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Organic Gardener's Composting (view source)
Revision as of 05:58, 7 March 2009
, 05:58, 7 March 2009more formatting - needs to be divided into chapter pages
yours, too."
yours, too."
Locating the Worms
===Locating the Worms ===
The species of worm used for vermicomposting has a number of common
The species of worm used for vermicomposting has a number of common
down to the basement every few days.
down to the basement every few days.
Containers
===Containers ===
Redworms need to breathe oxygen, but in deep containers bedding can
Redworms need to breathe oxygen, but in deep containers bedding can
(8 cubic foot) box is not enough for us.
(8 cubic foot) box is not enough for us.
Bedding
===Bedding ===
Bedding is a high C/N material that holds moisture, provides an
Bedding is a high C/N material that holds moisture, provides an
is added to adjust the pH.
is added to adjust the pH.
Soil
===Soil ===
Redworms are heat-tolerant litter dwellers that find little to eat
Redworms are heat-tolerant litter dwellers that find little to eat
worms.
worms.
Redworms
===Redworms ===
The scientific name of the species used in vermicomposting is
The scientific name of the species used in vermicomposting is
you learn to gauge their intake.
you learn to gauge their intake.
Setting Up a Worm Box
===Setting Up a Worm Box ===
Redworms need a damp but not soggy environment with a moisture
Redworms need a damp but not soggy environment with a moisture
moisture loss yet does not completely stop it.
moisture loss yet does not completely stop it.
Feeding the Worms
===Feeding the Worms ===
Redworms will thrive on any kind of vegetable waste you create while
Redworms will thrive on any kind of vegetable waste you create while
disturbed.
disturbed.
Seasonal Overloads
===Seasonal Overloads ===
On festive occasions, holidays, and during canning season it is easy
On festive occasions, holidays, and during canning season it is easy
undernourished worms."
undernourished worms."
Vacations
===Vacations ===
Going away from home for a few weeks is not a problem. The worms
Going away from home for a few weeks is not a problem. The worms
your worms to a friend to care for.
your worms to a friend to care for.
Fruit Flies
===Fruit Flies ===
Fruit flies can, on occasion, be a very annoying problem if you keep
Fruit flies can, on occasion, be a very annoying problem if you keep
outside the house if possible.
outside the house if possible.
Maintenance
===Maintenance ===
After a new bin has been running for a few weeks, you'll see the
After a new bin has been running for a few weeks, you'll see the
castings.
castings.
'''Hand sorting''' works well after a worm box has first been allowed to
run down a bit. The worms are not fed until almost all their food
run down a bit. The worms are not fed until almost all their food
has been consumed and they are living in nearly pure castings. Then
has been consumed and they are living in nearly pure castings. Then
of redworms to a friend.
of redworms to a friend.
'''Dividing the box''' is another, simpler method. You simply remove
about two-thirds of the box's contents and spread it on the garden.
about two-thirds of the box's contents and spread it on the garden.
Then refill the box with fresh bedding and distribute the remaining
Then refill the box with fresh bedding and distribute the remaining
enough to eat all your winter garbage.
enough to eat all your winter garbage.
Garbage Can Composting
===Garbage Can Composting ===
Here's a large-capacity vermicomposting system for vegetableatarians
Here's a large-capacity vermicomposting system for vegetableatarians
kitchens might run two vermicomposting garbage cans at once.
kitchens might run two vermicomposting garbage cans at once.
PART TWO
=PART TWO =
Composting For The Food Gardener
==Composting For The Food Gardener ==
Introduction
===Introduction ===
There is a great deal of confusion in the gardening world about
There is a great deal of confusion in the gardening world about
ideology.
ideology.
