Does Using Recycled Newspapers As Fertilizer Effect a Plant?

Recycled newspaper has many uses in the garden but soil fertilization is not one of them.

Recycled newspaper does not negatively affect plant growth but it doesn't positively affect it either. Newspaper is used in the garden for purposes like mulching and smothering weeds but newspaper alone will not effectively fertilize a plant.

Smothering

Sheet smothering is a method used in organic gardening to prevent weeds from seeding and germinating. This is a popular technique because it is a non-chemical way to decrease weeds. When garden beds are put to sleep in winter place a 40-sheet layer of newspaper on top of the soil. The paper prevents light from penetrating seed casings and encourages sprouting.

Mulch

Agricultural scientists from West Virginia State University recommend newspaper mulch as an economic and effective alternative to other mulches. So long as the mulch covers a crop which is over 5-feet high when fully grown, the mulch does not retard growth. Newspaper mulch insulates soil, prevents erosion and retains moisture.

Compost

Compost is composed of kitchen waste, garden debris and any other degradable substance that is free of fat and meat. Compost piles that are high in nitrogen are often odoriferous and the materials in them do not decompose. A balance of carbon to nitrogen must be achieved. Newspaper is carbon based. Add shredded newspaper to nitrogen-heavy compost piles to prevent odor and increase decomposition rates.

References

• Sunset Magazine: Combating Weeds Without Chemicals
• West Virginia State University Extension: Recycling Newspapers In The Home Garden
• Washington State University Extension: Can I Safely Put Newspaper In My Compost Bin?