,v]4#aj_/jd_/ja99;,,end99 ,creat$ by3 ,/eve ,solomon ssolomonsoil&heal?4org ,organic ,g>d5]'s ,compo/+ by ,/eve ,solomon ,=eword ,back 9 ! '#gj's1 ,i made ! mom5t\s move f ! ,ea/ ,coa/ to ! ,we/ & quickly discov]$ t mu* ( my g>d5 k ne$$ an update4 ,seattle's climate 0 unlike any?+ ,i _h exp]i5c$ 9 ,massa*usetts or ,ohio or ,colorado1 & _m ( my favorite vegetables simply didn't gr[ well4 ,a fri5d /e]$ me to a new se$ company1 a t9y bus9ess call$ ,t]ritorial ,se$1 unique 9 t1 r ?an try+ to t\t its w>es all ov] ! c\ntry1 x w\ld only sell to p liv+ we/ ( ! ,cascade ,m\nta9s4 ,e vegetable & cov] crop li/$ _h be5 c>efully te/$ & select$ by ,/eve ,solomon = its p]=mance 9 ! m>itime ,nor?we/4 ,! #aihj's saw ! revival ( regional g>d5+1 a concept once widely accept$1 b s9ce lo/ to ! sweep+ homog5eity ( ! '#ejs & '#fjs4 ,/eve ,solomon & 8 ,t]ritorial ,se$ ,company directly influ5c$ ! return ( regional g>d5 mak+ by creat+ an aw>5ess ( climatic diff]5ces & by provid+ quantities ( helpful in=mation specific to ?is area4 ,n only c\ld cu/om]s ord] regionally appropriate1 flavorful & long-la/+ vegetables f ! ,t]ritorial catalog's pages1 we c\ld also f9d recipes = cook+ unfamili> ones1 z well z recipes = build+ organic f]tiliz]s ( all sorts4 ,t]ritorial's catalog (f]$ in=mation ab\t organic or environm5tally b5ign pe/ & disease controls1 seasonal cov] crops1 compo/s & mul*es1 & *>ts guid+ u to optimal plant+ patt]ns4 ,e bit ( x 0 ! fruit ( ,/eve ,solomon's "w & obs]vation4 ,i _c beg9 to calculate ! disappo9tm5ts & losses ,/eve help$ me to avoid1 nor ! h\rs ( ef=t he sav$ = me & c\ntless o!r regional g>d5]s4 ,we came to rely on 8 ^w1 = we f\nd we c\ld2 ,if ,/eve said ?is or t w\ld gr[ 9 c]ta9 conditions1 by gum1 x w\ld4 ,bett] yet1 if he didn't "k some?+1 or 0 unc]ta9 ab\t x1 he said s1 & ask$ = our input4 ,be=e long1 a network ( environm5tally conc]n$ g>d5]s _h =m$ ar\nd ,t]ritorial's cu/om] base1 includ+ sev]al ,til? communities1 gr\ps ( g>d5]s conc]n$ ) promot+ e>? /ew>d%ip & organic husb&ry 9 bo? rural & urban sett+s4 ,9 ^! days ( g5]aliz$ eco-aw>5ess1 x is easy to =get t a few %ort ye>s ago1 home g>d5]s 7 among ! wor/ environm5tal (f5d]s1 *e]fully poison+ any?+ t annoy$ !m ) :atev] dreadful *emical t came to h&1 unconsci\s ( ! long-t]m effects on fauna & flora1 wat] & soil4 ,n[1 ?ank goodness1 _m g>d5]s "k t _! m&ate is to heal ! bit ( e>? 9 _! *>ge4 ,compo/+ our home & g>d5 wa/es is "o ( ! simple/ & mo/ b5eficial ?+s we c d1 bo? to cut d[n ! quantity ( wa/es we produce1 & to re/ore heal? to ! soil we g>d5 ^u ,i c ?9k ( no bett] guide to ! pr9ciples & te*niques ( compo/+ ?an ,/eve ,solomon4 ,:e!r y live 9 an urban condo or f>m _m acres1 y w f9d 9 ^! pages practical1 complete & accessible in=mation t s]ves y\r ne$s1 s]v$ up ) ! w>m? & g5tle humor t *>act]izes ev]y?+ ,/eve does4 ,ann ,lovejoy1 ,ba9bridge ,isl&1 ,wa%+ton1 #aiic ,to ,my ,read]s ,a few special books live on 9 my m9d4 ,^! 7 always enjoyable read+4 ,! au?or's words seem$ to speak directly to me l a good fri5d's conv]sation p\r+ f _! eyes1 he>t & s\l4 ,:5 ,i write ,i try to make ! same ?+ happ5 = y4 ,i imag9e t !re is an audi5ce he>+ my words1 seat$ 9 invisible *airs beh9d my ^w processor4 ,y are "p ( t gr\p4 ,i visualize y z solidly z ,i c4 ,i create by talk+ to y4 ,x helps me to imag9e t y are fri5dly1 accept+1 & und]/& my ideas readily4 ,!n ,i relax1 enjoy writ+ to y & proce$ ) an op5 he>t4 ,mo/ important1 :5 ! creative process has be5 fun1 ! writ+ /ill sp>kles :5 ,i poli% x up ! next day4 ,i wrote my fir/ g>d5 book = an audi5ce ( "o3 :at seem$ a v typical neighbor1 someone :o only ?\ght he knew a great deal ab\t rais+ vegetables4 ,con/itutionally1 he w\ld only respect & le>n f a capital ,a au?ority :o w\ld direct him /ep-by-/ep z a cookbook recipe does4 ,s t is :at ,i pret5d$ to be4 ,! result 0 a concise1 basic regional guide to ye>-r\nd vegetable production4 ,giv+ num]\s talks on g>d5+ & tea*+ ma/] g>d5] classes improv$ my subsequ5t books4 ,) ?is broad5+1 ,i exp&$ my imag9>y audi5ce & fill$ ! invisible *airs ) all v>ieties ( g>d5]s :o _h diff]+ ne$s & goals4 ,?is p>ticul> book gives me an audi5ce problem4 ,simultane\sly ,i h two q diff]5t gr\ps ( compo/]s 9 m9d4 ,:at "o set wants ! o!r might f9d bor+ or ev5 irritat+4 ,! small] gr\p includes s]i\s food g>d5]s l me4 ,vegetable g>d5]s h traditionally be5 acutely int]e/$ 9 compo/+1 soil build+1 & ma9ta9+ soil organic matt]4 ,we are will+ to consid] any?+ t might help u gr[ a bett] g>d5 & we enjoy agricultural sci5ce at a lay p]son's level4 ,! o!r l>g] audi5ce1 does n gr[ food at all1 or if !y d x is only a few tomato plants 9 a fl[] b$4 ,a few are ap>tm5t dwell]s :o1 at be/1 keep a few h\se plants4 ,yet ev5 r5t]s may want to live ) great] environm5tal responsibility by avoid+ unnecess>y contributions ( kit*5 g>bage to ! sewage treatm5t sy/em4 ,simil>ly1 mod]n home own]s want to /op s5d+ y>d wa/es to l&fills4 ,^! days h\sehold]s may be (f]$ inc5tives 7or ?reat5$ ) p5alties7 by _! municipalities to sep>ate organic1 compo/able g>bage f pap]1 f glass1 f metal or f pla/ic4 ,individuals :o pay = tra% pickup by volume are f9d+ t !y c save consid]able am\nts ( money by recycl+ _! own organic wa/es at home4 ,! fir/ audi5ce is int]e/$ 9 le>n+ ab\t ! role ( compo/ 9 soil f]tility1 bett] soil managem5t me?ods & gr[+ heal?i]1 m nutriti\s food4 ,mu* l a s]i\s home bread bak]1 audi5ce "o seeks exact+ compo/+ recipes t might result 9 high] quality4 ,audi5ce two prim>ily wants to "k ! easie/ & mo/ conv5i5t way to r$uce & recycle organic debris4 ,hold+ two conflict+ goals at once is ! fundam5tal def9ition ( a problem4 ,n be+ will+ to ab&on ei!r 7or bo?7 goals is :at keeps a problem alive4 ,diff]5t & some:at oppos+ ne$s ( ^! two audi5ces make ?is book some:at ( a problem4 ,to comp5sate ,i h position$ complex compo/+ me?ods & ! connections betwe5 soil f]tility & plant heal? t[>d ! back ( ! book4 ,! fir/ two-?irds may be m ?an suffici5t = ! l>g]1 m casual memb]s ( my imag9>y audi5ce4 ,b ,i c\ld n entirely divide ! _w ( compo/+ into two completely sep>ate levels4 ,in/ead1 ,i tri$ to write a book s int]e/+ t read]s :o d n food g>d5 w /ill want to read x to ! end & w realize t !re are pr(\nd b5efits f at-home food production4 ,^! run ! gamut f physical & emotional heal? to enhanc$ economic lib]ty4 ,ev5 if x doesn't seem to specifically apply to y\r recycl+ ne$s1 x is my hope t y w become m int]e/$ 9 gr[+ "s ( y\r own food4 ,i believe we w\ld h a /rong]1 heal?i] & san] c\ntry if m lib]ty-lov+ ,am]icans w\ld gr[ food g>d5s4 ,,*apt] ,,"o ,:at ,is ,compo/ ,d y "k :at really happ5s :5 ?+s rot8 ,h o!r g>d5 books confus$ y ) vague mean+s = words l /abiliz$ humus8 ,?is book won't4 ,are y afraid t compo/ mak+ is a na/y1 unpleasant1 or difficult process8 ,x isn't4 ,a compo/ pile is actually a fa/-track me?od ( *ang+ crude organic mat]ials into some?+ resembl+ soil1 call$ humus4 ,b ! ^w humus is (t5 misund]/ood1 along ) ! words compo/1 & organic matt]4 ,& :5 fundam5tal ideas l ^! are n really def9$ 9 a p]son's m9d1 ! :ole subject !y are a "p ( may be confus$4 ,s ?is *apt] w cl>ify ^! basics4 ,compo/ mak+ is a simple process4 ,done prop]ly x becomes a natural "p ( y\r g>d5+ or y>d ma9t5ance activities1 z mu* s z m[+ ! lawn4 ,& mak+ compo/ does n h to take any m ef=t ?an bagg+ up y>d wa/e4 ,h&l+ well-made compo/ is always a pleasant exp]i5ce4 ,x is easy to disreg>d compo/'s vulg> orig9s because !re is no simil>ity betwe5 ! good-smell+ br[n or black crumbly sub/ance dug out ( a compo/ pile & ! manure1 g>bage1 leaves1 grass clipp+s & o!r wa/e products f :i* x began4 ,precisely def9$1 compo/+ means 'enhanc+ ! consumption ( crude organic matt] by a complex ecology ( biological decomposition organisms4' ,z raw organic mat]ials are eat5 & re-eat5 by _m1 _m t9y organisms f bact]ia 7! smalle/7 to e>?worms 7! l>ge/71 _! compon5ts are gradually alt]$ & recomb9$4 ,g>d5]s (t5 use ! t]ms organic matt]1 compo/1 & humus z int]*angeable id5tities4 ,b !re are important diff]5ces 9 mean+ t ne$ to be expla9$4 ,?is /uff1 ?is organic matt] we food g>d5]s are vitally conc]n$ ab\t1 is =m$ by gr[+ plants t manufacture ! sub/ances ( life4 ,mo/ organic molecules are v l>ge1 complex assemblies :ile inorganic mat]ials are mu* simpl]4 ,animals c break d[n1 reassemble & de/roy organic matt] b !y _c create x4 ,only plants c make organic mat]ials l cellulose1 prote9s1 & sug>s f inorganic m9]als d]iv$ f soil1 air or wat]4 ,! elem5ts plants build ) include calcium1 magnesium1 potassium1 phosphorus1 sodium1 sulfur1 iron1 z9c1 cobalt1 boron1 manganese1 molybd5um1 c>bon1 nitrog51 oxyg51 & hydrog54 ,s organic matt] f bo? l& & sea plants fuels ! entire *a9 ( life f worms to :ales4 ,humans are mo/ famili> ) l>ge animals2 !y r>ely consid] t ! soil is also fill$ ) animal life busily consum+ organic matt] or ea* o!r4 ,ri* e>? ab\nds ) s+le cell organisms l bact]ia1 act9omycetes1 fungi1 protozoa1 & rotif]s4 ,soil life =ms increase 9 complexity to microscopic r\nd worms call$ nematodes1 v>i\s k9ds ( mollusks l snails & slugs 7_m s t9y ! g>d5] has no idea !y are populat+ ! soil71 ?\s&s ( almo/ microscopic soil-dwell+ memb]s ( ! spid] family t zoologi/s call ar?ropods1 ! insects 9 all _! pr(usion & complexity1 &1 ( c\rse1 c]ta9 l>g] soil animals mo/ ( u are famili> ) su* z moles4 ,! entire sum ( all ?is organic matt]3 liv+ plants1 decompos+ plant mat]ials1 & all ! animals1 liv+ or dead1 l>ge & small is sometimes call$ biomass4 ,"o reali/ic way to gauge ! f]tility ( any p>ticul> soil body is to weigh ! am\nt ( biomass x su/a9s4 ,humus is a special & v important type ( decompos$ organic matt]4 ,al?\gh sci5ti/s h be5 int5tly /udy+ humus = a c5tury or m1 !y /ill d n "k its *emical =mula4 ,x is c]ta9 t humus does n h a s+le *emical /ructure1 b is a v complex mixture ( simil> sub/ances t v>y accord+ to ! types ( organic matt] t decay$1 & ! environm5tal conditions & specific organisms t made ! humus4 ,:atev] its v>i$ *emi/ry1 all humus is br[n or black1 has a f9e1 crumbly texture1 is v light-weight :5 dry1 & smells l fre% e>?4 ,x is sponge-l1 hold+ sev]al times its weight 9 wat]4 ,l clay1 humus attracts plant nutri5ts l a magnet s !y ar5't s easily wa%$ away by ra9 or irrigation4 ,!n humus fe$s nutri5ts back to plants4 ,9 ! words ( soil sci5ce1 ?is function+ l a /orage batt]y = m9]als is call$ cation ex*ange capacity4 ,m ab\t t lat]4 ,mo/ important1 humus is ! la/ /age 9 ! decomposition ( organic matt]4 ,once organic matt] has become humus x resi/s fur!r decomposition4 ,humus rots sl[ly4 ,:5 humus does get brok5 d[n by soil microbes x /ops be+ organic matt] & *anges back to simple inorganic sub/ances4 ,?is ultimate de/ruction ( organic matt] is (t5 call$ nitrification because "o ( ! ma9 sub/ances releas$ is nitrate--t vital f]tiliz] t makes plants gr[ gre5 & fa/4 ,probably )\t realiz+ x1 _m non-g>d5]s h already scuff$ up t ?9 lay] ( ne>ly pure humus =m+ naturally on ! =e/ floor :]e leaves & ne$les contact ! soil4 ,mo/ ,am]icans w\ld be repell$ by _m ( ! sub/ances t decompose into humus4 ,b1 fa/idi\s z we t5d to be1 mo/ w\ld n be (f5d$ to b>eh&$ly cradle a scoop ( humus1 raise x to ! nose1 & take an enjoyable sniff4 ,!re seems to be some?+ built into ! mo/ prim>y nature ( humans t likes humus4 ,9 nature1 ! =mation ( humus is a sl[ & con/ant process t does n occur 9 a s+le /ep4 ,plants gr[1 die & f9ally fall to e>? :]e soil-dwell+ organisms consume !m & ea* o!r until ev5tually !re rema9s no recognizable trace ( ! orig9al plant4 ,only a small am\nt ( humus is left1 locat$ close to ! soil's surface or c>ri$ to ! dep?s by burr[+ e>?worms4 ,alt]nately1 ! gr[+ plants are eat5 by animals t d n live 9 ! soil1 ^: manure falls to ! gr\nd :]e x comes into contact ) soil-dwell+ organisms t eat x & ea* o!r until !re rema9s no recognizable trace ( ! orig9al mat]ial4 ,a small am\nt ( humus is left4 ,or ! animal itself ev5tually dies & falls to ! e>? :]e 4444 ,compo/+ artificially accel]ates ! decomposition ( crude organic matt] & its recomb9ation into humus4 ,:at 9 nature might take ye>s we c make happ5 9 weeks or mon?s4 ,b compo/ t seems ready to "w into soil may n h q yet become humus4 ,?\gh br[n & crumbly & good-smell+ & well decompos$1 x may only h p>tially rott$4 ,:5 till$ into soil at t po9t1 compo/ doesn't act at once l p[]ful f]tiliz] & won't imm$iately contribute to plant gr[? until x has decompos$ fur!r4 ,b if compo/+ is all[$ to proce$ until virtually all ( ! organic matt] has *ang$ into humus1 a great deal ( biomass w be r$uc$ to a relatively t9y rema9d] ( a v valuable sub/ance f> m useful ?an *emical f]tiliz]4 ,= ?\s&s ( ye>s g>d5]s & f>m]s _h few f]tiliz]s o!r ?an animal manure & compo/4 ,^! 7 always consid]$ v valuable sub/ances & a great deal ( lore exi/$ ab\t us+ !m4 ,dur+ ! e>ly "p ( ?is c5tury1 our focus *ang$ to us+ *emicals2 organic wa/es 7 (t5 consid]$ nuisances ) little value4 ,^! days we are r$iscov]+ compo/ z an ag5t ( soil improvem5t & also f9d+ out t we mu/ compo/ organic wa/e mat]ials to recycle !m 9 an ecologically s\nd mann]4 ,mak+ ,compo/ ,! close/ analogies to compo/+ ,i c imag9e are concoct+ simil> f]m5t$ products l bread1 be]1 or sau]kraut4 ,b compo/+ is mu* less dem&+4 ,"h ,i c speak ) au?ority1 = dur+ my era ( y\?ful indiscretions ,i made homebrews good en\gh h visitors ar\nd my kit*5 table mo/ e ev5+4 ,n[1 hav+ reluctantly be5 in/ruct$ 9 mod]ation by a liv] some:at bruis$ f alcohol1 ,i am ! family bak] :o turns out two or ?ree l>ge1 rye_/:eat loaves f fre%ly gr\nd gra9 e week )\t fail4 ,brew is dicey4 ,ev]y?