A Brief History of the Organic Movement
===A Brief History of the Organic Movement ===
How did all of this irresolvable controversy begin over something
How did all of this irresolvable controversy begin over something
_Organic Gardening._
_Organic Gardening._
Today's Confusions
===Today's Confusions ===
I have offered this brief interpretation of the organic gardening
I have offered this brief interpretation of the organic gardening
==CHAPTER SEVEN - Humus and Soil Productivity ==
CHAPTER SEVEN
Humus and Soil Productivity
Books about hydroponics sound plausible. That is, until you actually
Books about hydroponics sound plausible. That is, until you actually
on the actual nutritional quality of the food that they produce.
on the actual nutritional quality of the food that they produce.
How Humus Benefits Soil
===How Humus Benefits Soil ===
The roots of plants, soil animals, and most soil microorganisms need
The roots of plants, soil animals, and most soil microorganisms need
America in another century or two.
America in another century or two.
The Earthworm's Role in Soil Fertility
===The Earthworm's Role in Soil Fertility ===
Soil fertility has been gauged by different measures. Howard
Soil fertility has been gauged by different measures. Howard
better.
better.
Amendment to clay soil Percolation rate in inches per minute
Amendment to clay soil Percolation rate in inches per minute
Without worms With worms
None 0.0 0.0
None 0.0 0.0
Grass and fertilizer 0.2 0.8
Grass and fertilizer 0.2 0.8
Mulch 0.0 1.5
Mulch 0.0 1.5
Most people who honestly consider these facts conclude that the
Most people who honestly consider these facts conclude that the
category for tactical reasons.
category for tactical reasons.
Location Worms per sq. ft. Worms per acre
Location Worms per sq. ft. Worms per acre
Marcellus, NY 38 1,600,000
Marcellus, NY 38 1,600,000
Ithica, NY 4 190,000
Ithica, NY 4 190,000
Frederick, MD 50 2,200,000
Frederick, MD 50 2,200,000
Beltsville, MD 8 350,000
Beltsville, MD 8 350,000
Zanesville, OH 37 1,600,000
Zanesville, OH 37 1,600,000
Coshocton, OH 5 220,000
Coshocton, OH 5 220,000
Mayaquez, P.R.* 6 260,000
Mayaquez, P.R.* 6 260,000
*Because of the high rate of bacterial decomposition, few earthworms
*Because of the high rate of bacterial decomposition, few earthworms are found in tropical soils unless they are continuously ammended with substantial quantities of organic matter.
are found in tropical soils unless they are continuously ammended
with substantial quantities of organic matter.
Howard especially denigrated sulfate of ammonia and single
Howard especially denigrated sulfate of ammonia and single
earthworms. I've learned to treat rotenone with great caution.
earthworms. I've learned to treat rotenone with great caution.
Microbes and Soil Fertility
===Microbes and Soil Fertility ===
There are still other holistic standards to measure soil
There are still other holistic standards to measure soil
==CHAPTER EIGHT - Maintaining Soil Humus ==
CHAPTER EIGHT
Maintaining Soil Humus
Organic matter benefits soil productivity not because it is present,
Organic matter benefits soil productivity not because it is present,
we do?
we do?
How Much Humus is Soil Supposed to Have?
===How Much Humus is Soil Supposed to Have? ===
If you measured the organic matter contents of various soils around
If you measured the organic matter contents of various soils around
add a half-inch thick layer that's about what I was applying.
add a half-inch thick layer that's about what I was applying.
Fertilizing Vegetables with Compost
===Fertilizing Vegetables with Compost ===
Will a five ton per acre addition of compost provide enough
Will a five ton per acre addition of compost provide enough
rice.'
rice.'
Humus and the Nutritional Quality of Food
===Humus and the Nutritional Quality of Food ===
I believe that the purpose of food is not merely to fill the belly
I believe that the purpose of food is not merely to fill the belly
horror of all horrors, chemical fertilizer.
horror of all horrors, chemical fertilizer.
Climate and the Nutritional Quality of Food
====Climate and the Nutritional Quality of Food ===
Over geologic time spans, water passing through soil leaches or
Over geologic time spans, water passing through soil leaches or
expresses the essential qualities of dryland and humid soils.
expresses the essential qualities of dryland and humid soils.
