The Woodchip Handbook

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This comprehensive guide is the definitive resource for sourcing and utilizing woodchip, an abundant and eco-friendly material, suitable for growers and landscapers of all scales. It highlights the diverse applications of woodchip in regenerative agriculture and horticulture. Author Ben Raskin, an expert in horticulture and agroforestry, shares his practical experience, the latest global research, and inspiring case studies from innovative farmers. The book reveals woodchip's potential to improve soil health and plant growth, serving various functions: as a natural mulch for weed control, temperature regulation, and moisture retention; as a growing medium for plant propagation; as a heat source in hotbeds; as a carbon-rich compost ingredient that nurtures beneficial fungi; and as a substrate for cultivating edible or medicinal mushrooms. It also discusses woodchip's role in creating sustainable pathways and ornamental landscapes. While traditional techniques like mulching have long been practiced, new scientific insights, such as the benefits of salicylic acid from willow woodchip in disease prevention, are also explored. This guide is invaluable for commercial growers, permaculture enthusiasts, and dedicated home gardeners seeking to maximize the benefits of this renewable resource.