+ mu/ be /]iliz$ & ! f]m5tation mu/ g rapidly 9 a n>r[ range ( temp]atures4 ,%\ld /ray organisms f9d a home dur+ f]m5tation1 f\l flavors &_/or t]rible hangov]s may result4 ,! wise homebrew] />ts ) ! pure/ & be/-suit$ /ra9 ( yea/ a pr(essional laboratory c supply4 ,mak+ be] is a process suit$ to ! precisioni/ m5tality1 x mu/ be done j s4 ,=tunately1 ) ea* bat* we use ! same malt extracts1 ! same hops1 same yea/1 same flavor+s &1 if we are "y & fooli%1 ! same monosacc>ides to boo/ ! octane ov] six p]c5t4 ,b once ! =mula is f\nd & ! mat]ials work$ out1 bat* aft] bat* comes out z desir$4 ,s x is ) bread-mak+4 ,! +r$i5ts are /&>diz$ & repeatable4 ,i c inexp5sively buy sev]al bu%els ( :eat- & rye-b]ries at "o "t1 en\gh to la/ a ye>4 ,ea* sack f t pur*ase has ! same bak+ qualities4 ,! m9or +r$i5ts t modify my d\gh's qualities or ! bread's flavors are also repeatable4 ,my yea/ is always ! same2 if ,i use s\rd\gh />t]1 my individualiz$ bl5d ( wild yea/s rema9s ! same f bat* to bat* & ,i soon le>n its nature4 ,my ris+ ov5 is always close to ! same temp]ature2 :5 bak+ ,i soon le>n to adju/ ! ov5 temp]ature & bak+ "t to produce ! k9d ( cru/ & don5ess ,i desire4 ,precisioni/1 yes4 ,i mu/ bake e bat* id5tically if ,i want ! breads to be uni=mly good4 ,b n impossibly rigor\s because once ,i le>n my mat]ials & ov51 ,i've got x d[n pat4 ,compo/+ is simil>1 b diff]5t & easi]4 ,simil> 9 t decomposition is mu* l any o!r f]m5tation4 ,diff]5t 9 t ! home compo/] r>ely has exactly ! same mat]ials to "w ) f bat* to bat*1 does n ne$ to control ! purity & nature ( ! organisms t w d ! actual "w ( humus =mation1 & has a broad selection ( mat]ials t c g into a bat* ( compo/4 ,easi] because critical & fussy p don't eat or dr9k compo/1 ! soil does2 soil & mo/ plants w1 )9 broad limits1 happily tol]ate wide v>iations 9 compo/ quality )\t compla9t4 ,"s compo/]s are v fussy & mu* l f9e bak]s or skill$ brew]s1 take great pa9s to produce a mat]ial exactly to _! lik+ by us+ complex me?ods4 ,usually ^! are food g>d5]s ) p[]ful conc]ns ab\t heal?1 ! nutritional quality ( ! food !y gr[ & ! improv$ gr[? ( _! vegetables4 ,h[ev]1 !re are num]\s simpl]1 less rigor\s ways ( compo/+ t produce a product ne>ly z good ) mu* less "w4 ,^! m basic me?ods w appeal to ! less-committ$ backy>d g>d5] or ! home[n] ) lawn1 %rubs1 & p]haps a few fl[] b$s4 ,"o unique me?od suit$ to h&l+ kit*5 g>bage--v]micompo/+ 7worms7--might appeal ev5 to ! ecologically conc]n$ ap>tm5t dwell] ) a few h\se plants4 ,an ,extremely ,crude ,compo/+ ,process ,i've be5 evolv+ a p]sonally-adapt$ compo/+ sy/em = ! pa/ tw5ty ye>s4 ,i've gone ?r\gh a numb] ( me?ods4 ,i've us$ & !n ab&on$ p[] *ipp]_/%r$d]s1 us$ home-made b9s & !n swit*$ to crude heaps2 ,i've %eet compo/$1 mul*$1 & us$ gre5 manure4 ,i fir/ made compo/ on a half-acre lot :]e ma9ta9+ a tidy appe>ance 0 a reasonable conc]n4 ,n[1 liv+ 9 ! c\ntry1 ,i don't h be conc]n$ ) :at ! neighbors ?9k ( my heaps because ! ne>e/ neighbor's h\se is #hjj feet f my compo/ area & ,i live 9 ! c\ntry because ,i don't mu* c>e to c>e :at my neighbors ?9k4 ,t's :y ,i n[ compo/ s crudely4 ,!re are a lot ( ref9em5ts ,i c\ld use b don't bo!r ) at ?is "t4 ,i /ill get f9e compo/4 ,:at foll[s %\ld be und]/ood z a description ( my unique1 p]sonal me?od adapt$ to my temp]am5t & ! climate ,i live 94 ,i />t ?is book (f ) su* a simple example because ,i want y to see h[ completely easy x c be to make p]fectly usable compo/4 ,i int5d ?is description = inspiration1 n emulation4 ,i am a s]i\s food g>d5]4 ,/>t+ 9 spr+ ,i beg9 to accumulate l>ge quantities ( vegetation t dem& h&l+4 ,!re are woody /umps & /alks ( v>i\s memb]s ( ! cabbage family t usually ov]w9t] 9 we/]n ,oregon's mild w9t]s4 ,^! bi5nials g into bloom by ,april & at t po9t ,i pull !m f ! g>d5 ) a fair am\nt ( soil adh]+ to ! roots4 ,^! r\gh mat]ials =m ! bottom lay] ( a new pile4 ,s9ce ! fir/ pr9ciple ( abundant liv+ is to produce two or ?ree times z mu* z y ?9k y'll ne$1 my ov]ly-l>ge g>d5 yields doz5s & doz5s ( su* /umps & /ill m doz5s ( uneat5 savoy cabbages1 m doz5s ( ?ree foot tall ,brussels spr\ts /alks & c>t loads ( enorm\s bloom+ kale plants4 ,at ! same "t1 f our insulat$ b unheat$ g>age comes buckets & boxes ( spr\t+ potatoes & c>t loads ( moldy uneat5 w9t] squa%es4 ,!re may be a few crates ( la/ fall's )]$ apples z well4 ,spr\t+ potatoes1 mildew$ squa%1 & %rivel$ apples are spread atop ! base ( brassica /alks4 ,i gr[ my own vegetable se$ :5ev] possible1 p>ticul>ly = bi5nials su* z brassicas1 beets & endive4 ,dur+ summ] ^! g5]ate l>ge quantities ( compo/able /raw aft] ! se$ is ?ra%$4 ,usually !re is a big dry bean pat* t also produces a lot ( /raw4 ,!re are vegetable trimm+s1 & l>ge quantities ( plant mat]ial :5 old spr+-s[n b$s are f9i%$ & ! soil is replant$ = fall h>ve/4 ,) ! fir/ fro/ 9 ,octob] !re is a huge am\nt ( g>d5 clean up4 ,z ea* ( ^! mat]ials is acquir$ x is tempor>ily plac$ next to ! heap await+ ! /eady outp\r+s f our #b-a_/b gallon kit*5 compo/ pail4 ,our h\sehold g5]ates q a bit ( g>bage1 especially dur+ high summ] :5 we are cann+ or juic+ our crops4 ,b we h no flies or putrid g>bage smells com+ f ! compo/ pile because z ea* bucketful is spread ov] ! c5t] ( ! pile ! g>bage is imm$iately cov]$ by sev]al in*es ( dri$ or wilt$ vegetation & a spr9kl+ ( soil4 ,by ,octob] ! heap has become ab\t six feet high1 sixte5 feet long & ab\t sev5 feet wide at ! base4 ,i've made no attempt to wat] ?is pile z x 0 built1 s x is q dry & has h>dly decompos$ at all4 ,soon ^? w9t] ra9s t ! ,m>itime nor?we/ is fam\s = arrive4 ,f mid-,octob] ?r\gh mid-,april x drizzles almo/ e day & ra9s fairly h>d on occasion4 ,"s #de in*es ( wat] fall4 ,b ! pile is loosely /ack$ ) lots ( air spaces )9 & mu* ( ! vegetation />t$ ! w9t] 9 a dry1 mature =m ) a pretty h>d b>k or sk9 t resi/s decomposition4 ,w9t] days av]age 9 ! high #djs1 s little rott+ occurs4 ,/ill1 by next ,april mo/ ( ! pile has become q wet4 ,"s g>bagey p>ts ( x h decompos$ significantly1 o!rs n at all2 mo/ ( x is /ill q recognizable b mu* ( ! vegetation has a grayi% coat+ ( microorganisms or has begun to turn light br[n4 ,n[ comes ! only two really h>d h\rs ( compo/-mak+ ef=t ea* ye>4 ,= a good "p ( "o morn+ ,i turn ! pile ) a manure =k & %ovel1 con/ruct+ a new pile next to ! old "o4 ,fir/ ,i peel (f ! b>ely-rott$ out] f\r or five in*es f ! old pile2 ?is makes ! base ( ! new "o4 ,untangl+ ! long /r+y grasses1 se$ /alks1 & ,brussels spr\t /ems f ! re/ c make me sweat & ev5 curse1 b =tunately ,i mu/ /op occasionally to spray wat] :]e ! mat]ial rema9s dry & cat* my w9d4 ,!n1 ,i re>range ! re/ s half-decompos$ brassica /umps & o!r big *unks are plac$ 9 ! c5t] :]e ! pile w become ! hotte/ & decomposition w proce$ mo/ rapidly4 ,z ,i re=m ! mat]ial1 "h & !re ,i lightly spr9kle a bit ( soil %ovel$ up f ar\nd ! orig9al pile4 ,:5 ,i've f9i%$ turn+ x1 ! new heap is ab\t five feet high1 six feet across at ! bottom1 & ab\t eight feet long4 ,! outside is !n cov]$ ) a ?9 lay] ( crumbly1 black soil scrap$ up :]e ! pile _h orig9ally /ood be=e ,i turn$ x4 ,us+ h& tools = mo/ k9ds ( g>d5 "w1 l we$+1 cultivat+1 till+1 & turn+ compo/ heaps is n z difficult or ne>ly z "t consum+ z mo/ p ?9k if "o has ! prop]1 %>p tools4 ,un=tunately1 ! k ( h[ to use h& tools has l>gely disappe>$4 ,no "o has a f>m-br$ gr&fa!r to %[ !m h[ easy x is to use a %>p %ovel or h[ impossibly h>d x c be to drive a dull "o into ! soil4 ,simil>ly1 we$+ ) a %>p hoe is ef=tless & fa/4 ,b mo/ new hoes are sold )\t ev5 a prop] bevel gr\nd into ! blade1 mu* less ) an edge t has be5 c>efully hon$4 ,s aft] work+ ) dull %ovels & hoes1 _m home food gr[]s mi/ak5ly conclude t cultivation is n possible )\t us+ a rot>y till] = bo? tillage & we$+ betwe5 r[s4 ,b in/ead ( an exp5sive gasol9e-p[]$ ma*9e all !y really ne$$ 0 a little k & a two doll> file4 ,simil>ly1 turn+ compo/ c be an impossible1 sweat-dr5*+1 back-wr5*+ *ore1 or x c be relatively quick & easy4 ,x is v difficult to drive ev5 a v %>p %ovel into a compo/ pile4 ,"o ne$s a hay =k1 some?+ mo/ p call a pit*=k4 ,! be/ type = ?is task has a v long1 delicate h&le & f\r1 foot long1 %>p1 ?9 t9es4 ,=ks ) m ?an f\r times grab too mu* mat]ial4 ,if ! heap has n rott$ v ?or\ghly & /ill conta9s a lot ( long1 /r+y mat]ial1 a five or six t9e =k w grab too mu* & may require too mu* /r5g?4 ,spad+ =ks ) f\r wide-flat blades don't "w well = turn+ heaps1 b en extremis ,i'd pref] "o to a %ovel4 ,also1 !re are %ovels & !n1 !re are %ovels4 ,mo/ g>d5]s "k ! diff]5ce betwe5 a spade & a %ovel4 ,!y w\ld n try to pick up & toss mat]ial ) a spade design$ only to "w /raight d[n & loos5 soil4 ,h[ev]1 did y "k t !re are design diff]5ces 9 ! %ape ( blade & angle ( h&le 9 %ovels4 ,! normal comb9ation %ovel is made = build]s to move piles ( s& or small gravel4 ,h[ev]1 use a comb9ation %ovel to scrape up loose1 f9e compo/ t a =k won't hold & y'll quickly h a sore back f b5d+ ov] s f>4 ,worse1 ! comb9ation %ovel has a decid$ly curv$ blade t won't scrape up v mu* ) ea* /roke4 ,a bett] *oice is a flat-blad$1 squ>e-front %ovel design$ to lift loose1 f9e-textur$ mat]ials f h>d surfaces4 ,h[ev]1 ev5 well-%>p5$1 ^! t5d to /ick :5 !y bump into any ob/acle4 ,be/ is an irrigator's %ovel4 ,?is is a lightweight tool look+ l an ord9>y comb9ation %ovel b ) a flatt]1 blunt] r\nd$ blade atta*$ to ! h&le at a mu* %>p] angle1 all[+ ! us] to /& /raight] :5 work+4 ,%>p irrigator's %ovels are p]fect = scoop+ up loos5$ soil & toss+ x to "o side1 = mak+ tr5*es or furr[s 9 till$ e>? & = scrap+ up ! la/ bits ( a compo/ heap be+ turn$ ov]4 ,once turn$1 my long-wea!r$ pile heats up rapidly4 ,x is n z hot z piles c cook1 b x does /eam on *illy morn+s = a few weeks4 ,by mid-,june ?+s h cool$4 ,! ra9s h also ceas$ & ! heap is gett+ dry4 ,x has also sagg$ consid]ably4 ,once m ,i turn ! pile1 wat]+ x d[n ) a f9e mi/ z ,i d s4 ,?is turn+ is mu* easi] z ! woody brassica /alks are ne>ly gone4 ,! *unks t rema9 z visible entities are aga9 put into ! new pile's c5t]2 mo/ ( ! bigg] & less-decompos$ /uff comes f ! outside ( ! old heap4 ,mu* ( ! mat]ial has become br[n to black 9 color & its orig9s are n recognizable4 ,! heap is n[ r$uc$ to f\r feet high1 five feet wide1 & ab\t six feet long4 ,aga9 ,i cov] x ) a ?9 lay] ( soil & ?is "t put a some:at brittle1 recycl$ %eet ( cle> pla/ic ov] x to hold 9 ! moi/ure & increase ! temp]ature4 ,aga9 ! pile briefly heats & !n mell[s ?r\gh ! summ]4 ,9 ,septemb] ! heap is f9i%$ en\gh to use4 ,x is ab\t ?irty in*es high & has be5 r$uc$ to less ?an "o-eigh? ( its />t+ volume eighte5 mon?s ago4 ,:at compo/ ,i don't spread dur+ fall is protect$ ) pla/ic f be+ lea*$ by w9t] ra9fall & w be us$ next spr+4 ,elaps$ "t3 #ah-bd mon?s f />t to f9i%4 ,total ef=t3 ?ree turn+s4 ,quality3 v useful4 ,obvi\sly my me?od is acceptable to me because ! pile is n easily visible to ! resid5ts or neighbors4 ,x also suits a lazy p]son4 ,x is a v sl[ sy/em1 okay = someone :o is n 9 a hurry to use _! compo/4 ,b few ( my read]s live on really rural prop]ties2 hopefully1 mo/ ( !m are n z lazy z ,i am4 ,at ?is po9t ,i c\ld recomm5d alt]native1 improv$ me?ods = mak+ compo/ mu* l cookbook recipes f :i* ! read] c\ld pick & *oose4 ,!re c\ld be a small backy>d recipe1 ! fa/ recipe1 ! ap>tm5t recipe1 ! w9t]time recipe1 ! mak+ compo/ :5 y c't make a pile recipes4 ,in/ead1 ,i pref] to complim5t y\r intellig5ce & fir/ explore ! pr9ciples beh9d compo/+4 ,i believe t an und]/&+ ( basics w enable y to function z a self-det]m9$ individual & adapt exi/+ me?ods1 solve problems if !y arise1 or create some?+ p]sonal & uniquely correct = y\r situation4 ,,*apt] ,,two ,compo/+ ,basics ,manag+ liv+ sy/ems usually goes bett] :5 our me?ods imitate nature's4 ,"h's an example ( :at happ5s :5 we don't4 ,p :o keep tropical fi% 9 home aqu>iums are in=m$ t to avoid num]\s fi% diseases !y mu/ ma9ta9 /]ile conditions4 ,:5ev] ! fi% become ill or beg9 dy+1 ! hobbyi/ is advis$ to put antibiotics or mild antiseptics into ! tank1 kill+ (f mo/ =ms ( microlife4 ,b nature is n /]ile4 ,nature is heal?y4 ,l _m an ap>tm5t dwell]1 9 my tw5ties ,i rais$ tropical fi% & grew h\se plants j to h "s life ar\nd4 ,! plants did f9e2 ,i guess ,i've always _h a gre5 ?umb4 ,b gr[+ tir$ ( dy+ fi% & bact]ial blooms cl\d+ ! wat]1 ,i reason$ t none ( ! fi% ,i _h se5 9 nature 7 diseas$ & _! wat] 0 usually q cle>4 ,p]haps ! problem 0 t my aqu>ium _h an ov]ly simplifi$ ecology & my fi% 7 be+ f$ process$1 dead food :5 9 nature ! ecology 0 highly complex & ! fi% 7 eat+ liv+ ?+s4 ,s ,i bravely attempt$ ! mo/ radical ?+ ,i c\ld ?9k (2 ,i w5t to ! c\ntry1 f\nd a small pond & f x br\ght home a qu>t ( bottom muck & pond wat] t ,i dump$ into my own aqu>ium4 ,in/ead ( introduc+ c\ntless diseases & wip+ out my fi%1 ,i actually _h introduc$ c\ntless liv+ ?+s t began multiply+ rapidly4 ,! wat] soon became cry/al cle>4 ,soon ! fi% 7 refus+ to eat ! sci5tifically =mulat$ food flakes ,i 0 supply+4 ,! pr(use v>iety ( little critt]s n[ liv+ 9 ! tank's gravel ate x in/ead4 ,! fi% ate ! critt]s & became p]fectly heal?y4 ,:5 ! snails ,i _h introduc$ ) ! pond mud became s num]\s t !y cov]$ ! glass & began to obscure my view1 ,i'd cru% a bun* ( !m aga9/ ! wall ( ! aqu>ium & ! fi% w\ld gorge on fre% snail meat4 ,! angelfi% & guppies especially began to look =w>d to my snail massacres & w\ld clu/] ar\nd my h& :5 ,i put x into ! tank4 ,on a diet ( liv+ ?+s 9 a natural ecology ev5 v difficult species began bre$+4 ,organic & biological f>m]s consid] mod]n sci5tific f>m+ practices to be a simil> situation4 ,in/ead ( imitat+ nature's complex /ability1 indu/rial f>m]s use =ce1 attempt+ to b5d an unnaturally simplifi$ ecosy/em to _! w4 ,z a result1 mo/ agricultural di/ricts are los+ soil at a non-su/a9able rate & produce food ( l[]$ nutritional cont5t1 result+ 9 decreas+ heal? = all ! life =ms eat+ ! production ( our f>ms4 ,includ+ u4 ,i am well aw>e t ^! condemnations may s\nd q radical to "s read]s4 ,9 a book ?is brief ,i _c (f] adequate support = my conc]ns ab\t soil f]tility & ! nation's heal?1 b ,i c ref] ! read] to ! bibliography1 :]e books ab\t ^! matt]s by writ]s f> m sagely ?an ,i c be f\nd4 ,i especially recomm5d ! works ( ,william ,albre*t1 ,we/on ,price1 ,sir ,rob]t ,mc,carrison1 & ,sir ,alb]t ,h[>d4 ,mak+ ,humus ,be=e we ask h[ to compo/1 s9ce nature is maximally effici5t p]haps x w\ld b5efit u to fir/ exam9e h[ nature goes ab\t return+ organic matt] to ! soil f :5ce x came4 ,if we d ne>ly z well1 we c be pr\d4 ,:]e nature is all[$ to op]ate )\t human int]v5tion1 ea* place develops a /able level ( biomass t is inevitably ! highe/ am\nt ( organic life t site c\ld support4 ,:e!r decidu\s =e/1 conif]\s =e/1 prairie1 ev5 des]t1 nature makes ! mo/ ( ! available res\rces & raises ! liv+ drama to its mo/ int5se & complex peak possible4 ,!re w be z _m mammals z !re c be1 z _m insects1 z _m worms1 z _m plants gr[+ z l>ge z !y c get1 z mu* organic matt] 9 all /ages ( decomposition & ! maximum am\nt ( relatively /able humus 9 ! soil4 ,all ^! =ms ( liv+ & decompos+ organisms are l9k$ 9 "o complex sy/em2 ea* "p s closely connect$ to all ! o!rs t %\ld "o be less5$ or increas$1 all ! o!rs *ange z well4 ,! effici5t decomposition ( leaves on a =e/ floor is a f9e example ( :at we might hope to a*ieve 9 a compo/ pile4 ,"u ! %ade ( ! trees & mul*$ ?ickly by leaves1 ! =e/ floor usually /ays moi/4 ,al?\gh ! leaves t5d to mat :]e !y contact ! soil1 ! wet1 some:at compact$ lay] is ?9 en\gh to p]mit air to be 9 contact ) all ( ! mat]ials & to ent] ! soil4 ,liv+ 9 ?is v top lay] ( fluffy1 crumbly1 moi/ soil mix$ ) leaf mat]ial & humus1 are ! animals t beg9 ! process ( humification4 ,_m ( ^! prim>y decompos]s are l>g]1 insect-l animals commonly kn[n to g>d5]s1 includ+ ! wood lice t we call pill bugs because !y roll up def5sively into h>d armadillo-l %ells1 & ! highly intrusive e>wigs my daught] calls p9* bugs4 ,!re are also num]\s types ( insect l>vae busily at "w4 ,a p]son c\ld sp5d _! entire life try+ to und]/& ! ecology ( a s+le h&ful ( humus-ri* topsoil4 ,= a c5tury n[1 num]\s soil biologi/s h be5 do+ j t & /ill ! job is n f9i%$4 ,s9ce g>d5]s1 mu* less ord9>y p1 are r>ely int]e/$ 9 obs]v+ & nam+ ! t9y animals ( ! soil1 especially are we dis9t]e/$ 9 ^? :o d no damage to our crops1 soil animals are usually del9eat$ only by ,lat9 sci5tific names4 ,! v>iations ) :i* soil animals live1 eat1 dige/1 reproduce1 attack1 & def5d !mselves fills :ole sections ( academic sci5ce libr>ies4 ,dur+ ! writ+ ( ?is book ,i became q imm]s$ 9 ?is subject & read f> m deeply into soil biology & microbiology ?an ,i ?\ght ,i ev] w\ld4 ,ev5 ?\gh ?is area ( k has amus$ me1 ,i d\bt x w ent]ta9 mo/ ( y4 ,if x does1 ,i recomm5d t y fir/ consult speciali/ s\rce mat]ials li/$ 9 ! bibliography = an introduction to a huge univ]se ( lit]ature4 ,i w n make y yawn by m5tion+ long1 unfamili> ,lat9 names4 ,i w n a/oni% y ) descriptions ( complex reproductive me?ods & beautiful survival /rategies4 ,g>d5]s d n really ne$ ?is in=mation4 ,b manag+ ! e>? s t soil animals are help$ & n de/roy$ is ess5tial to good g>d5+4 ,& !re are a few qualities ( soil animals t are f\nd 9 almo/ all ( !m4 ,if we are aw>e ( ! g5]al *>act]i/ics ( soil animals we c evaluate our compo/+ & g>d5+ practices by _! effect on ^! m9uscule creatures4 ,comp>$ to ! atmosph]e1 soil is a place :]e temp]ature fluctuations are small & sl[4 ,consequ5tly1 soil animals are g5]ally intol]ant to sudd5 temp]ature *anges & may n function well ov] a v wide range4 ,t's :y leav+ b>e e>? expos$ to ! hot summ] sun (t5 ret>ds plant gr[? & :y _m ?\ghtful g>d5]s ei!r put d[n a ?9 mul* 9 summ] or try to rapidly e/abli% a cool+ leaf canopy to %ade rais$ b$s4 ,except = a few microorganisms1 soil animals brea! oxyg5 j l o!r liv+ ?+s & s are dep5d5t on an adequate air supply4 ,:]e soil is airless due to compaction1 poor dra9age1 or l>ge proportions ( v f9e clay1 soil animals are few 9 numb]4 ,! soil environm5t is g5]ally q moi/2 ev5 :5 ! soil seems a little dryi% ! relative humidity ( ! soil air usually approa*es #ajj p]c5t4 ,soil animals consequ5tly h n develop$ ! ability to cons]ve _! body moi/ure & are spe$ily kill$ by dry conditions4 ,:5 fac$ ) desiccation !y retreat deep] into ! soil if !re is oxyg5 & pore spaces l>ge en\gh to move ab\t4 ,s we see ano!r reason :y a ?9 mul* t pres]ves surface moi/ure c greatly increase ! b5eficial population ( soil animals4 ,"s s+le-cell animals & r\ndworms are capable ( surviv+ /ress by ency/+ !mselves1 =m+ a little se$ t pres]ves _! g5etic mat]ial & en\gh food to reactivate x1 com+ back to life :5 conditions improve4 ,^! cy/s may endure long p]iods ( sev]e freez+ & sometimes temp]atures ( ov] #aej degree ,f4 ,inhabitants ( leaf litt] reside close to ! surface & s mu/ be able to exp]i5ce exposure to dry] air & light = %ort times )\t damage4 ,! l>g] litt] liv]s are call$ prim>y decompos]s4 ,!y sp5d mo/ ( _! "t *ew+ on ! ?ick res]ve ( moi/ leaves contact+ ! =e/ floor4 ,prim>y decompos]s are unable to dige/ ! entire leaf4 ,!y extract only ! easily assimilable sub/ances f _! food3 prote9s1 sug>s & o!r simple c>bohydrates & fats4 ,cellulose & lign9 are ! two sub/ances t make up ! h>d1 p]man5t1 & woody p>ts ( plants2 ^! mat]ials _c be dige/$ by mo/ soil animals4 ,int]e/+ly1 j l 9 a c['s rum51 !re are a few l>vae ^: dige/ive tract conta9s cellulose-decompos+ bact]ia b ^! l>vae h little ov]all effect4 ,aft] ! prim>y consum]s are f9i%$ ! leaves h be5 me*anically dis9tegrat$ & ?or\ghly moi/5$1 work$ ov]1 *ew$ to t9y pieces & conv]t$ into m9uscule bits ( moi/ excrem5t /ill conta9+ active dige/ive enzymes4 ,_m ( ! bact]ia & fungi t 7 pres5t on ! leaf surfaces h pass$ ?r\gh ?is initial dige/ion process alive or z spores wait+ & ready to activate4 ,9 ?is s5se1 ! excrem5t ( ! prim>y decompos]s is n v diff]5t ?an manure f l>ge veget>ian mammals l c[s & %eep al?\gh x is 9 mu* small] pieces4 ,dige/ive wa/es ( prim>y decompos]s are ?or\ghly inoculat$ ) microorganisms t c consume cellulose & lign94 ,ev5 ?\gh x looks l humus1 x has n yet fully decompos$4 ,x does h a wat]-ret5tive1 granul> /ructure t facilitates ! pres5ce ( air & moi/ure ?r\gh\t ! mass creat+ p]fect conditions = microbial dige/ion to proce$4 ,?is excrem5t is also ! food = a div]se gr\p ( ne>ly microscopic soil animals call$ second>y decompos]s4 ,^! are incapable ( eat+ any?+ t has n already be5 pr$ige/$ by ! prim>y decompos]s4 ,! comb9ation ( microbes & ! dige/ive enzymes ( ! prim>y & second>y decompos]s breaks d[n resi/ant cellulose & to "s degree1 ev5 lign9s4 ,! result is a consid]able am\nt ( second>y decomposition excrem5t hav+ a mu* f9] crumb /ructure ?an :at 0 left by ! prim>y decompos]s4 ,x is clos] to be+ humus b is /ill n q f9i%$4 ,n[ comes ! f9al /age 9 humus =mation4 ,num]\s species ( e>?worms eat _! way ?r\gh ! soil1 tak+ 9 a mixture ( e>?1 microbes1 & ! excrem5t ( soil animals4 ,all ( ^! sub/ances are mix$ toge!r1 gr\nd-up1 & *emically recomb9$ 9 ! worm's highly active & acidic gut4 ,organic sub/ances *emically unite ) soil to =m clay_/humus complexes t are q resi/ant to fur!r decomposition & h an extraord9>ily high ability to hold & release ! v nutri5ts & wat] t fe$ plants4 ,e>?worm ca/s 7excrem5t7 are me*anically v /able & help create a durable soil /ructure t rema9s op5 & friable1 some?+ g>d5]s & f>m]s call good til? or good crumb4 ,e>?worms are s vitally important to soil f]tility & additionally useful z ag5ts ( compo/ mak+ t an entire section ( ?is book w consid] !m 9 great detail4 ,let's und]l9e a compo/+ lesson to be drawn f ! =e/ floor4 ,9 nature1 humus =mation goes on 9 ! pres5ce ( air & moi/ure4 ,! ag5ts ( its =mation are soil animals rang+ 9 complexity f microorganisms ?r\gh insects work+ toge!r 9 a complex ecology4 ,^! same organisms "w our compo/ piles & help u *ange crude vegetation into humus or some?+ close to humus4 ,s1 :5 we make compo/ we ne$ to make sure t !re is suffici5t air & moi/ure4 ,decomposition is actually a process ( repeat$ dige/ions z organic matt] passes & repasses ?r\gh ! inte/9al tracts ( soil animals num]\s times or is attack$ by ! dige/ive enzymes secret$ by microorganisms4 ,at ea* /age ! vegetation & decomposition products ( t vegetation are ?or\ghly mix$ ) animal dige/ive enzymes4 ,soil biologi/s h obs]v$ t :]e soil conditions are ho/ile to soil animals1 su* z 9 compact$ f9e clay soils t exclude air1 organic matt] is decompos$ exclusively by microorganisms4 ,"u ^? conditions virtually no decomposition-resi/ant humus_/clay complexes =m2 almo/ ev]y?+ is consum$ by ! bact]ial community z fuel4 ,& ! non-productive soil is virtually devoid ( organic matt]4 ,sir ,alb]t ,h[>d has be5 call$ ! 'fa!r ( mod]n compo/+4' ,8 fir/ compo/+ book 7#aica7 ,! ,wa/e ,products ( ,agriculture1 /ress$ ! vital importance ( animal dige/ive enzymes f fre% c[ manure 9 mak+ compo/4 ,:5 he exp]im5t$ ) mak+ compo/ )\t manure ! results 7 less ?an ideal4 ,mo/ g>d5]s _c obta9 fre% manure b =tunately soil animals w supply simil> dige/ive enzymes4 ,lat] on :5 we review ,h[>d's ,indore compo/+ me?od we w see h[ brilliantly ,sir ,alb]t und]/ood natural decomposition & mimick$ x 9 a compo/+ me?od t result$ 9 a v sup]ior product4 ,at ?is po9t ,i sugge/ ano!r def9ition = humus4 ,humus is ! excrem5t ( soil animals1 prim>ily e>?worms1 b includ+ t ( "s o!r species t1 l e>?worms1 are capable ( comb9+ p>tially decompos$ organic matt] & ! excrem5t ( o!r soil animals ) clay to create /able soil crumbs resi/ant to fur!r decomposition or consumption4 ,nutri5ts 9 ! ,compo/ ,pile ,"s types ( leaves rot mu* fa/] on ! =e/ floor ?an o!rs4 ,analyz+ :y ?is happ5s reveals a great deal ab\t h[ to make compo/ piles decompose m effectively4 ,leaves f legum9\s 79 ! same botanical family z beans & peas7 trees su* z acacia1 c>ob1 & ald] usually become humus )9 a ye>4 ,s d "s o!rs l a%1 *]ry1 & elm4 ,m resi/ant types take two ye>s2 ^! include oak1 bir*1 bee*1 & maple4 ,popl> leaves1 & p9e1 ,d\glas fir1 & l>* ne$les are v sl[ to decompose & may take ?ree ye>s or long]4 ,"s ( ^! diff]5ces are due to v>iations 9 lign9 cont5t :i* is highly resi/ant to decomposition1 b spe$ ( decomposition is ma9ly influ5c$ by ! am\nt ( prote9 & m9]al nutri5ts conta9$ 9 ! leaf4 ,plants are compos$ ma9ly ( c>bohydrates l cellulose1 sug>1 & lign94 ,! elem5t c>bon is by f> ! great] "p ( c>bohydrates c>bo7n7hydr7og57ates by weight4 ,plants c readily manufacture c>bohydrates 9 l>ge quantities because c>bon & hydrog5 are d]iv$ f air 7,c#jb7 & wat] 7,h#b,o71 bo? sub/ances be+ available to plants 9 almo/ unlimit$ quantities4 ,sug>1 manufactur$ by photosyn!sis1 is ! simple/ & mo/ vital c>bohydrate4 ,sug> is burn$ 9 all plant cells z ! prim>y fuel p[]+ all liv+ activities4 ,extra sug> c be m compactly /or$ aft] be+ conv]t$ into />*es1 :i* are long /r+s ( sug> molecules l9k$ toge!r4 ,plants (t5 h />*-fill$ /ems1 roots1 or tub]s2 !y also make enzymes capable ( quickly conv]t+ ?is />* back into sug> ^u dem&4 ,we homebrew]s & bak]s make practical use ( a simil> enzyme process to *ange />*es /or$ 9 gra9s back to sug> t yea/s c *ange into alcohol4 ,c_/,n ( ,v>i\s ,tree ,leaves_/,ne$les ,false acacia #ad3a ,fir #dh3a ,black ald] #ae3a ,bir* #ej3a ,gray ald] #ai3a ,bee* #ea3a ,a% #ba3a ,maple #eb3a ,birds's eye *]ry #bb3a ,r$ oak #ec3a ,hornbeam #bc3a ,popl> #fc3a ,elm #bh3a ,p9e #ff3a ,lime #cg3a ,d\glas fir #gg3a ,oak #dg3a ,l>* #aac3a ,! prote9 cont5t ( tree leaves is v simil> to _! ratio ( c>bon 7,c7 comp>$ to nitrog5 7,n7 ,sometimes plants /ore food 9 ! =m ( oil1 ! mo/ conc5trat$ biological en]gy s\rce4 ,oil is also con/ruct$ f sug> & is usually f\nd 9 se$s4 ,plants also build /ructural mat]ials l /em1 cell walls1 & o!r woody p>ts f sug>s conv]t$ into cellulose1 a sub/ance simil> to />*4 ,v /rong /ructures are con/ruct$ ) lign9s1 a mat]ial l cellulose b mu* m durable4 ,cellulose & lign9s are p]man5t4 ,!y _c be conv]t$ back into sug> by plant enzymes4 ,nor c mo/ animals or bact]ia dige/ !m4 ,c]ta9 fungi c dige/ cellulose & lign91 z c ! symbiotic bact]ia inhabit+ a c['s rum54 ,9 ?is respect ! c[ is a v clev] animal runn+ a cellulose dige/ion factory 9 ! fir/ & l>ge/ ( its sev]al /oma*s4 ,!re1 x cultures bact]ia t eat cellulose2 !n ! c[ dige/s ! bact]ia z !y pass out ( "o /oma* & into ano!r4 ,plants also con/ruct prote9s1 ! vital /uff ( life itself4 ,prote9s are ma9ly f\nd 9 ^? p>ts ( ! plant involv$ ) reproduction & photosyn!sis4 ,prote9 molecules diff] f />*es & sug>s 9 t !y are l>g] & amaz+ly m complex4 ,mo/ significantly1 :ile c>bohydrates are ma9ly c>bon & hydrog51 prote9s conta9 l>ge am\nts ( nitrog5 & num]\s o!r m9]al nutri5ts4 ,prote9s are sc>ce 9 nature4 ,plants c make !m only 9 proportion to ! am\nt ( ! nutri5t1 nitrog51 t !y take up f ! soil4 ,mo/ soils are v poorly end[$ ) nitrog54 ,if nitrate-poor1 nutri5t-poor soil is well-wat]$ !re may be lu% vegetation b ! plants w conta9 little prote9 & c support few animals4 ,b :]e !re are high levels ( nutri5ts 9 ! soil !re w be l>ge numb]s ( animals1 ev5 if ! l& is poorly wat]$ & gr[s only scrubby grasses--v]dant =e/s usually fe$ only a few %y de] :ile ! %ort grass semi-des]t prairies once support$ huge h]ds ( graz+ animals4 ,ironically1 j z x is ) c>bon1 !re is no absolute %ortage ( nitrog5 on ,e>?4 ,! atmosph]e is ne>ly #hj p]c5t nitrog54 ,b 9 ! =m ( gas1 atmosph]ic nitrog5 is completely useless to plants or animals4 ,x mu/ fir/ be comb9$ *emically into =ms plants c use1 su* z nitrate 7,,no#c7 or ammonia 7,,nh#c74 ,^! *emicals are ref]r$ to z fix$ nitrog54 ,nitrog5 gas /rongly resi/s comb9+ ) o!r elem5ts4 ,*emical factories fix nitrog5 only at v high temp]atures & pressures & 9 ! pres5ce ( exotic cataly/s l plat9um or by expos+ nitrog5 gas to p[]ful electric sp>ks4 ,lightn+ fla%es c simil>ly fix small am\nts ( nitrog5 t fall to e>? dissolv$ 9 ra94 ,& c]ta9 soil-dwell+ microorganisms are able to fix atmosph]ic nitrog54 ,b ^! are abundant only :]e ! e>? is ri* 9 humus & m9]als1 especially calcium4 ,s 9 a soil body :]e l>ge quantities ( fix$ nitrog5 are naturally pres5t1 ! soil w also be well-end[$ ) a good supply ( m9]al nutri5ts4 ,mo/ ( ! _w's supply ( comb9$ nitrog5 is biologically fix$ at normal temp]atures & /&>d atmosph]ic pressure by soil microorganisms4 ,we call ! ones t live freely 9 soil azobact]ia & ! ones t associate !mselves ) ! roots ( legumes rhizobia4 ,blue-gre5 algae ( ! type t ?rive 9 rice paddies also manufacture nitrate nitrog54 ,we really don't "k h[ bact]ia accompli% ?is b ! nitrog5 !y fix is ! basis ( mo/ prote9s on e>?4 ,all microorganisms1 includ+ nitrog5-fix+ bact]ia1 build _! bodies f ! v same elem5ts t plants use = gr[?4 ,:]e ^! m9]al elem5ts are abundant 9 soil1 ! entire soil body is m alive & c>ries mu* m biomass at all levels f bact]ia ?r\gh insects1 plants1 & ev5 mammals4 ,%\ld any ( ^! vital nutri5t sub/ances be 9 %ort supply1 all biomass & plant gr[? w decrease to ! level p]mitt$ by ! am\nt available1 ev5 ?\gh !re is an ov]abundance ( all ! re/4 ,! "n = ?is ph5om5a is ! ,law ( ,limit+ ,factors4 ,! concept ( limits 0 fir/ =mulat$ by a sci5ti/1 ,ju/us von ,liebig1 9 ! middle ( ! la/ c5tury4 ,al?\gh ,liebig's "n is n popul> ) organic g>d5]s & f>m]s because misconceptions ( 8 ideas h l$ to ! widespread use ( *emical f]tiliz]s1 ,liebig's !ory ( limits is /ill good sci5ce4 ,liebig sugge/$ imag9+ a b>rel be+ fill$ ) wat] z a metaphor = plant gr[?3 ! am\nt ( wat] held 9 ! b>rel be+ ! am\nt ( gr[?4 ,ea* /ave repres5ts "o ( ! factors or requirem5ts plants ne$ 9 ord] to gr[ su* z light1 wat]1 oxyg51 nitrog51 phosphorus1 copp]1 boron1 etc4 ,l[]+ any "o /ave ( ! b>rel1 no matt] :i* "o1 less5s ! am\nt ( wat] t c be held & ?us gr[? is r$uc$ to ! level ( ! mo/ limit$ gr[? factor4 ,= example1 "o ess5tial plant prote9 is call$ *lorophyll1 ! gre5 pigm5t f\nd 9 leaves t makes sug> ?r\gh photosyn!sis4 ,*lorophyll is a prote9 conta9+ significant am\nts ( magnesium4 ,obvi\sly1 ! plant's ability to gr[ is limit$ by its ability to f9d en\gh fix$ nitrog5 & also magnesium to make ?is prote94 ,animals ( all sizes f elephants to s+le cell microorganisms are prim>ily compos$ ( prote94 ,b ! greate/ portion ( plant mat]ial is n prote91 x is c>bohydrates 9 "o =m or ano!r4 ,eat+ en\gh c>bohydrates to supply _! en]gy requirem5ts is r>ely ! survival problem fac$ by animals2 f9d+ en\gh prote9 7& o!r vital nutri5ts7 9 _! food supply to gr[ & reproduce is :at limits _! population4 ,! numb]s & heal? ( graz+ animals is limit$ by ! prote9 & o!r nutri5t cont5t ( ! grasses !y are eat+1 simil>ly ! numb]s & heal? ( prim>y decompos]s liv+ on ! =e/ floor is limit$ by ! nutri5t cont5t ( _! food4 ,& s is ! rate ( decomposition4 ,& s too is ?is true 9 ! compo/ pile4 ,! prote9 cont5t ( vegetation is v simil> to its ratio ( c>bon 7,c7 comp>$ to nitrog5 7,n74 ,quick laboratory analysis ( prote9 cont5t is n done by measur+ actual prote9 itself b by measur+ ! am\nt ( comb9$ nitrog5 ! prote9 gives (f :ile decompos+4 ,acacia1 ald]1 & leaves ( o!r prote9ace\s legumes su* z locu/1 mesquite1 scot* broom1 vet*1 alfalfa1 beans1 & peas h l[ ,c_/,n ratios because legume roots uniquely c %elt] clu/]s ( nitrog5-fix+ rhizobia4 ,^! microorganisms c supply all ! nitrate nitrog5 fa/-gr[+ legumes c use if ! soil is also well end[$ ) o!r m9]al nutri5ts rhizobia ne$1 especially calcium & phosphorus4 ,mo/ o!r plant families are entirely dep5d5t on nitrate supplies pres5t$ to !m by ! soil4 ,consequ5tly1 ^? regions or locations ) soils defici5t 9 m9]al nutri5ts t5d to gr[ conif]\s =e/s :ile ri*] soils support =e/s ) m prote9 9 _! leaves4 ,!re may also be climatic conditions t favor conif]s ov] decidu\s trees1 reg>dless ( soil f]tility4 ,x is g5]ally true t organic matt] ) a high ratio ( c>bon to nitrog5 also w h a high ratio ( c>bon to o!r m9]als4 ,& l[ ,c_/,n mat]ials w conta9 mu* l>g] am\nts ( o!r vital m9]al nutri5ts4 ,:5 we make compo/ f a wide v>iety ( mat]ials !re are probably en\gh quantity & v>iety ( nutri5ts 9 ! plant residues to =m l>ge populations ( humus-=m+ soil animals & microorganisms4 ,h[ev]1 :5 mak+ compo/ prim>ily ) high ,c_/,n /uff we ne$ to bl5d 9 o!r sub/ances conta9+ suffici5t fix$ nitrog5 & o!r vital nutri5t m9]als4 ,o!rwise1 ! decomposition process w take a v long "t because l>ge numb]s ( decompos+ organisms w n be able to develop4 ,c_/,n ( ,compo/able ,mat]ials _/-#f3a _/-#ab3a _/-#be3a _/-#ej3a _/-#ajj3a ,bone ,meal ,vegetables ,summ] grass corn/alks 7dry7 ,sawdu/ ,meat scraps ,g>d5 we$s ,seawe$ ,/raw 7gra97 ,pap] ,fi% wa/e ,alfalfa hay ,legume hulls ,hay 7l[ quality7 ,tree b>k ,rabbit manure ,horse manure ,fruit wa/e ,bagasse ,*ick5 manure ,sewage sludge ,hay 7top quality7 ,gra9 *aff ,pig manure ,silage ,corn cobs ,se$ meal ,c[ manure ,cotton mill wa/e ,! li/s 9 ?is table ( c>bon_/nitrog5 ratios are brok5 out z g5]al ranges ( ,c_/,n4 ,x has long be5 an un9tellig5t practice ( g>d5-level books to /ate precise ,c_/,n ratios = mat]ials4 ,"o sub/ance w be #bc3a :ile ano!r w be #be3a4 ,su* pseudosci5ce is n only inaccurate b x leads read]s into simil> misund]/&+s ab\t o!r su* li/s1 l nitrog5 cont5ts1 or composition breakd[ns ( organic manures1 or o!r organic soil am5dm5ts4 ,especially mislead+ are ^? tables 9 ! back ( _m heal? & nutrition books spell+ out ! exact nutri5t cont5ts ( foods4 ,!re is an old say+ ab\t ?is3 ',!re are lies1 !n !re are damn$ lies1 & !n1 !re are /ati/ics4 ,! worse lies ( all c be /ati/ics4' ,! composition ( plant mat]ials is v dep5d5t on ! level & nature ( ! soil f]tility t produc$ !m4 ,! nutrition pres5t 9 two plants ( ! same species1 ev5 9 two samples ( ! exact same v>iety ( vegetable rais$ f ! same packet ( se$ c v>y enorm\sly dep5d+ on :]e ! plants 7 gr[n4 ,william ,albre*t1 *airman ( ! ,soil ,dep>tm5t at ! ,univ]sity ( ,miss\ri dur+ ! #aicjs1 01 to ! be/ ( my k1 ! fir/ ma9/ream sci5ti/ to ?or\ghly explore ! diff]5ces 9 ! nutritional qualities ( plants & to id5tify specific aspects ( soil f]tility z ! reason :y "o plant c be mu* m nutriti\s ?an ano!r & :y animals c be s mu* heal?i] on "o f>m comp>$ to ano!r4 ,by implication1 ,albre*t also meant to %[ ! reason :y "o nation ( p c be mu* less heal?y ?an ano!r4 ,because 8 holi/ic outlook ran c\nt] to p[]ful ve/$ int]e/s ( 8 era1 ,albre*t 0 pr(essionally scorn$ & ultimately left ! univ]sity community1 sp5d+ ! re/ ( 8 life educat+ ! g5]al public1 especially f>m]s & heal? c>e pr(essionals4 ,summ>iz$ 9 "o p>agraph1 ,albre*t %[$ t )9 a s+le species or v>iety1 plant prote9 levels v>y #be p]c5t or m dep5d+ on soil f]tility1 :ile a plant's cont5t ( vital nutri5ts l calcium1 magnesium1 & phosphorus c simultane\sly move up or d[n z mu* z #cjj p]c5t1 usually correspond+ to simil> *anges 9 its prote9 level4 ,albre*t also discov]$ h[ to manage soil 9 ord] to produce highly nutriti\s food4 ,*apt] ,eight has a lot m praise = ,dr4 ,albre*t4 ,!re ,i explore ?is int]e/+ aspect ( g>d5+ 9 m detail because h[ we make & use organic matt] has a great deal to d ) ! result+ nutritional quality ( ! food we gr[4 ,imag9e try+ to make compo/ f defici5t mat]ials su* z a heap ( pure1 moi/ sawdu/4 ,:at happ5s8 ,v little & v1 v sl[ly4 ,trees locate mo/ ( _! nutri5t accumulation 9 _! leaves to make prote9 = photosyn!sis4 ,a small am\nt goes into mak+ b>k4 ,wood itself is virtually pure cellulose1 d]iv$ f air & wat]4 ,if1 :5 we f>m$ trees1 we remov$ only ! wood & left ! leaves & b>k on ! site1 we w\ld be remov+ next to no?+ f ! soil4 ,if ! sawdu/ comes f a lumb] mill1 z oppos$ to a cab9et %op1 x may also conta9 "s b>k & consequ5tly small am\nts ( o!r ess5tial nutri5ts4 ,?or\ghly moi/5$ & heap$ up1 a sawdu/ pile w\ld n heat up1 only a few prim>y decompos]s w\ld take up resid5ce4 ,a p]son c\ld wait five ye>s = compo/ to =m f pure moi/ sawdu/ & /ill n mu* w\ld happ54 ,p]haps t's :y ! words compo/ & compot z ! ,briti% mean x1 are connect$4 ,9 ,engl&1 a compot is a slightly f]m5t$ mixture ( _m ?+s l fruits4 ,if we mix$ ! sawdu/ ) o!r mat]ials hav+ a v l[ ,c_/,n1 !n x w\ld decompose1 along ) ! o!r items4 ,,*apt] ,,?ree ,practical ,compo/ ,mak+ ,to make compo/ rot rapidly y ne$ to a*ieve a /rong & la/+ rise 9 temp]ature4 ,cold piles w ev5tually decompose & humus w ev5tually =m b1 )\t heat1 ! process c take a long1 long "t4 ,gett+ a pile to heat up promptly & /ay hot requires ! "r mixture ( mat]ials & a s5sible h&l+ ( ! pile's air & moi/ure supply4 ,compo/ piles come ) "s built-9 ob/acles4 ,! int5se heat & biological activity make a heap slump into an airless mass1 yet if compo/+ is to cont9ue ! pile mu/ all[ its liv+ inhabitants suffici5t air to brea?4 ,hot piles t5d to dry out rapidly1 b mu/ be kept moi/ or !y /op work+4 ,b heat is desirable & wat]+ cools a pile d[n4 ,if und]/ood & manag$1 ^! difficulties are really q m9or4 ,compo/+ is usually an in(f5sive activity1 b if done incorrectly !re c be problems ) odor & flies4 ,?is *apt] w %[ y h[ to make nuisance-free compo/4 ,hot ,compo/+ ,! ma9 diff]5ce betwe5 compo/+ 9 heaps & natural decomposition on ! e>?'s surface is temp]ature4 ,on ! =e/ floor1 leaves leisurely decay & ! prim>y ag5ts ( decomposition are soil animals4 ,bact]ia & o!r microorganisms are second>y4 ,9 a compo/ pile ! opposite occurs3 we sub/itute a viol5t f]m5tation by microorganisms su* z bact]ia & fungi4 ,soil animals are second>y & come into play only aft] ! microbes h _h _! h\r4 ,"u dec5t conditions1 ) a relatively unlimit$ food supply1 bact]ia1 yea/s1 & fungi c d\ble _! numb]s e tw5ty to ?irty m9utes1 increas+ geometrically3 #a1 #b1 #d1 #h1 #af1 #cb1 #fd1 #abh1 #bef1 #eab1 #a1jbd1 #b1jdh1 #d1jif1 etc4 ,9 only f\r h\rs "o cell multiplies to ov] f\r ?\s&4 ,9 ?ree m h\rs !re w be two million4 ,= food1 !y consume ! compo/ heap4 ,almo/ all oxyg5-brea?+ organisms make en]gy by burn+ "s =m ( organic matt] z fuel mu* l gasol9e p[]s an automobile4 ,?is cellul> burn+ does n happ5 viol5tly ) flame & light4 ,liv+ ?+s use enzymes to break complex organic molecules d[n into simpl] ones l sug> 7& o!rs7 & !n enzymatically unite ^! ) oxyg54 ,b z g5tle z enzymatic combu/ion may seem1 x /ill is burn+4 ,microbes c burn />*es1 cellulose1 lign91 prote9s1 & fats1 z well z sug>s4 ,no eng9e is "o hundr$ p]c5t effici5t4 ,all motors give (f wa/e heat z !y run4 ,simil>ly1 no plant or animal is capable ( us+ e bit ( en]gy releas$ f _! food1 & consequ5tly radiate heat4 ,:5 work+ h>d1 liv+ ?+s give (f m heat2 :5 re/+1 less4 ,! ebb & fl[ ( heat production mat*es _! oxyg5 consumption1 & mat*es _! physical & metabolic activities1 & gr[? rates4 ,ev5 s+le-cell$ animals l bact]ia & fungi brea! oxyg5 & give (f heat4 ,soil animals & microorganisms work+ ov] ! ?9 lay] ( leaf litt] on ! =e/ floor also g5]ate heat b x dissipates )\t mak+ any p]ceptible increase 9 temp]ature4 ,h[ev]1 compo/able mat]ials d n transf] heat readily4 ,9 ! language ( ar*itecture & home build+ !y might be said to h a high ,r value or to be good insulators ,:5 a l>ge quantity ( decompos+ mat]ials are heap$ up1 biological heat is trapp$ )9 ! pile & temp]ature increases1 fur!r accel]at+ ! rate ( decomposition4 ,temp]ature controls h[ rapidly liv+ ?+s c>ry out _! activities4 ,only birds & mammals are w>m blood$-capable ( hold+ ! rate ( _! metabolic *emi/ry con/ant by hold+ _! body temp]ature /eady4 ,mo/ animals & all microorganisms h no ability to regulate _! int]nal temp]ature2 :5 !y are cold !y are sluggi%1 :5 w>m1 active4 ,driv5 by cold-blood$ soil animals & microorganisms1 ! hott] ! compo/ pile gets ! fa/] x is consum$4 ,?is relation%ip betwe5 temp]ature & ! spe$ ( biological activity also holds true = organic *emical reactions 9 a te/-tube1 ! %elf-life ( g>d5 se$1 ! "t x takes se$ to g]m9ate & ! /orage ( food 9 ! refrig]ator4 ,at ! temp]ature ( froz5 wat] mo/ liv+ *emical processes come to a halt or close to x4 ,t is :y freez+ prev5ts food f go+ ?r\gh ^? normal enzymatic decomposition /ages we call spoil+4 ,by ! "t t temp]ature has increas$ to ab\t #ej degree ,f1 ! *emi/ry ( mo/ liv+ ?