Soil Mineral Content by Climate Area
Soil Mineral Content by Climate Area
Plant Nutrient Dryland Prairie Soil Humid Forest Soil
Plant Nutrient Dryland Prairie Soil Humid Forest Soil
nitrogen high low
nitrogen high low
phosphorus high low
phosphorus high low
potassium high moderately high
potassium high moderately high
calcium very high low
calcium very high low
pH neutral acid
pH neutral acid
Dryland soils contain far higher levels of all minerals than leached
Dryland soils contain far higher levels of all minerals than leached
for nutritional content they proved to be quite different.
for nutritional content they proved to be quite different.
Soil Yield Calories Protein Calcium Phosphorus Potassium
Soil Yield Calories Protein Calcium Phosphorus Potassium
Humid 17.8 gm High 13% 0.27% 0.14% 2.15%
Humid 17.8 gm High 13% 0.27% 0.14% 2.15%
Dryland 14.7 gm Medium 17% 0.74% 0.25% 1.01%
Dryland 14.7 gm Medium 17% 0.74% 0.25% 1.01%
The potassium-fortified soil gave a 25 percent higher bulk yield but
The potassium-fortified soil gave a 25 percent higher bulk yield but
samples, including many different food crops from each climate.
samples, including many different food crops from each climate.
Average Nutritional Content by Climate
Average Nutritional Content by Climate
Nutrient Dryland Soil Humid Soil
Nutrient Dryland Soil Humid Soil
Potassium 2.44% 1.27%
Potassium 2.44% 1.27%
Calcium 1.92% 0.28%
Calcium 1.92% 0.28%
Phosphorus 0.78% 0.42%
Phosphorus 0.78% 0.42%
Total mineral nutrition 5.14% 1.97%
Total mineral nutrition 5.14% 1.97%
Ratio of Potassium to Calciuim 1.20/1 4.50/1
Ratio of Potassium to Calciuim 1.20/1 4.50/1
Analyzed as a whole, these data tell us a great deal about how we
Analyzed as a whole, these data tell us a great deal about how we
and a healthy, complex soil ecology.
and a healthy, complex soil ecology.
Fertilizing Gardens Organically
===Fertilizing Gardens Organically ===
Scientists analyzing the connections between soil fertility and the
Scientists analyzing the connections between soil fertility and the
slaughterhouse wastes; dried kelp and other seaweeds; and fish meal.
slaughterhouse wastes; dried kelp and other seaweeds; and fish meal.
Composition of Organic Fertilizers
Composition of Organic Fertilizers
Material % Nitrogen % Phos. % Potassium
Material % Nitrogen % Phos. % Potassium
Alfalfa meal 2.5 0.5 2.1
Alfalfa meal 2.5 0.5 2.1
Bone meal (raw) 3.5 21.0 0.2
Bone meal (raw) 3.5 21.0 0.2
Bone meal (steamed) 2.0 21.0 0.2
Bone meal (steamed) 2.0 21.0 0.2
Chicken manure (pure, fresh) 2.6 1.25 0.75
Chicken manure (pure, fresh) 2.6 1.25 0.75
Cottonseed meal 7.0 3.0 2.0
Cottonseed meal 7.0 3.0 2.0
Blood meal 12.0 3.0 --
Blood meal 12.0 3.0 --
Fish meal 8.0 7.0 --
Fish meal 8.0 7.0 --
Greensand -- 1.5 7.0
Greensand -- 1.5 7.0
Hoof and Horn 12.5 2.0 --
Hoof and Horn 12.5 2.0 --
Kelp meal 1.5 0.75 4.9
Kelp meal 1.5 0.75 4.9
Peanut meal 3.6 0.7 0.5
Peanut meal 3.6 0.7 0.5
Tankage 11.0 5.0 --
Tankage 11.0 5.0 --
Growing most types of vegetables requires building a level of soil
Growing most types of vegetables requires building a level of soil
fertility.
fertility.
