isUSED BLACK RUBBER CARPET UNDERFELTanORGANIC MULCH? (forum)

M.ULCHER starts with ...
It is wavy and smells of rubber,and is backed in brown paper,but is it latex rubber or synthetic rubber?
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Time: 19th April 2009 5:29pm

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Dekka says...
Bridgestone make a product called "Airstep" which looks like the one pictured. They claim it is all natural rubber. I would, however, hasten to add that many underlays are chemically treated to inhibit microbial activity so using them as as mulch may affect soil organisms.

Time: 19th April 2009 9:08pm

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About the Author Dekka
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M.ULCHER says...
What type/names of chemicals do they use to treat underlays with?

Are coconut fibre carpet underlays treated chemically as well?

The underlays might have been also sprayed with cockroach insecticide by the homeowner, or by a contractor employed by the homeowner,after the carpet underlay has been used for several years?

Time: 20th April 2009 8:50am

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Dekka says...
There's no telling what pesticide nasties may be present in second hand underlay but they probably aren't too terribly residual or accumulative if they are used within the home. I'm curious why anyone would choose to use this product as a mulch when natural items like lawn clippings, weeds, leaves etc are readily available at no cost.???
Another reason I would steer clear of rubber/synthetic material is its flammability and toxicity if ignited. At my place I use 'rough mulch' which is sticks, leaves, branches etc piled up around my trees. This imitates how it would fall naturally to the ground and creates more hidey-holes and habitat for beneficial creatures like skinks and other predatory insects. (Enhanced biological pest control and better water infiltration.)
On the more formal areas of my garden I use the same stuff but run it through a small shredder first.


Time: 20th April 2009 8:37pm

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About the Author Dekka
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Firefly says...
Dekka, maybe M.ULCHER's thought process wasn't 'I need mulch - I'll reuse this underlay I have.' Rather 'I have this second hand underlay - how can it be reused?'

What other use would there be for old underlay?

Time: 24th April 2009 9:04pm

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Dekka says...
Hi Firefly,
Don't get me wrong...I totally admire and applaud M.ULCHER's desire to reuse an otherwise wasted product destined for landfill. I guess all I was really saying is that we all draw our own lines over what is recyclable in a garden situation. For example, I could theoretically mulch my fruit trees with shredded plastic and it would probably fulfil the basic functions of a long-lasting mulch that retains moisture well and insulates the root zone, however the 'unknowns' associated with the long-term effects of doing so, cause me to exercise caution and stick with something that I can be sure won't be harmful to myself or the environment.

Time: 25th April 2009 3:10pm

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Julie says...
The only mulches I use are ones that eventually add more organic matter to the soil. I see no point in using a non-biodegrable mulch.

I would use this product to smother perennial weeds that are hard to get rid of, like oxalis (sourgrass) or couch.





Time: 25th April 2009 6:54pm

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M.ULCHER says...
To JULIE:
Why do you say that,possibly latex, rubber is non-biodeGRABLE?
Latex is natural biodegradable organic rubber from a tree.

To DEKKA:
Do you have any realistic examples instead of the 'shredded plastic'mulch?
Outside your world there is not always available a free wood chip mulch.

Time: 2nd May 2009 11:25am

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Julie says...
M.ULCHER, in your original post you seemed unsure whether it WAS rubber or a synthetic. But even genuine rubber would take a very long time to break down. And I'm not sure that it would add anthing beneficial to the soil.

Meanwhile, it will be difficult for water and air to penetrate the soil.

Have you looked online for free mulch? It's not available all the time, you have to keep checking.

Time: 2nd May 2009 1:47pm

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Dekka says...
Hi M.ULCHER, Julie is spot on again. I was just using that example to show that plastic would appear to work but may have underlying negative consequences as I believe the rubber product would. Almost all products called 'rubber' contain cheaper additives designed to bulk out the product or affect its properties, durability etc. A common one is chalk, for instance. If they were pure, natural latex but they would cost a fortune. Instead they contain a Cheaply Resourced Additive Portion or C.R.A.P.
It's a bit like a pie or a sausage that they say contains 'meat'. You never know what you're getting...gristle, snouts and entrails.
As far as mulches go you could use stones, paper, wood shavings, crushed tile, rubble, glass...almost anything. It depends if you want to use something that breaks down and contributes to soil nutrients or something less likely to decompose. The main thing is to ensure that it isn't potentially toxic.

Time: 3rd May 2009 9:52am

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Steve says...
I used a similar product as a weed mat when establishing garden beds.
However a few years later when I had to cut the mat to plant new plants, I noticed the soil looked dead with no obvious signs of soil life.
I've now pulled up as much as can & where I can't, I've cut & sliced it to allow air & water to penetrate.
I won't be using again in gardens. Better to use mulch & ground covers to suppress weeds.

Time: 6th May 2009 10:34pm

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