After defoliation can you mix or put the leaves in the grow medium? Hoping that all the good stuff in the leaves will decompose back into the medium? Essentially recycling the leaves ?
Definitely would need to be in a compost that breaks it down over time naturally. If you put plant materials in your medium that didn't go through the compost process would attract bugs and could cause root rot or mold. It's best to take all dead and loose leaves or plant matter out of the grow space.
You would have to compost them first and let them break down. Will cause assorted issues with plant material that is wet buried in soil breaking down. Would not recommend it. Good luck and happy growing 🌱🌱🌱