+s is beg9n+ to op]ate effici5tly4 ,f t temp]ature ! spe$ ( organic *emical reactions !n approximately d\bles ) ea* #bj degree increase ( temp]ature4 ,s1 at #gj degree ,f decomposition is runn+ at twice ! rate x does at #ej degree1 :ile at #ij degree f\r times z rapidly z at #ej degree & s on4 ,h[ev]1 :5 temp]atures get to ab\t #aej degree organic *emi/ry is n necess>ily rac+ #cb times z fa/ z comp>$ to #ej degree because _m reactions eng5d]$ by liv+ ?+s decl9e 9 effici5cy at temp]atures mu* ov] #aaj degree4 ,?is explanation is ov]simplifi$ & ! numb]s ,i h us$ to illu/rate ! process are slightly inaccurate1 h[ev] ! idea itself is sub/antially correct4 ,y %\ld und]/& t :ile inorganic *emical reactions accel]ate ) increases 9 temp]ature almo/ )\t limit1 ^? processes conduct$ by liv+ ?+s usually h a mu* l[] t]m9al temp]ature4 ,above "s po9t1 life /ops4 ,ev5 ! mo/ heat tol]ant soil animals w die or exit a compo/ pile by ! "t ! temp]ature exce$s #abj degree1 leav+ ! mat]ial 9 ! sole possession ( microorganisms4 ,mo/ microorganisms _c )/& temp]atures mu* ov] #acj degree4 ,:5 ! core ( a pile heats beyond ?is po9t !y ei!r =m spores :ile wait+ = ?+s to cool (f1 or die (f4 ,pl5ty ( liv+ organisms w /ill be wait+ 9 ! cool] out] lay]s ( ! heap to reoccupy ! core once ?+s cool d[n4 ,h[ev]1 !re are unique bact]ia & fungi t only "w effectively at temp]atures exce$+ #aaj degree4 ,soil sci5ti/s & o!r academics t sometimes seem to measure _! /ature on h[ well !y c baffle ! av]age p]son by us+ unfamili> words = ord9>y notions call ^! types ( organisms !rmophiles1 a ,lat9 ^w t simply means heat lov]s4 ,compo/ piles c get rem>kably hot4 ,s9ce !rmophilic microorganisms & fungi g5]ate ! v heat !y require to accel]ate _! activities & z ! ambi5t temp]ature increases g5]ate ev5 m heat1 ! ultimate temp]ature is rea*$ :5 ! pile gets s hot t ev5 !rmophilic organisms beg9 to die (f4 ,compo/ piles h exce$$ #afj degree4 ,y %\ld expect ! heaps y build to exce$ #adj degree & %\ldn't be surpris$ if !y approa* #aej degree ,o!r types ( decompos+ organic matt] c get ev5 hott]4 ,= example1 hay/acks commonly cat* on fire because dry hay is su* an excell5t insulator4 ,if ! bales 9 ! c5t] ( a l>ge hay /ack are j moi/ en\gh to enc\rage rapid bact]ial decomposition1 ! heat g5]at$ may increase until dry] bales on ! outside beg9 to smoke & !n burn4 ,wise f>m]s make sure _! hay is ?or\ghly dry be=e bal+ & /ack+ x4 ,h[ hot ! pile c get dep5ds on h[ well ! compo/] controls a numb] ( factors4 ,^! are s important t !y ne$ to be consid]$ 9 detail4 ,p>ticle size4 ,microorganisms are n capable ( *ew+ or me*anically attack+ food4 ,_! prim>y me?od ( eat+ is to secrete dige/ive enzymes t break d[n & !n dissolve organic matt]4 ,"s l>g] s+le-cell creatures c surr\nd or envelop & !n swall[ t9y food p>ticles4 ,once inside ! cell ?is mat]ial is !n attack$ by simil> dige/ive enzymes4 ,s9ce dige/ive enzymes attack only outside surfaces1 ! great] ! surface area ! compo/+ mat]ials pres5t ! m rapidly microorganisms multiply to consume ! food supply4 ,& ! m heat is creat$4 ,z p>ticle size decreases1 ! am\nt ( surface area goes up j ab\t z rapidly z ! numb] s]ies us$ a few p>agraphs back to illu/rate ! multiplication ( microorganisms4 ,! surfaces pres5t$ 9 diff]5t types ( soil simil>ly affect plant gr[? s sci5ti/s h c>efully calculat$ ! am\nt ( surface areas ( soil mat]ials4 ,al?\gh compo/ heaps are made ( mu* l>g] p>ticles ?an soil1 ! relation%ip betwe5 p>ticle size & surface area is ! same4 ,cle>ly1 :5 a small diff]5ce 9 p>ticle size c *ange ! am\nt ( surface area by hundr$s ( times1 r$uc+ ! size ( ! /uff 9 ! compo/ pile w3 - expose m mat]ial to dige/ive enzymes2 - greatly accel]ate decomposition2 - build mu* high] temp]atures4 ,oxyg5 supply4 ,all desirable organisms ( decomposition are oxyg5 brea!rs or a]obes4 ,!re mu/ be an adequate movem5t ( air ?r\gh ! pile to supply _! ne$s4 ,if air supply is *ok$ (f1 a]obic microorganisms die (f & are replac$ by ana]obic organisms4 ,^! d n run by burn+ c>bohydrates1 b d]ive en]gy f o!r k9ds ( *emical reactions n requir+ oxyg54 ,ana]obic *emi/ry is sl[ & does n g5]ate mu* heat1 s a pile t sudd5ly cools (f is giv+ a /rong indication t ! core may lack air4 ,! prim>y wa/e products ( a]obes are wat] & c>bon dioxide gas--in(f5sive sub/ances4 ,:5 mo/ p ?9k ( putrefaction !y are actually pictur+ decomposition by ana]obic bact]ia4 ,) insuffici5t oxyg51 f\l-smell+ mat]ials are creat$4 ,in/ead ( humus be+ =m$1 black1 t>like sub/ances develop t are mu* less useful 9 soil4 ,"u airless conditions mu* nitrate is p]man5tly lo/4 ,! odif]\s wa/es ( ana]obes also includes hydrog5 sulfide 7smells l rott5 eggs71 z well z o!r toxic sub/ances ) v unpleasant qualities4 ,heaps built ) significant am\nts ( co>se1 /rong1 irregul> mat]ials t5d to reta9 l>ge pore spaces1 enc\rage airfl[ & rema9 a]obic4 ,heat g5]at$ 9 ! pile causes hot air 9 ! pile's c5t] to rise & exit ! pile by convection4 ,?is automatically draws 9 a supply ( fre%1 cool air4 ,b heaps made exclusively ( l>ge p>ticles n only pres5t little surface area to microorganisms1 !y p]mit s mu* airfl[ t !y are rapidly cool$4 ,?is is "o reason t a wet firewood rick or a pile ( damp wood *ips does n heat up4 ,at ! opposite extreme1 piles made ( f9ely gr\nd or s(t1 wet mat]ials t5d to compact1 end+ convective air ex*anges & br++ a]obic decomposition to a halt4 ,9 ! c5t] ( an airless heap1 ana]obic organisms imm$iately take ov]4 ,surface ,area ( ,"o ,gram ( ,soil ,p>ticles ,p>ticle ,size ,diamet] ( ,numb] ( ,surface ,area ,p>ticles 9 mm ,p>ticles p] gm p] squ>e cm ,v ,co>se ,s& #b4jj-a4jj #ij #aa ,co>se ,s& #a4jj-j4ej #gbj #bc ,m$ium ,s& #j4ej-j4be #e1gjj #de ,f9d ,s& #j4be-j4aj #df1jjj #ia ,v ,f9e ,s& #j4aj-jje #ggb1jjj #bbg ,silt #j4je-j4jjb #e1ggf1jjj #ded ,compo/]s use sev]al /rategies to ma9ta9 airfl[4 ,! mo/ basic "o is to bl5d an assortm5t ( compon5ts s t co>se1 /iff mat]ials ma9ta9 a loose texture :ile s(t1 flexible /uff t5ds to p>tially fill 9 ! spaces4 ,h[ev]1 ev5 if ! heap />ts out fluffy en\gh to p]mit adequate airfl[1 z ! mat]ials decompose !y s(t5 & t5d to slump toge!r into an airless mass4 ,p]iodically turn+ ! pile1 te>+ x ap>t ) a =k & re/ack+ x1 w ree/abli% a loos] texture & tempor>ily re*>ge ! pore spaces ) fre% air4 ,s9ce ! out] surfaces ( a compo/ pile d n get hot1 t5d to completely dry out1 & fail to decompose1 turn+ ! pile also rotates ! unrott$ sk9 to ! core & !n insulates x ) m-decompos$ mat]ial tak5 f ! c5t] ( ! orig9al pile4 ,a heap t has cool$ because x has gone ana]obic c be quickly rem$i$ by turn+4 ,piles c also be con/ruct$ ) a base lay] ( f9e /icks1 small] tree prun+s1 & dry bru%y mat]ial4 ,?is por\s base t5ds to enhance ! infl[ ( air f b5ea? ! pile4 ,"o p[]ful a]ation te*nique is to build ! pile atop a l[ plat=m made ( slats or /rong h>dw>e clo?4 ,l>g] piles c h air *annels built into !m mu* z light wells & c\rty>ds illum9ate inn] rooms ( tall build+s4 ,z ! pile is be+ con/ruct$1 v]tical heavy wood5 f5ce po/s1 #d x #d's1 or l>ge-diamet] pla/ic pipes ) num]\s qu>t]-in* holes drill$ 9 !m are spac$ e ?ree or f\r feet4 ,once ! pile has be5 =m$ & beg9s to heat1 ! wood5 po/s are wiggl$ ar\nd & !n lift$ out1 mak+ a slightly conical airway f top to bottom4 ,p]=at$ pla/ic v5t pipes c be left 9 ! heap4 ,) ! help ( ^! airways1 no "p ( ! pile is m ?an a c\ple ( feet f oxyg5 ,moi/ure4 ,a dry pile is a cold pile4 ,microorganisms live 9 ?9 films ( wat] t adh]e to organic matt] :]eas fungi only gr[ 9 humid conditions2 if ! pile becomes dry1 bo? bact]ia & fungi die (f4 ,! upwell+ ( heat$ air exit+ ! pile t5ds to rapidly dehydrate ! compo/ heap4 ,x usually is necess>y to p]iodically add wat] to a hot work+ heap4 ,un=tunately1 remoi/5+ a pile is n always simple4 ,! nature ( ! mat]ials t5ds to cause wat] to be %$ & run (f mu* l a ?at*$ ro( protects a cottage4 ,s9ce piles t5d to compact & dry out at ! same "t1 :5 !y are turn$ !y c simultane\sly be rehydrat$4 ,:5 ,i =k ov] a heap ,i take brief breaks & spray wat] ov] ! new pile1 lay] by lay]4 ,two or ?ree su* turn+s & wat]+s w result 9 f9i%$ compo/4 ,! o!r extreme c also be an ob/acle to effici5t compo/+4 ,mak+ a pile too wet c enc\rage s(t mat]ials to lose all me*anical /r5g?1 ! pile imm$iately slumps into a *ill$1 airless mass4 ,hav+ l>ge quantities ( wat] pass ?r\gh a pile c also lea* out vital nutri5ts t fe$ organisms ( decomposition & lat] on1 fe$ ! g>d5 itself4 ,i cov] my heaps ) old pla/ic %eet+ f ,novemb] ?r\gh ,m>* to protect !m f ,oregon's ra9y w9t] climate4 ,und]/&+ h[ mu* moi/ure to put into a pile soon becomes an intuitive c]ta9ty4 ,beg9n]s c gauge moi/ure cont5t by squeez+ a h&ful ( mat]ial v h>d4 ,x %\ld feel v damp b only a few drops ( moi/ure %\ld be extractable4 ,indu/rial compo/]s1 :o c af=d sci5tific guidance to optimize _! activities1 try to e/abli% & ma9ta9 a laboratory-measur$ moi/ure cont5t ( #ej to #fj p]c5t by weight4 ,:5 build+ a pile1 keep 9 m9d t c]ta9 mat]ials l fre% grass clipp+s & vegetable trimm+s already conta9 close to #ij p]c5t moi/ure :ile dry compon5ts su* z sawdu/ & /raw may conta9 only #aj p]c5t & resi/ absorb+ wat] at t4 ,b1 by ?or\ghly mix+ wet & dry mat]ials ! ov]all moi/ure cont5t w quickly equalize4 ,size ( ! pile4 ,x is mu* h>d] to keep a small object hot ?an a l>ge "o4 ,t's because ! ratio ( surface area to volume goes d[n z volume goes up4 ,no matt] h[ well o!r factors enc\rage !rmophiles1 x is /ill difficult to make a pile heat up t is less ?an ?ree feet high & ?ree feet 9 diamet]4 ,& a t9y pile l t "o t5ds to heat only = a %ort "t & !n cool (f rapidly4 ,l>g] piles t5d to heat mu* fa/] & rema9 hot long en\gh to all[ significant decomposition to occur4 ,mo/ compo/]s consid] a f\r foot cube to be a m9imum practical size4 ,indu/rial or municipal compo/]s build w9dr[s up to t5 feet at ! base1 sev5 feet high1 & z long z !y want4 ,h[ev]1 ev5 if y h unlimit$ mat]ial !re is /ill a limit to ! heap's size & t limit+ factor is air supply4 ,! bigg] ! compo/ pile ! h>d] x becomes to get oxyg5 into ! c5t]4 ,indu/rial compo/]s may h p[] equipm5t t simultane\sly turns & sprays wat]1 me*anically oxyg5at+ & remoi/5+ a massive w9dr[ e few days4 ,ev5 poorly-f9anc$ municipal compo/+ sy/ems h tractors ) scoop load]s to turn _! piles frequ5tly4 ,at home ! practical limit is probably a heap six or sev5 feet wide at ! base1 initially ab\t five feet high 7x w rapidly slump a foot or s once heat+ beg9s71 & z long z "o has mat]ial =4 ,?\gh we might l to make our compo/ piles s l>ge t ma9ta9+ suffici5t airfl[ becomes ! major problem we face1 ! home compo/] r>ely has en\gh mat]ials on h& to build a huge heap all at once4 ,a s+le lawn m[+ doesn't supply t _m clipp+s2 my own kit*5 compo/ bucket is l>g] & fills fa/] ?an anyone else's ,i "k ( b /ill only am\nts to a few gallons a week except dur+ ,augu/ :5 we're mak+ jam1 cann+ vegetables1 & juic+4 ,g>d5 we$s are collect$ a :eelb>r[ at a "t4 ,leaves are seasonal4 ,9 ! ,ea/ ! annual vegetable g>d5 clean-up happ5s aft] ! fall fro/4 ,s almo/ inevitably1 y w be build+ a heap gradually4 ,t's probably :y mo/ g>d5 books illu/rate compo/ heaps z ?\gh !y 7 lay] cakes3 a base lay] ( bru%1 twigs1 & co>se /uff to all[ air to ent]1 !n alt]nat+ ?9 lay]s ( grass clipp+s1 leaves1 we$s1 g>bage1 grass1 we$s1 g>bage1 & a spr9kl+ ( soil1 repeat$ until ! heap is five feet tall4 ,x c take mon?s to build a compo/ pile ?is way because heat+ & decomposition beg9 be=e ! pile is f9i%$ & x sags z x is built4 ,i recomm5d sev]al practices :5 gradually =m+ a heap4 ,keep a l>ge /ack ( dry1 co>se vegetation next to a build+ pile4 ,z kit*5 g>bage1 grass clipp+s1 fre% manure or o!r wet mat]ials come available ! c be cov]$ ) & mix$ into ?is dry mat]ial4 ,! wett]1 gre5] items w rehydrate ! dry vegetation & usually conta9 m nitrog5 t balances out ! high] c>bon ( dri$ grass1 tall we$s1 & hay4 ,if build+ ! heap has tak5 sev]al mon?s1 ! l[] c5tral area w probably be well on its way to becom+ compo/ & mu* ( ! pile may h already dri$ out by ! "t x is fully =m$4 ,s ! be/ "t make ! fir/ turn & remoi/5 a long-build+ pile is "r aft] x has be5 complet$4 ,in/ead ( pictur+ a lay] cake1 y w be bett] (f comp>+ compo/+ to mak+ bread4 ,fl\r1 yea/1 wat]1 molasses1 sunfl[] se$s1 & oil ar5't lay]$1 !y're ?or\ghly bl5d$ & !n knead$ & work$ toge!r s t ! yea/ c int]act ) ! o!r mat]ials & br+ ab\t a miracul\s *emi/ry t we call d\gh4 ,c>bon to nitrog5 ratio4 ,c_/,n is ! mo/ important s+le aspect t controls bo? ! heap's ability to heat up & ! quality ( ! compo/ t results4 ,piles compos$ prim>ily ( mat]ials ) a high ratio ( c>bon to nitrog5 d n get v hot or /ay hot long en\gh4 ,piles made f mat]ials ) too l[ a ,c_/,n get too hot1 lose a great deal ( nitrog5 & may burn out4 ,! compo/ process g5]ally works be/ :5 ! heap's />t+ ,c_/,n is ar\nd #be3a4 ,if sawdu/1 /raw1 or woody hay =m ! bulk ( ! pile1 x is h>d to br+ ! ,c_/,n d[n en\gh ) j grass clipp+s & kit*5 g>bage4 ,heaps made ess5tially ( high ,c_/,n mat]ials ne$ significant additions ( ! mo/ pot5t manures &_/or highly conc5trat$ organic nitrog5 s\rces l se$ meals or slaught]h\se conc5trates4 ,! next *apt] discusses ! nature & prop]ties ( mat]ials us$ = compo/+ 9 great detail4 ,i h already /ress$ t fill+ ?is book ) tables li/+ s-call$ precise am\nts ( ,c_/,n = compo/able mat]ials