[mucky pup]

This is my 1st year cultivating part of my plot which is bordered on the west side by large conifers, mainly Norway spruce. Prevailing wind south westerly, and pine needles are blown all over the plot,very thickly near trees. Is it o.k. to dig them in or do they take nutrients from the ground like fresh pine bark.  :?:

[mushroom]

As far as I know, the resin/sap in pine needles is resistant to decomposition. Sure you can dig them in, but I expect they'll still be there a decade later  

[Ruth Cross]

Pine needles are slightly acidic, I'd be a bit concerned about it affecting the pH of the soil. But It all depends on what quantity of needles, perhaps invest in a testing kit?

That said it would be alot of work to rake them off, perhaps if test results are acidic it might be easier to apply some alkali to counter-act it :?  :?

[silver8]

If they are prickly could be used as a slug barrier.Have used the pines from Christmas trees in the past and the slugs really dont like crossing it.

[GreenOwl]

I always shred my Christmas tree and use the shreddings as a mulch.  My soil is highly alkaline so anything to increase the acidity is good.  I haven't had any problems with the needles not rotting down.

[WG.]

Pine needles are slightly acidic

I'd make that very acidic. You will sometimes see drainage ditches from a spruce plantation with rust-red deposits in.  I think this is iron being leached out of the soil by the acidic forest floor.

[Ruth Cross]

Pine needles are slightly acidic

I'd make that very acidic. You will sometimes see drainage ditches from a spruce plantation with rust-red deposits in.  I think this is iron being leached out of the soil by the acidic forest floor.

Your right, I'm thinking that in Muckypup's situation it is likely that the acidity of the soil has been affected over the years as the needles fall in the same place all the time, like the plantations you describe.

I am sure that the affect would be minimal for someone using their Christmas tree as mulch as its only a small amount every 12 months.

[GreenOwl]

Your right, I'm thinking that in Muckypup's situation it is likely that the acidity of the soil has been affected over the years as the needles fall in the same place all the time, like the plantations you describe.

I am sure that the affect would be minimal for someone using their Christmas tree as mulch as its only a small amount every 12 months.

Sadly I think you're right.  Lime for you Muckypup!

[mucky pup]

Thank you all for your ideas
I have tested soil in 6 places, nearest the conifers ph was 6
furthest away ph 6.5, but in soil not yet dug ph was 7.
The soil is clay & the pine needles are still mainly on top,so I
will see what will resut. :!: