and the branch and leaf layer step in the piling step are repeated to form layers.

3. A method for producing leaf mold as described in claim 1, characterized in that the crushed branches and leaves in the branch and leaf layer process have undergone a branch and leaf fermentation process in which the branches and leaves are piled and fermented before forming the branch and leaf layer.

4. 2. The method for producing leaf mold according to claim 1, wherein the branches and leaves in the branch and leaf layer process are made from living trees.

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