w\ld be fooli%4 ,ev5 m wa/eful ( en]gy w\ld be ! compo/]'s attempt to compute ! ratio ( c>bon to nitrog5 result+ f any mixture ( mat]ials4 ,= ^? :o are int]e/$1 ! sideb> provides an illu/ration ( h[ t might be done4 ,balanc+ ,c_/,n ,"h's a simple ari?metic problem t illu/rates h[ to balance c>bon to nitrog54 ,,"q3 ,i h #ajj p\nds ( /raw ) a ,c_/,n ( #ff3a1 h[ mu* *ick5 manure 7,c_/,n ( #h3a7 d ,i h to add to br+ ! total to an av]age ,c_/,n ( #be3a4 ,,answ]3 ,!re is #a p\nd ( nitrog5 already 9 ea* #ff p\nds ( /raw1 s !re are already ab\t #a4e p\nds ( ,n 9 #ajj p\nds ( /raw4 #ajj p\nds ( /raw-compo/ at #be3a w\ld h ab\t #d p\nds ( nitrog51 s ,i ne$ to add ab\t #b4e m p\nds ( ,n4 ,eight p\nds ( *ick5 manure conta9 #a p\nd ( ,n2 #af p\nds h #b4 ,s1 if ,i add #cb p\nds ( *ick5 manure to #ajj p\nds ( /raw1 ,i w h #acb p\nds ( mat]ial conta9+ ab\t #e4e p\nds ( ,n1 a ,c_/,n ( #acb3e4e or ab\t #bd3a4 ,x is f> m s5sible to le>n f exp]i5ce4 ,gauge ! proportions ( mat]ials go+ into a heap by ! result4 ,if ! pile gets really hot & /ays t way = a few weeks be=e gradually cool+ d[n !n ! ,c_/,n 0 m or less "r4 ,if1 aft] sev]al turn+s & reheat+s1 ! mat]ial has n ?or\ghly decompos$1 !n ! initial ,c_/,n 0 probably too high4 ,! words ?or\ghly decompos$ mean "h t !re are no recognizable traces ( ! orig9al mat]ials 9 ! heap & ! compo/ is d>k br[n to black1 crumbly1 sweet smell+ & mo/ importantly1 :5 work$ into soil x provokes a m>k$ gr[? response1 simil> to f]tiliz]4 ,if ! pile did n initially heat v mu* or ! heat+ /age 0 v brief1 !n ! pile probably lack$ nitrog54 ,! solution = a nitrog5-defici5t pile is to turn x1 simultane\sly bl5d+ 9 m nutri5t-ri* mat]ials & probably a bit ( wat] too4 ,aft] a few piles h be5 made novice compo/]s w beg9 to get ! same feel = _! mat]ials z bak]s h = _! fl\r1 %ort5+1 & yea/4 ,x is also possible to err on ! opposite end ( ! scale & make a pile ) too mu* nitrog54 ,?is heap w heat v rapidly1 become z hot z ! microbial population c tol]ate1 lose moi/ure v quickly1 & probably smell ( ammonia1 indicat+ t valuable fix$ nitrog5 is escap+ into ! atmosph]e4 ,:5 prote9s decompose _! nitrog5 cont5t is normally releas$ z ammonia gas4 ,mo/ p h smell$ small piles ( spr+ grass clipp+s do+ ?is v ?+4 ,ammonia is always creat$ :5 prote9s decompose 9 any heap at any ,c_/,n4 ,b a prop]ly made compo/ pile does n p]mit ?is valuable nitrog5 s\rce to escape4 ,!re are o!r bact]ia commonly f\nd 9 soil t uptake ammonia gas & *ange x to ! nitrates t plants & soil life =ms ne$ to make o!r prote9s4 ,^! nitrification microorganisms are extremely effici5t at reasonable temp]atures b _c survive ! extreme high temp]atures t a really hot pile c a*ieve4 ,!y also live only 9 soil4 ,t is :y x is v important to ensure t ab\t #aj p]c5t ( a compo/ pile is soil & to coat ! outside ( a pile ) a fro/+ ( ri* e>? t is kept damp4 ,"o o!r aspect ( soil helps prev5t ammonia loss4 ,clay is capable ( attract+ & tempor>ily hold+ on to ammonia until x is nitrifi$ by microorganisms4 ,mo/ soils conta9 significant am\nts ( clay4 ,! widespread pres5ce ( clay & ammonia-fix+ bact]ia 9 all soils p]mits indu/rial f>m]s to inject gase\s ammonia directly into ! e>? :]e x is promptly & completely alt]$ into nitrates4 ,a v hot pile leak+ ammonia may conta9 too little soil1 b m likely x is also s hot t ! nitrify+ bact]ia h be5 kill$ (f4 ,escap+ ammonia is n only an (f5sive nuisance1 valuable f]tility is be+ lo/ into ! atmosph]e4 ,wea!r & season4 ,y c adopt a numb] ( /rategies to keep wea!r f *ill+ a compo/ pile4 ,w9d bo? l[]s temp]ature & dries out a pile1 s if at all possible1 make compo/ 9 a %elt]$ location4 ,heavy1 cold ra9s c *ill & wat]log a pile4 ,compo/+ "u a ro( w also keep hot sun f bak+ moi/ure out ( a pile 9 summ]4 ,us+ b9s or o!r compo/ /ructures c hold 9 heat t might o!rwise be lo/ f ! sides ( unprotect$ heaps4 ,x is mu* easi] to ma9ta9 a high core temp]ature :5 ! wea!r is w>m4 ,x may n be s easy to make hot compo/ heaps dur+ a nor!rn w9t]4 ,s 9 "s p>ts ( ! c\ntry ,i w\ld n expect too mu* f a compo/ pile made f autumn cleanup4 ,?is /ack ( leaves & fro/-bitt5 g>d5 plants may h to await ! spr+ ?aw1 !n to be mix$ ) pot5t spr+ grass clipp+s & o!r nitrog5\s mat]ials 9 ord] to heat up & complete ! compo/+ process4 ,:at to d ) kit*5 g>bage dur+ w9t] 9 ! froz5 ,nor? makes an int]e/+ problem & leads s]i\s recycl]s to take notice ( v]micompo/+4 7,see ,*apt] #f47 ,9 s\!rn regions ! heap may be prev5t$ f ov]heat+ by mak+ x small] or n z tall4 ,*apt] ,n9e describes 9 great detail h[ ,sir ,alb]t ,h[>d h&l$ ! problem ( high air temp]ature :ile mak+ compo/ 9 ,india4 ,! ,f]tiliz+ ,value ( ,compo/ ,x is n possible = me to tell y h[ well y\r own homemade compo/ w f]tilize plants4 ,l home-brew$ be] & home-bak$ bread y c be c]ta9 t y\r compo/ may be ! equal ( or sup]ior to almo/ any comm]cially made product & c]ta9ly w be bett] f]tiliz] ?an ! high c>bon result ( municipal solid wa/e compo/+4 ,b fir/1 let's consid] two semi-philosophical que/ions1 good = :at8 & poor z :at8 ,any compo/ is a social good if x cons]ves en]gy1 saves space 9 l&fills & returns "s nutri5ts & organic matt] to ! soil1 :e!r = lawns1 ornam5tal plant+s1 or vegetable g>d5s4 ,comp>$ to ! f]tiliz] y w\ld h pur*as$ 9 its place1 any homemade compo/ w be a f9ancial ga9 unless y buy exp5sive motor-p[]$ gr9d+ equipm5t to produce only small quantities4 ,mak+ compo/ is also a p]sonal good4 ,= a few h\rs a ye>1 compo/+ gets y outside ) a manure =k 9 y\r h&1 work+ up a sweat4 ,y int5tionally p>ticipate 9 a natural cycle3 ! endless rotation ( c>bon f air to organic matt] 9 ! =m ( plants1 to animals1 & f9ally all ( x back into soil4 ,y c obs]ve ! miracul\s increase 9 plant & soil heal? t happ5s :5 y int5sify & enri* t cycle ( c>bon on l& "u y\r control4 ,s any compo/ is good compo/4 ,b w x be good f]tiliz]8 ,answ]+ t "q is a lot h>d]3 x dep5ds on s _m factors4 ,! gr[? response y'll get f compo/ dep5ds on :at w5t into ! heap1 on h[ mu* nitrate nitrog5 0 lo/ z ammonia dur+ decomposition1 on h[ completely decomposition 0 all[$ to proce$1 & h[ mu* nitrate nitrog5 0 creat$ by microbes dur+ rip5+4 ,! gr[? response f compo/ also dep5ds on ! soil's temp]ature4 ,j l e o!r biological process1 ! nutri5ts 9 compo/ only ,,gr[ ! plant :5 !y decompose 9 ! soil & are releas$4 ,:]e summ] is hot1 :]e ! av]age ( day & night temp]atures are high1 :]e soil temp]atures rea* #hj degree = mu* ( ! fro/-free season1 organic matt] rots really fa/ & a little compo/ ( av]age quality makes a huge increase 9 plant gr[?4 ,:]e summ] is cool & soil organic matt] decomposes sl[ly1 poor] grades ( compo/ h little imm$iate effect1 or worse1 may tempor>ily int]f]e ) plant gr[?4 ,hott] soils are probably m desp]ate = organic matt] & may give y a m>k$ gr[? response f ev5 poor quality compo/2 soils 9 cool climates naturally conta9 high] quantities ( humus & ne$ to be /ok$ ) m pot5t mat]ials if high levels ( nutri5ts are to be releas$4 ,compo/ is also reput$ to make enorm\s improvem5ts 9 ! workability1 or til? ( ! soil4 ,?is aspect ( g>d5+ is s important & s widely misund]/ood1 especially by organic g>d5]s1 t mo/ ( ,*apt] ,sev5 is devot$ to consid]+ ! roles ( humus 9 ! soil4 ,g,r,o,wing ! plant ,"o ( ! ?+s ,i enjoy mo/ :ile g>d5+ is ,g,r,o,wing "s ( my plants4 ,i don't ,,gr[ !m all because !re is no po9t 9 hav+ giant p>sley or mak+ ! corn pat* get "o foot tall]4 ,mak+ ev]y?+ get z l>ge z possible w\ldn't result 9 maximum nutrition ei!r4 ,b j = fun1 h[ ab\t a #ajj-plus-p\nd pumpk98 ,a tw5ty-p\nd savoy cabbage8 ,a caulifl[] sixte5 in*es 9 diamet]8 ,an eight-in* diamet] beet8 ,n[ t's ,g,r,o,wing6 ,"h's h[4 ,simply remove z _m gr[? limit]s z possible & wat* ! plant's own ef=ts take ov]4 ,"o ( ! be/ examples ,i've ev] se5 ( h[ ?is works 0 9 a neighbor's backy>d gre5h\se4 ,?is retir$ weld] lik$ 8 liquor4 ,hav+ m "t ?an money & little respect = legal absurdities1 he _h con/ruct$ a small /a9less /eel pot /ill1 f]m5t$ 8 own ma%1 & made a h>%1 hangov]-produc+ :iskey f gra9 & cane sug> t ,appala*ians call popskull4 ,to enc\rage rapid f]m5tation1 8 ma%+ b>rel 0 kept 9 ! w>m gre5h\se4 ,! bubbl+ brew gave (f l>ge quantities ( c>bon dioxide gas4 ,! re/ ( 8 gre5h\se 0 fill$ ) gre5 h]bs t fl[]$ fragrantly 9 ,septemb]4 ,mo/ ( !m 7 f\r or five feet tall b ^? plants on ! end h\s+ ! ma% b>rel 7 sev5 feet tall & twice z bu%y4 ,:y8 ,because ! normal level ( atmosph]ic ,,co#b actually limits plant gr[?4 ,we c't increase ! c>bon supply outdoors4 ,b we c loos5 ! soil eighte5 to tw5ty-f\r in*es d[n 7or m = deeply-root+ species7 9 an area z l>ge z ! plant's root sy/em c\ld possibly ramify dur+ its entire gr[+ season4 ,i've se5 "s ,g,r,o,wers dig holes f\r feet deep & five feet 9 diamet] = individual plants4 ,we c use well-f9i%$1 /rong compo/ to increase ! humus cont5t ( t soil1 & supplem5t t ) manure tea or liquid f]tiliz] to provide all ! nutri5ts ! plant c\ld possibly use4 ,we c allocate only "o plant to t space & make sure absolutely no competition develops 9 t space = light1 wat]1 or nutri5ts4 ,we c keep ! soil moi/ at all times4 ,by locat+ ! plant aga9/ a reflective :ite wall we c increase its light levels & p]haps ! nighttime temp]atures 7plants make food dur+ ! day & use x to gr[ ) at night74 ,textural improvem5ts f compo/ dep5d greatly on soil type4 ,s&y & loamy soils naturally rema9 op5 & workable & su/a9 good til? ) surpris+ly small am\nts ( organic matt]4 ,two or ?ree hundr$ p\nds 7dry weight7 ( compo/ p] ?\s& squ>e feet p] ye> w keep co>se-textur$ soils 9 wond]ful physical condition4 ,?is small am\nt ( humus is also suffici5t to enc\rage ! developm5t ( a lu% soil ecology t creates ! natural heal? ( plants4 ,silty soils1 especially ones ) m clay cont5t1 t5d to become compact$ & :5 l[ 9 humus w cru/ ov] & puddle :5 x ra9s h>d4 ,^! may ne$ a little m compo/1 p]haps 9 ! range ( ?ree to five hundr$ p\nds p] ?\s& squ>e feet p] ye>4 ,clay soils on ! o!r h& are heavy & airless1 easily compact$1 h>d to "w1 & h>d to keep workable4 ,! me*anical prop]ties ( clay soils greatly b5efit f additions ( organic matt] sev]al times l>g] ?an :at soils compos$ ( l>g] p>ticles ne$4 ,giv5 adequate organic matt]1 ev5 a heavy clay c be made to behave some:at l a ri* loam does4 ,p]haps y've notic$ t ,i've /ill avoid$ answ]+ ! "q1 h[ good is y\r compo/8 ,fir/1 lets take a look at laboratory analyses ( v>i\s k9ds ( compo/1 connect t to :at !y 7 made f & t to ! k9d ( gr[+ results "o might get f !m4 ,i apologize t despite consid]able rese>* ,i 0 unable to discov] m detail$ breakd[ns f m compo/+ activities4 ,b ! data ,i d h is suffici5t to appreciate ! range ( possibilities4 ,consid]$ z a f]tiliz] to ,,gr[ plants1 ,municipal ,solid ,wa/e 7,,msw7 compo/ is ! l[e/ grade mat]ial ,i "k (4 ,x is usually broadca/ z a surface mul*4 ,! +r$i5ts municipal compo/]s mu/ process include an indiscrim9ate mixture ( all sorts ( urban organic wa/e3 pap]1 kit*5 g>bage1 leaves1 *ipp$ tree trimm+s1 comm]cial organic g>bage l re/aurant wa/e1 cann]y wa/es1 etc4 ,un=tunately1 pap] comprises ! l>ge/ s+le +r$i5t & x is by nature highly resi/ant to decomposition4 ,,msw compo/+ is ess5tially a recycl+ process1 s no soil1 no manure & no special l[ ,c_/,n s\rces are us$ to improve ! f]tiliz+ value ( ! f9i%$ product4 ,municipal compo/+ s*emes usually mu/ process huge volumes ( mat]ial on v valuable l& close to cities4 ,economics mean ! heaps are made z l>ge z possible1 run z fa/ z possible1 & gott5 (f ! field )\t conc]n = develop+ _! highe/ qualities4 ,s9ce x takes a long "t to r$uce l>ge proportions ( c>bon1 especially :5 !y are 9 v decomposition-resi/ant =ms l pap]1 & s9ce ! use ( soil 9 ! compo/ heap is ess5tial to prev5t nitrate loss1 municipal compo/s t5d to be l[ 9 nitrog5 & high 9 c>bon4 ,by comp>ison1 ! poore/ home g>d5 compo/ ,i c\ld f9d te/ results = 0 ab\t equal to ! be/ municipal compo/4 ,! be/ g>d5 sample 7,b7 is pretty f9e /uff4 ,i c\ld n discov] ! +r$i5ts t w5t into ei!r g>d5 compo/ b my supposition is t g>d5] ,a incorporat$ l>ge quantities ( high ,c_/,n mat]ials l /raw1 sawdu/ & ! l :ile g>d5] ,b us$ manure1 fre% vegetation1 grass clipp+s & o!r simil> l[ ,c_/,n mat]ials4 ,! next *apt] w evaluate ! suitability ( mat]ials commonly us$ to make compo/4 ,analyses ( ,v>i\s ,compo/s ,s\rce ,n ,p ,k ,ca ,c_/,n ,vegetable trimm+s pap] #a4eg #j4dj #j4dj #bd3a ,municipal refuse #j4ig #j4af #j4ba #bd3a ,johnson ,city refuse #j4ia #j4bb #j4ia #a4ia #cf3a ,ga9sville1 ,,fl refuse #j4eg #j4bf #j4bb #a4hh 8 ,g>d5 compo/ ,a #a4dj #j4cj #j4dj #be3a ,g>d5 compo/ ,b #c4ej #a4jj #b4jj #aj3a ,to int]pret ?is *>t1 let's make z our /&>d ( comp>ison ! actual g>d5+ results f "s v pot5t organic mat]ial ,i & probably _m ( my read]s h probably us$3 bagg$ *ick5 manure compo/4 ,! mo/ pot5t ,i've ev] pur*as$ is inexp5sively sold 9 "o-cubic-foot pla/ic sacks /ack$ up 9 front ( my local sup]m>ket e spr+4 ,! sacks are label$ #d-c-b4 ,i've successfully gr[n q a few huge1 h&some1 & heal?y vegetables ) ?is product4 ,i've also tri$ o!r simil> sorts also label$ *ick5 manure compo/ t are ab\t half z pot5t4 ,f _m ye>s ( successful use ,i "k t #ae to #bj sacks 7ab\t #cjj-djj dry-weight p\nds7 ( #d-c-b *ick5 compo/ spread & till$ into "o ?