What are the nutrients in dried papaya leaves that serve as effective mulch for tomato plants?
If the pH is incorrect, some nutrients may be present but unavailable to the plant. For tomatoes, lack of calcium or magnesium may be a problem. Specifically, lack of calcium is behind blossom-end rot. Dried leaves are sources of carbon. Organic matter improves soil structure and therefore fertility. The structure allows for the best pore space arrangements for air and water. Mulch keeps weeds from competing for nutrients and water. It holds moisture in the soil. And it evens out temperature extremes. No plant handles yo-yo moisture and temperature levels.
