How long does it take a leaf to biodegrade into the soil.?

Question

How long does it take a leaf to biodegrade into the soil.?

Answer 1

It all depends on a variety of conditions.

1. The type of leaf.  For instance an evergreen leaf will take longer to degrade than something deciduous.

2. It also depends on what soil enzymes are available that may or may not react with that type of leaf.

3. Environmental conditions will affect the rate of degradation when comparing acidic to alkaline, wet or dry, metals in the soil etc...

Answer 2

A leaf takes approximately a year to become part of the forest floor. ...

Chopped leaves will also biodegrade more rapidly