\s& squ>e feet w gr[ a magnific5t g>d54 ,mo/ c]ta9ly a simil> am\nt ( ! high analysis ,g>d5 ,b compo/ w\ld d ab\t ! same job4 ,w\ld ?ree times z mu* less pot5t compo/ f ,g>d5 ,a or five times z mu* ev5 poor] /uff f ! ,johnson ,city municipal compo/+ op]ation d z well8 ,n at all6 ,nei!r w\ld ?ree times z _m sacks ( dri$ /e] manure4 ,"h's :y4 ,if compo/$ organic matt] is spread l mul* atop ! gr\nd on lawns or ar\nd ornam5tals & all[$ to rema9 !re its nitrog5 cont5t & ,c_/,n are n especially important4 ,ev5 if ! ,c_/,n is /ill high soil animals w cont9ue ! job ( decomposition mu* z happ5s on ! =e/ floor4 ,ev5tually _! excrem5t w be transport$ into ! soil by e>?worms4 ,by t "t ! ,c_/,n w equal t ( o!r soil humus & no disruption w occur to ! soil's process4 ,gr[+ vegetables is mu* m dem&+ ?an gr[+ mo/ p]5nial ornam5tals or lawns4 ,excuse me1 fl[] g>d5]s1 b ,i've obs]v$ t ev5 mo/ fl[]s w ?rive if only slight improvem5ts are made 9 _! soil4 ,! same is true = mo/ h]bs4 ,difficulties ) ornam5tals or h]bs are usually caus$ by attempt+ to gr[ a species t is n p>ticul>ly well-adapt$ to ! site or climate4 ,f]tiliz$ ) sack$ /e] manure or mul*$ ) av]age-to-poor compo/1 mo/ ornam5tals w gr[ adequately4 ,b vegetables are delicate1 pamp]$ critt]s t mu/ gr[ z rapidly z !y c gr[ if !y are to be succul5t1 ta/y1 & yield heavily4 ,mo/ ( !m dem& v high levels ( available nutri5ts z well z s(t1 friable soil conta9+ reasonable levels ( organic matt]4 ,s x is extremely important t a vegetable g>d5] und]/& ! inevitable disruption occurr+ :5 organic matt] t has a ,c_/,n is mu* above #ab3a is till$ into soil4 ,organic matt] t has be5 9 soil = a :ile has be5 alt]$ into a mu* /udi$ sub/ance1 humus4 ,we "k = example t humus always has a c>bon to nitrog5 ratio ( f #aj3a to ab\t #ab3a1 j l compo/ f ,g>d5 ,b4 ,g>d5 writ]s call great compo/ l ?is1 /able humus1 because x is sl[ to decompose4 ,its pres5ce 9 soil /eadily fe$s a heal?y ecology ( microorganisms important to plant heal?1 & ^: activity accel]ates release ( plant nutri5ts f undecompos$ rock p>ticles4 ,humus is also f]tiliz] because its gradual decomposition provides m9]al nutri5ts t make plants gr[4 ,! mo/ important ( ^! nutri5ts is nitrate nitrog51 ?us soil sci5ti/s may call humus decomposition nitrification4 ,:5 organic mat]ial ) a ,c_/,n bel[ #ab3a is mix$ into soil its breakd[n is v rapid4 ,because x conta9s m nitrog5 ?an /able humus does1 nitrog5 is rapidly releas$ to fe$ ! plants & soil life4 ,along ) nitrog5 comes o!r plant nutri5ts4 ,?is accel]at$ nitrification cont9ues until ! rema9+ nitrog5 balances ) ! rema9+ c>bon at a ratio ( ab\t #ab3a4 ,!n ! soil returns to equilibrium4 ,! l[] ! ,c_/,n ! m rapid ! release1 & ! m viol5t ! reaction 9 ! soil4 ,mo/ l[ ,c_/,n organic mat]ials1 l se$ meal or *ick5 manure1 rapidly release nutri5ts = a mon? or two be=e /abiliz+4 ,:at has be5 describ$ "h is f]tiliz]4 ,:5 organic mat]ial ) a ,c_/,n high] ?an #ab3a is till$ into soil1 soil animals & microorganisms f9d !mselves ) an unsurpass$ c>bohydrate banquet4 ,j z 9 a compo/ heap1 )9 days bact]ia & fungi c multiply to mat* any food supply4 ,b to con/ruct _! bodies ^! microorganisms ne$ ! same nutri5ts t plants ne$ to gr[--nitrog51 potassium1 phosphorus1 calcium1 magnesium1 etc4 ,!re are nev] en\gh ( ^! nutri5ts 9 high ,c_/,n organic matt] to mat* ! ne$s ( soil bact]ia1 especially nev] en\gh nitrog51 s soil microorganisms uptake ^! nutri5ts f ! soil's res]ves :ile !y bloom & rapidly consume all ! new c>bon pres5t$ to !m4 ,dur+ ?is p]iod ( rapid decomposition ! soil is ?or\ghly robb$ ( plant nutri5ts4 ,& nitrification /ops4 ,initially1 a great deal ( c>bon dioxide gas may be giv5 (f1 z c>bon is metabolically burn$4 ,h[ev]1 ,,co#b 9 high conc5trations c be toxic to spr\t+ se$s & consequ5tly1 g]m9ation failures may occur4 ,:5 ,i 0 9 ! se$ bus9ess ,i'd get a few compla9ts e ye> f irate g>d5]s dem&+ to "k :y e se$ packet !y s[$ fail$ to come up well4 ,!re 7 two usual causes4 ,ei!r be=e s[+ all ! se$s 7 expos$ to temp]atures above #aaj degree or m likely1 a l>ge quantity ( high ,c_/,n manure 0 till$ into ! g>d5 j be=e s[+4 ,9 soil s di/urb$ transplants may also fail to gr[ = a:ile4 ,if ! manure conta9s a l>ge quantity ( sawdu/ ! soil w seem v inf]tile = a mon? or ?ree4 ,sir ,alb]t ,h[>d _h a unique & pi?y way ( express+ ?is reality4 ,he said t soil 0 n capable ( work+ two jobs at once4 ,y c\ld n expect x to nitrify humus :ile x 0 also be+ requir$ to dige/ organic matt]4 ,t's "o reason he ?\ght compo/+ 0 su* a valuable process4 ,! dige/ion ( organic matt] proce$s outside ! soil2 :5 f9i%$ product1 humus1 is ready = nitrification1 x is till$ 94 ,rapid consumption ( c>bon cont9ues until ! ,c_/,n ( ! new mat]ial drops to ! range ( /able humus4 ,!n decay microorganisms die (f & ! nutri5ts !y ho>d$ are releas$ back into ! soil4 ,h[ long ! soil rema9s inhospitable to plant gr[? & se$ g]m9ation dep5ds on soil temp]ature1 ! am\nt ( ! mat]ial & h[ high its ,c_/,n is1 & ! am\nt ( nutri5ts ! soil is hold+ 9 res]ve4 ,! w>m] & m f]tile ! soil 0 be=e ! addition ( high ,c_/,n organic matt]1 ! fa/] x w decompose4 ,judg+ by ! compo/ analyses 9 ! table1 ,i c see :y "s municipalities are hav+ difficulty dispos+ ( ! solid wa/e compo/ !y are mak+4 ,"o gov]nm5tal compo/+ op]ation t does succe$ 9 sell+ ev]y?+ !y c produce is ,lane ,c\nty1 ,oregon4 ,_! y>d wa/e compo/ is eag]ly paid = by local g>d5]s4 ,lane ,c\nty compo/ is made only f autumn leaves1 grass clipp+s1 & o!r y>d wa/es4 ,no pap]6 ,y>d wa/e compo/ is a product mu* l a home[n] w\ld produce4 ,& y>d wa/e compo/ conta9s no indu/rial wa/e or any mat]ial t might pose heal? ?reats4 ,all woody mat]ials are f9ely *ipp$ be=e compo/+ & comprise no m ?an #bj p]c5t ( ! total undecay$ mass by weight4 ,al?\gh no nutri5t analysis has be5 done by ! c\nty o!r ?an te/+ = p,h 7ar\nd #g4j7 &1 because ( ! use ( we$ & fe$ f]tiliz]s on lawns1 = #b-d;,d 7no residual trace ev] f\nd pres5t71 ,i e/imate t ! ov]all ,c_/,n ( ! mat]ials go+ into ! w9dr[s at #be3a4 ,i w\ldn't be surpris$ if ! f9i%$ compo/ has a ,c_/,n close to #ab3a4 ,incid5tally1 ,lane ,c\nty und]/&s t _m g>d5]s don't h pickup trucks4 ,!y reasonably (f] to deliv] _! compo/ = a small fee if at lea/ "o y>d is pur*as$4 ,o!r local gov]nm5ts also make & deliv] y>d wa/e compo/4 ,s :at ab\t y\r own home compo/8 ,if y are a fl[]1 ornam5tal1 or lawn gr[]1 y h no?+ to worry ab\t4 ,j compo/ ev]y?+ y h available & use all y wi% to make4 ,if till+ y\r compo/ into soil seems to sl[ ! gr[? ( plants1 !n mul* ) x & avoid till+ x 91 or adju/ ! ,c_/,n d[n by add+ f]tiliz]s l se$ meal :5 till+ x 94 ,if y are a vegetable g>d5] & y\r compo/ doesn't seem to provoke ! k9d ( gr[? response y hop$ =1 ei!r %all[ly till 9 compo/ 9 ! fall = next ye>'s plant+1 by :i* "t x w h become /able humus1 or read fur!r4 ,! second half ( ?is book conta9s num]\s h9ts ab\t h[ to make pot5t compo/ & ab\t h[ to use complete organic f]tiliz]s 9 comb9ation ) compo/ to gr[ ! lu%e/ g>d5 imag9able4 ,,*apt] ,,f\r ,all ,ab\t ,mat]ials ,9 mo/ p>ts ( ! c\ntry1 en\gh organic mat]ials accumulate ar\nd an av]age home & y>d to make all ! compo/ a backy>d g>d5 ne$s4 ,y probably h we$s1 leaves1 p]haps y\r own human hair 7my wife is ! family b>b]71 du/ f ! vacuum clean]1 kit*5 g>bage & grass clipp+s4 ,b1 !re may n be en\gh to simultane\sly build ! lu%e/ lawn1 ! heal?ie/ ornam5tals & gr[ ! vegetables4 ,if y want to make m compo/ ?an y\r own l& all[s1 x is n difficult to f9d v l>ge quantities ( organic mat]ials t are free or co/ v little4 ,! mo/ obvi\s mat]ial to br+ 9 = compo/+ is animal manure4 ,*ick5 & egg rais]s & bo>d+ /ables (t5 give manure away or sell x = a nom9al fee4 ,= a few doll>s mo/ small scale animal gr[]s w *e]fully use _! scoop load] to fill y\r pickup truck till ! spr+s sag4 ,z useful z animal manure c be 9 a compo/ pile1 !re are o!r types ( l[ ,c_/,n mat]ials too4 ,enorm\s quantities ( loose alfalfa accumulate ar\nd hay bale /acks at fe$ & gra9 /ores4 ,to ! proprietor ?is du/y *aff is a nuisance gladly giv5 to anyone t w neatly sweep x up & truck x away4 ,to ! home g>d5]1 alfalfa 9 any =m is ri* z gold4 ,"s ye>s1 ra9y ,oregon wea!r is /ill unsettl$ at hay+ season & f>m]s are /uck ) spoil$ hay4 ,i'm sure ?is happ5s mo/ places t grass hay is gr[n on natural ra9fall4 ,?\gh a %rewd f>m] may try to sell moldy hay at a /eep disc\nt by repres5t+ x to /ill h fe$ value1 actually ^! ru9$ bales mu/ be remov$ f a field be=e !y int]f]e ) work+ ! l&4 ,a h>d b>ga9] c (t5 get spoil$ hay 9 ex*ange = haul+ ! wet bales out ( ! field ,!re's "o local f>m] ne> me ^: entire family tree holds a well-des]v$ reputation = h>d1 self-int]e/$ deal+4 ,"o p>ticul>ly wet1 cool unsettl$ hay+ season1 aft] />t+ ! spoil$-hay dick] at #ij c5ts p] bale ask$--no?+ (f]$ b haul+ ! soggy bales out ( ! field my (f]--,i f9ally agre$ to take away ab\t tw5ty tons at t5 c5ts p] bale4 ,?is small sum all[$ ! gre$y b-----to feel he _h gott5 ! bett] ( me4 ,he ne$$ t feel+ f> m ?an ,i ne$$ to w9 ! argum5t or to keep ! few doll>s ,besides1 ! work+s ( self-appli$ ju/ice t "s religi\s philosoph]s call k>ma %[ t ov] ! long haul ! wor/ ?+ "o p]son c d to ano!r is to all[ ! o!r to get away ) an evil act4 ,any d$icat$ compo/] c make contacts yield+ *eap or free organic mat]ials by ! ton4 ,or*>ds may h badly bruis$ or rott+ fruit4 ,small cid] mills1 w9]ies1 or a local juice b> re/aurant may be glad to get rid ( pomace4 ,c>p5try %ops h sawdu/4 ,c(fee roa/]s h du/ & *aff4 ,! microbrew]y is becom+ v popul> ^! days2 mall-scale local brew]s & di/ill]s may h sp5t hops & ma%4 ,spoil$ product or *aff may be available f c]eal mills4 ,city gov]nm5ts (t5 w deliv] autumn leaves by ! ton & w give away or sell ! output ( _! own municipal compo/+ op]ations4 ,sup]m>kets1 produce :olesal]s1 & re/aurants may be will+ to give away boxes ( trimm+s & spoil$ food4 ,b>b]s & poodle groom]s ?r[ away hair4 ,seafood processors w sell truckloads ( fre% crab1 fi% & %rimp wa/e = a small fee4 ,( c\rse1 ?is mat]ial becomes evil-smell+ 9 v %ort ord] b might be relatively in(f5sive if a p]son _h a lot ( spoil$ hay or sawdu/ wait+ to mix into x4 ,m>ket g>d5]s ne> ! ,oregon coa/ %eet-compo/ crab wa/e1 till+ x into ! soil be=e x gets too high4 ,o!r p>ts ( ! c\ntry might supply citrus wa/es1 sug> cane bagasse1 rice hulls1 etc4 ,ab\t ,common ,mat]ials ,alfalfa is a prote9-ri* p]5nial legume ma9ly gr[n z animal fe$4 ,on favorable soil x develops a deep root sy/em1 sometimes exce$+ t5 feet4 ,alfalfa draws heavily on subsoil m9]als s x w be z ri* or poor 9 nutri5ts z ! subsoil x grew 94 ,its av]age ,c_/,n is ar\nd #ab3a mak+ alfalfa useful to comp5sate = l>g] quantities ( less pot5t mat]ial4 ,sack$ alfalfa meal or pellets are usually less exp5sive 7& be+ /emmy1 h a slightly high] ,c_/,n7 ?an leafy1 be/-quality bal$ alfalfa hay4 ,ra9-spoil$ bales ( alfalfa hay are wor?less z animal fe$ b f> f valueless to ! compo/]4 ,pelletiz$ rabbit fe$ is l>gely alfalfa =tifi$ ) gra94 ,naturally1 rabbit manure has a ,c_/,n v simil> to alfalfa & is nutri5t ri*1 especially if "s provision is made to absorb ! ur9e4 ,apple pomace is wet & compact4 ,if n well mix$ ) /iff1 absorb5t mat]ial1 l>ge clumps ( ?is or o!r fruit wa/es c become airless regions ( ana]obic decomposition4 ,hav+ a high wat] cont5t c be look$ ^u z an advantage4 ,dry hay & sawdu/ c be h>d to moi/5 ?or\ghly2 ^! hydrate rapidly :5 mix$ ) fruit pulp4 ,f]m5t+ fruit pulp attracts yell[ jackets s x is s5sible to incorporate x quickly into a pile & cov] well ) vegetation or soil4 ,! wat]y pulp ( fruits is n p>ticul>ly ri* 9 nutri5ts b apple1 grape1 & pe> pulps are g5]\sly end[$ ) s(t1 decomposable se$s4 ,mo/ se$s conta9 l>ge quantities ( phosphorus1 nitrog51 & o!r plant nutri5ts4 ,x is g5]ally true t plants locate mu* ( _! entire ye>ly nutri5t assimilation into _! se$s to provide ! next g5]ation ) ! be/ possible />t4 ,animals f$ on se$s 7su* z *ick5s7 produce ! ri*e/ manures4 ,old] books ab\t compo/+ w>n ab\t metallic pe/icide residues adh]+ to fruit sk9s4 ,h[ev]1 x has be5 ne>ly half a c5tury s9ce ars5ic & lead ars5ate 7 us$ z pe/icides & m]cury is no long] us$ 9 fungicides4 ,bagasse is ! volum9\s wa/e product f extract+ cane sug>4 ,its ,c_/,n is extremely high1 simil> to :eat /raw or sawdu/1 & x conta9s v little 9 ! way ( plant nutri5ts4 ,h[ev]1 its co>se1 /rong1 fibr\s /ructure helps build lightness into a pile & improve air fl[4 ,mo/ sug> mills burn bagasse z _! heat s\rce to evaporate wat] out ( ! sug>y juice squeez$ f ! canes4 ,at "o "t !re 0 f> m bagasse produc$ ?an ! mills ne$$ to burn & bagasse (t5 became an environm5tal pollutant4 ,!n1 bagasse 0 available = no?+ or next to no?