Prior to this stage, young culms contribute greatly to the health of the clump through photosynthesis in their new leaves. The foods they synthesize are partly consumed by leaves but the greater proportion is transported to the rhizomes. Here it is stored as energy which is converted into next year's growth of new shoots. This is why to maximise shoot output some shoots must be left each year to develop into leafy young culms. Clearly it is a marketing advantage to have a number of plantations producing in sequence.
Fallen bamboo leaves mulch the soil surface.
This layer of litter, along with the leaves still attached to the plant, protect soils from erosion during storms. Growers must realise that this covering can also prevent penetration of chemical fertilisers and water into the root area around the clump. Set up a regular schedule of checking the soil surface around each clump by raking away a portion of the leaf litter and mulch to ensure the correct levels of soil moisture are being maintained. This procedure will ensure that the root mass receives the benefit of watering and fertiliser application and that these nutrients do not simply run away from the clump.