Hello Kags
Sorry I can’t help, have never used them, but would recommend composting them before use if they behave as you say – rather as one would use leaves. I suspect they may make a rather nice, crumbly compost, not rich in nutrients – has anyone else used them?
No dig growing does need well rotted compost or manure for sowing into. Less well rotted material is good for mulching larger plants once they are growing, such as courgettes and beans.