Making and Using Complete Organic Fertilizer
===Making and Using Complete Organic Fertilizer ===
The basic ingredients used for making balanced organic fertilizers
The basic ingredients used for making balanced organic fertilizers
quit yielding?
quit yielding?
==CHAPTER NINE - Making Superior Compost ==
CHAPTER NINE
Making Superior Compost
The potency of composts can vary greatly. Most municipal solid waste
The potency of composts can vary greatly. Most municipal solid waste
chapter is for you.
chapter is for you.
A Little History
===A Little History ===
Before the twentieth century, the fertilizers market gardeners used
Before the twentieth century, the fertilizers market gardeners used
inspiration from England through this tradition.
inspiration from England through this tradition.
Curing the Heap
===Curing the Heap ===
The easiest and most sure-fire improver of compost quality is time.
The easiest and most sure-fire improver of compost quality is time.
demand.
demand.
Sir Albert Howard's Indore Method
===Sir Albert Howard's Indore Method ===
Nineteenth-century farmers and market gardeners had much practical
Nineteenth-century farmers and market gardeners had much practical
cattle. Country life can be quite idyllic--without flies.
cattle. Country life can be quite idyllic--without flies.
The Indore Compost Factory
===The Indore Compost Factory ===
At Indore, Howard built a covered, open-sided, compost-making
At Indore, Howard built a covered, open-sided, compost-making
Howard's work oxen were conveniently housed in the next building.
Howard's work oxen were conveniently housed in the next building.
Soil and Urine Earth
===Soil and Urine Earth ===
Howard had been raised on an English farm and from childhood he had
Howard had been raised on an English farm and from childhood he had
be furnished with all the armament they need."
be furnished with all the armament they need."
Crop Wastes
===Crop Wastes ===
Crop wastes were protected from moisture, stored dry under cover
Crop wastes were protected from moisture, stored dry under cover
insure that no flies would breed in it.
insure that no flies would breed in it.
Manure
===Manure ===
Though crop wastes and urine-earth could be stored dry for later
Though crop wastes and urine-earth could be stored dry for later
begin as rapidly nor proceed as surely.
begin as rapidly nor proceed as surely.
Charging the Compost Pits
===Charging the Compost Pits ===
Every effort was made to fill a pit to the brim within one week. If
Every effort was made to fill a pit to the brim within one week. If
Today, we would call this practice "mass inoculation."
Today, we would call this practice "mass inoculation."
Pits Versus Heaps
===Pits Versus Heaps ===
India has two primary seasons. Most of the year is hot and dry while
India has two primary seasons. Most of the year is hot and dry while
covered pits to start a new heap every week.
covered pits to start a new heap every week.
Temperature Range in Normal Pit
===Temperature Range in Normal Pit ===
Age in days Temperature in degree C
Age in days Temperature in degree C
Total 97 days
Total 97 days
Turning
===Turning ===
_Turning the compost_ was done three times: To insure uniform
_Turning the compost_ was done three times: To insure uniform
conservation of nitrogen.
conservation of nitrogen.
The Superior Value of Indore Compost.
===The Superior Value of Indore Compost. ===
Howard said that finished Indore compost was twice as rich in
Howard said that finished Indore compost was twice as rich in
into a biological nitrate factory with optimum aeration.
into a biological nitrate factory with optimum aeration.
Making Indore Compost in Deep and Shallow Pits
===Making Indore Compost in Deep and Shallow Pits ===
Pit 4 feet deep Pit 2 feet deep
Pit 4 feet deep Pit 2 feet deep
temperature regimes in your climate with your materials.
temperature regimes in your climate with your materials.
Inoculants
===Inoculants ===
Howard's technique of mass inoculation with large amounts of
Howard's technique of mass inoculation with large amounts of
Bibliography
==Bibliography ==
On composting and soil organic matter
===On composting and soil organic matter ===
_Workshop on the Role of Earthworms in the Stabilization of Organic
_Workshop on the Role of Earthworms in the Stabilization of Organic