Cocoa hulls as a soil amendment?

Question

Hi,

I mulched my community garden plot with about two inches of cocoa hulls this year, and I’m wondering if it would be safe to work them into the soil as an organic amendment to my heavy clay. I understand that wood products can tie up nitrogen, but it looks like the cocoa hulls have enough nitrogen to prevent that.

Also, if the hulls are a suitable amendment, how much do you think I can add? I get them for free, so cost isn’t really a concern.

Thanks so much,

Rick

Answer 1

I recently came across an article suggesting that cocoa hulls as a soil amendment are better and more Eco-friendly than peat moss. My concern with this however is cocoa bean's toxicity to dogs and the fungal problems it is prone to in moist shady areas. This article may help though
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/using-cocoa-hull-mulch.htm