+4 ,^! days1 l>g]1 mod]n mills g5]ate electricity ) bagasse & sell _! surplus to ! local p[] grid4 ,bagasse is also us$ to make con/ruction fib]bo>d = subwall & insulation4 ,banana sk9s & /alks are s(t & lack /rong fib]4 ,!y are mod]ately ri* 9 phosphorus1 potassium1 & nitrog54 ,consequ5tly !y rot quickly4 ,l o!r kit*5 g>bage1 banana wa/e %\ld be put into ! core ( a compo/ pile to avoid attract+ & bre$+ flies4 ,see also3 ,g>bage4 ,basic slag is an indu/rial wa/e f smelt+ iron4 ,ore is ref9$ by heat+ x ) lime/one & dolomite4 ,! impurities comb9e ) calcium & magnesium1 rise to ! surface ( ! molt5 metal1 & are skimm$ (f4 ,basic slag conta9s q a bit ( calcium plus a v>iety ( useful plant nutri5ts n usually f\nd 9 lime/one4 ,its exact composition v>ies greatly dep5d+ on ! type ( ore us$4 ,slag is pulv]iz$ & sold 9 sacks z a sub/itute = agricultural lime4 ,! int5se biological activity ( a compo/ pile releases m ( slag's o!r m9]al cont5t & conv]ts its nutri5ts to organic sub/ances t become rapidly available once ! compo/ is incorporat$ into soil4 ,o!r =ms ( p[d]$ m9]aliz$ rock c be simil>ly add$ to a compo/ pile to accel]ate nutri5t release4 ,rodale ,press1 publi%] ( ,organic ,g>d5+ magaz9e is locat$ 9 ,p5nsylvania :]e /eel mills ab\nd4 ,hav+ m exp]i5ce ) slag1 ,rodale advises ! us] to be al]t to ! fact t "s conta9 little 9 ! way ( useful nutri5ts &_/or may conta9 excessive am\nts ( sulfur4 ,l>ge quantities ( sulfur c acidify soil4 ,read ! analysis on ! label4 ,agriculturally useful slag has an av]age composition ( #dj p]c5t calcium & #e p]c5t magnesium4 ,x mu/ also be v f9ely gr\nd to be effective4 ,see also3 ,lime & ,rock du/4 ,beet wa/es1 l bagasse1 are a residue ( extract+ sug>4 ,!y h comm]cial value z live/ock fe$ & are sold z dry pulp 9 fe$ /ores locat$ ne> regions :]e sug> beets are gr[n4 ,_! ,c_/,n is 9 ! vic9ity ( #bj3a & !y may conta9 high levels ( potassium1 rea*+ z mu* z #d p]c5t4 ,brew]y wa/es4 ,bo? sp5t hops 7dri$ fl[]s & leaves7 & malt 7spr\t$ b>ley & (t5 o!r gra9s7 are pot5t nutri5t s\rces ) l[ ,c_/,n ratios4 ,sp5t malt is especially pot5t because brew]s extract all ! />*es & conv]t !m to sug>1 b consid] ! prote9s z wa/e because prote9s 9 ! brew make x cl\dy & opaque4 ,hops may be easi] to get4 ,malt has uses z animal fe$ & may be contract$ = by "s local fe$lot or f>m]4 ,^! mat]ials w be wet1 heavy & frutily odorif]\s 7?\gh n unpleasantly s7 & y w want to incorporate !m into y\r compo/ pile imm$iately4 ,buck:eat hulls4 ,buck:eat is a gra9 gr[n 9 ! nor!a/]n ,unit$ ,/ates & ,canada4 ,adapt$ to poor1 dr\ghty soils1 ! crop is (t5 gr[n z a gre5 manure4 ,! se$s are enclos$ 9 a ?9-wall$1 br[n to black fibr\s hulls t are remov$ at a groat mill4 ,buck:eat hulls are light1 spr+y1 & airy4 ,!y'll help fluff up a compo/ heap4 ,buck:eat hulls are popul> z a mul* because !y adsorb moi/ure easily1 look attractive1 & /ay 9 place4 ,_! ,c_/,n is high4 ,oat & rice hulls are simil> products4 ,canola meal4 ,see3 ,cottonse$ meal4 ,ca/or pomace is pulp left aft] ca/or oil has be5 squeez$ f ca/or bean se$s4 ,l o!r oil se$ residues x is v high 9 nitrog51 ri* 9 o!r plant nutri5ts1 p>ticul>ly phosphorus1 ,ca/or pomace may be available 9 ! deep ,s\?2 x makes a f9e sub/itute = animal manure4 ,citrus wa/es may be available to g>d5]s liv+ ne> indu/rial processors ( orange1 lemon1 & grapefruit4 ,9 ^? regions1 dri$ citrus pulp may also be available 9 fe$ /ores4 ,dri$ orange sk9s conta9 ab\t #c p]c5t phosphorus & #bg p]c5t potassium4 ,lemons are a little high] 9 phosphorus b l[] 9 potassium4 ,fruit culls w\ld h a simil> nutri5t ratio on a dry weight basis1 b !y are l>gely wat]4 ,l>ge quantities ( culls c\ld be useful to hydrate /ubbornly dry mat]ials l /raw or sawdu/4 ,l o!r byproducts ( indu/rial f>m+1 citrus wa/es may conta9 significant am\nts ( pe/icide residues4 ,! compo/+ process w break d[n & elim9ate mo/ toxic organic residues1 especially if ! pile gets really hot ?r\gh & ?r\gh4 7,see also3 ,leaves7 ,! effect ( su* high levels ( potassium on ! nutritional qualities ( my food w\ld also conc]n me if ! compo/ ,i 0 mak+ f ^! wa/es 7 us$ = vegetable g>d5+4 ,c(fee gr\nds are nutri5t-ri* l o!r se$ meals4 ,ev5 aft] brew+ !y c conta9 up to #b p]c5t nitrog51 ab\t #a_/b p]c5t phosphorus & v>y+ am\nts ( potassium usually well bel[ #a p]c5t4 ,its ,c_/,n runs ar\nd #ab3a4 ,c(fee roa/]s & pack]s ne$ to dispose ( c(fee *aff1 simil> 9 nutri5t value to us$ gr\nds & may occasionally h a load ( ov]ly roa/$ beans4 ,c(fee gr\nds seem ! e>?worm's food ( *oice4 ,9 worm b9s1 us$ gr\nds are m vigor\sly dev\r$ ?an any o!r sub/ance4 ,if slight odor is a consid]ation1 especially if do+ 9-!-home v]micompo/+1 c(fee gr\nds %\ld be incorporat$ promptly into a pile to avoid ! s\r+ t results f v9eg>-produc+ bact]ia4 ,f]m5t+ gr\nds may also attract h>mless fruit flies4 ,pap] filt]s us$ to make drip c(fee may be put into ! heap or worm box :]e !y contribute to ! b$d+4 ,see also3 ,pap]4 ,corncobs are no long] available z an agricultural wa/e product because mod]n h>ve/+ equipm5t %r$s !m & spits ! residue "r back into ! field4 ,h[ev]1 home g>d5]s :o fancy sweet corn may produce l>ge quantities ( cobs4 ,:ole cobs w a]ate compo/ heaps b are sl[ to decompose4 ,if y want y\r pile ready )9 "o ye>1 x is bett] to dry & !n gr9d ! cobs be=e compo/+ !m4 ,cottonse$ meal is "o ( ?is c\ntry's major oil se$ residues4 ,! se$ is g9n$ out ( ! cotton fib]1 gr\nd1 & !n its oil cont5t is *emically extract$4 ,! residue1 sometimes call$ oil cake or se$ cake1 is v high 9 prote9 & ri* 9 ,,npk4 ,its ,c_/,n runs ar\nd #e3a1 mak+ x an excell5t way to balance a compo/ pile conta9+ a lot ( c>bonif]\s mat]ials4 ,mo/ cottonse$ meal is us$ z animal fe$1 especially = beef & dairy cattle4 ,pur*as$ 9 g>d5 /ores 9 small conta9]s x is v exp5sive2 b\ght by ! #ej-to #hj-p\nd sack f fe$ /ores or f>m coops1 cottonse$ meal & o!r oil se$ meals are q inexp5sive4 ,?\gh prices ( ^! types ( commodities v>y f ye> to ye>1 oil cakes ( all k9ds usually co/ betwe5 #bjj to #djj p] ton & only slightly high] pur*as$ sack$ 9 less-?an-ton lots4 ,! price ( any se$ meal is /rongly influ5c$ by freight co/s4 ,cottonse$ meal is *eape/ 9 ! s\? & ! s\?we/ :]e cotton is widely gr[n4 ,soybean meal may be m available & pric$ bett] 9 ! midwe/4 ,canadian g>d5]s are discov]+ canola meal1 a byproduct f produc+ canola 7or rapese$7 oil4 ,:5 ,i took a sabbatical 9 ,fiji1 ,i advis$ local g>d5]s to use coconut meal1 an inexp5sive wa/e f extract+ coconut oil4 ,& ,i w\ld n be at all surpris$ to discov] g>d5]s 9 ,s\? ,dakota us+ sunfl[] meal4 ,sesame se$1 saffl[] se$1 peanut & oil-se$ corn meals may also be available 9 c]ta9 localities4 ,se$ meals make an ideal />t+ po9t = comp\nd+ complete organic f]tiliz] mixes4 ,! av]age ,,npk analysis ( mo/ se$ meals is ar\nd #f-d-b4 ,consid]$ z a f]tiliz]1 oil cakes are some:at lack+ 9 phosphorus & sometimes 9 trace m9]als4 ,by supplem5t+ !m ) mat]ials l bone meal1 phosphate rock1 kelp meal1 sometimes potassium-ri* rock du/s & lime or gypsum1 a s+le1 wide-spectrum sl[-release trace-m9]al-ri* organic f]tiliz] s\rce c be bl5d$ at home hav+ an analysis ( ab\t #e-e-e4 ,cottonse$ meal is p>ticul>ly excell5t = ?is purpose because x is a dry1 fl[+1 odorless mat]ial t /ores well4 ,i suspect t cottonse$ meal f ! s\?we/ may be bett] end[$ ) trace m9]als ?an t f lea*$-out s\!a/]n soils or soy meal f deplet$ midwe/]n f>ms4 ,see ! la/ section ( ,*apt] ,eight4 ,"s organic c]tification bureaucracies fooli%ly prohibit or disc\rage ! use ( cottonse$ meal z a f]tiliz]4 ,! rationale beh9d ?is rigid self-righte\sness is t cotton1 be+ a nonfood crop1 is spray$ ) heavy applications ( pe/icides &_/or h]bicides t are s haz>d\s t !y n p]mitt$ on food crops4 ,^! *emicals are usually dissolv$ 9 an emulsifi$ oil-bas$ c>ri] & ! cotton plant naturally conc5trates pe/icide residues & breakd[n products into ! oily se$4 ,i believe t ?is conc]n is accurate z f> z pe/icide residues be+ translocat$ into ! se$4 ,h[ev]1 ! *emical process us$ to extract cottonse$ oil is v effici5t ,! gr\nd se$s are mix$ ) a volatile solv5t simil> to e!r & heat$ "u pressure 9 giant retorts4 ,i reason t :5 ! solv5t is squeez$ f ! se$1 x takes ) x all n only ! oil1 b1 ,i believe1 virtually all ( ! pe/icide residues4 ,besides1 any rema9+ organic tox9s w be fur!r de/roy$ by ! biological activity ( ! soil & especially by ! int5se heat ( a compo/ pile4 ,:at ,i p]sonally worry ab\t is cottonse$ oil4 ,i avoid prep>$ salad dress+s t may conta9 cottonse$ oil1 z well z _m types ( corn & potato *ips1 t9n$ oy/]s1 & o!r prep>$ food products4 ,i also sugge/ t y peek into ! back ( y\r favorite ,ori5tal & fa/ food re/aurants & see if !re ar5't /acks ( t5 gallon cottonse$ oil cans wait+ to fill ! deep-fat fry]4 ,i fe> ?is sort ( meal z dang]\s to my heal?4 ,if y /ill fe> t cottonse$ meal is also a dang]\s product !n y c]ta9ly won't want to be eat+ fe$lot beef or dr9k+ milk or us+ o!r dairy products f cattle f$ on cottonse$ meal4 ,blood meal runs #aj-ab p]c5t nitrog5 & conta9s significant am\nts ( phosphorus4 ,x is ! only organic f]tiliz] t is naturally wat] soluble4 ,blood meal1 l o!r slaught]h\se wa/es1 may be too exp5sive = use z a compo/ activator4 ,spr9kl$ atop soil z a side-dress+1 dri$ blood usually provokes a p[]ful & imm$iate gr[? response4 ,blood meal is s pot5t t x is capable ( burn+ plants2 :5 appli$ y mu/ avoid gett+ x on leaves or /ems4 ,al?\gh pr9cipally a s\rce ( nitrog51 ,i reason t !re are o!r nutritional sub/ances l gr[? hormones or complex organic phytam9s 9 blood meal4 ,briti% glas%\se lettuce gr[]s widely agree t lettuce sid$ress$ ) blood meal ab\t ?ree weeks be=e h>ve/ has a bett] f9i%1 a mu* long] %elf-life1 & a r$uc$ t5d5cy to br[n butt comp>$ to lettuce simil>ly f]tiliz$ ) urea or *emical nitrate s\rces4 ,fea!rs are ! birds' equival5t ( hair on animals & h simil> prop]ties4 ,see ,hair ,fi% & %ellfi% wa/e4 ,^! prote9ace\s1 high-nitrog5 & trace-m9]al-ri* mat]ials are readily available at little or no co/ 9 pickup load lots f cann]ies & sea food processors4 ,h[ev]1 9 compo/ piles1 l>ge quantities ( ^! mat]ials readily putrefy1 make ! pile g ana]obic1 emit horrid odors1 & worse1 attract v]m9 & flies4 ,to avoid ^! problems1 fre% seafood wa/es mu/ be imm$iately mix$ ) l>ge quantities ( dry1 high ,c_/,n mat]ial4 ,!re probably are only a few home/ead compo/]s able to utilize a ton or two ( wet fi% wa/e at "o "t4 ,oregonians pride !mselves = be+ tol]ant1 sl[-to-take-(f5se neighbors4 ,along ! ,oregon coa/1 small-scale m>ket g>d5]s w ?9ly spread %rimp or crab wa/e atop a field & promptly till x 94 ,once incorporat$ 9 ! soil1 ! odor rapidly dissipates4 ,9 less ?an "o week4 ,fi% meal is a mu* bett] alt]native = use ar\nd ! home4 ,( c\rse1 y h to h no conc]n = co/ & h y\r m9d fix$ only on us+ ! f9e/ possible mat]ials to produce ! nutritionally f9e/ food :5 elect+ to sub/itute fi% meal = animal manures or oil cakes4 ,fi% meal is mu* m pot5t ?an cottonse$ meal4 ,its typical nutri5t analysis runs #i-f-d4 ,h[ev]1 figur$ p] p\nd ( nutri5ts !y conta91 se$ meals are a mu* less exp5sive way to buy ,,npk4 ,fi% meal is also mildly odorif]\s4 ,! smell is no?+ l wet seafood wa/e1 b x c attract cats1 dogs1 & v]m94 ,:at may make fi% meal wor? ! tr\ble & exp5se is t sea wat] is ! ultimate depository ( all wat]-soluble nutri5ts t 7 once 9 ! soil4 ,animals & plants liv+ 9 ! sea enjoy complete1 balanc$ nutrition4 ,we/on ,price's classic book1 ,nutrition & ,physical ,deg5]ation1 attributes ne>ly p]fect heal? to humans :o made seafoods a significant portion ( _! diets4 ,back 9 ! #aicjs--be=e process$ foods 7 univ]sally available 9 ! mo/ remote locations-p liv+ on isolat$ sea coa/s t5d$ to live long1 h magnific5t heal?1 & p]fect tee?4 ,see also3 ,kelp meal4 ,g>bage4 ,mo/ =ms ( kit*5 wa/e make excell5t compo/4 ,b ,am]icans fooli%ly s5d megatons ( kit*5 g>bage to l&fills or ov]burd5 sewage treatm5t plants by gr9d+ g>bage 9 a disposal4 ,! av]age ,c_/,n ( g>bage is r l[ s its pres5ce 9 a compo/ heap facilitates ! decomposition ( less pot5t mat]ials4 ,kit*5 g>bage c also be recycl$ 9 o!r ways su* z v]micompo/+ 7worm boxes7 & bury+ x 9 ! g>d5 9 tr5*es or po/ holes4 ,^! alt]native compo/+ me?ods w be discuss$ 9 "s detail lat]4 ,putt+ food scraps & wa/es d[n a disposal is obvi\sly ! lea/ tr\blesome & app>5tly ! mo/ sanit>y me?od1 pass+ ! problem on to o!rs4 ,h&l$ ) a little =e?\ght1 compo/+ home food wa/e w n bre$ flies or make ! kit*5 untidy or ill smell+4 ,! mo/ important s+le /ep 9 keep+ ! kit*5 clean & free ( odor is to put wa/es 9 a small pla/ic bucket or o!r conta9] ( "o to two gallons 9 size1 & empty x e few days4 ,p]iodically add+ a ?9 lay] ( sawdu/ or peat moss suppos$ly helps to prev5t smells4 ,9 our kit*51 we've f\nd t cov]+ ! compo/ bucket is no alt]native to empty+ x4 ,:5 incorporat+ kit*5 wa/es into a compo/ pile1 spread !m ?9ly & cov] ) an in* or two ( leaves1 dry grass1 or hay to adsorb wetness & prev5t access by flies4 ,x may be advisable to use a v]m9-tight compo/+ b94 ,granite du/4 ,see ,rock du/4 ,grape wa/es4 ,see ,apple pomace4 ,grass clipp+s4 ,along ) kit*5 g>bage1 grass clipp+s are ! compo/able mat]ial mo/ available to ! av]age home[n]4 ,ev5 if y 7wisely7 don't compo/ all ( y\r clipp+s 7see sideb>71 y\r fooli% neighbors may bag !irs up = y to take away4 ,if y mul* ) grass clipp+s1 make sure ! neighbors ar5't us+ we$ & fe$ type f]tiliz]s1 or ! clipp+s may cause ! plants t are mul*$ to die4 ,traces ( ! ^? types ( broadleaf h]bicides all[$ 9 we$ & fe$ f]tiliz]s1 are ?or\ghly decompos$ 9 ! compo/+ process4 ,x is n necess>y to return e bit ( organic matt] to ma9ta9 a heal?y lawn4 ,p]haps "o-?ird to "o-half ! annual biomass production may be tak5 away & us$ = compo/+ )\t s]i\sly deplet+ ! lawn's vigor--especially if "o application ( a quality f]tiliz] is giv5 to ! lawn ea* ye>4 ,probably ! be/ "t ( ye> to remove clipp+s is dur+ ! spr+ :ile ! grass is gr[+ mo/ rapidly4 ,once a clov]_/grass mix is e/abli%$ x is less necess>y to use nitrog5 f]tiliz]s4 ,9 fact1 high levels ( soil nitrates r$uces ! clov]'s ability to fix atmosph]ic nitrog54 ,h[ev]1 additions ( o!r m9]al nutri5ts l phosphorus1 potassium1 & especially calcium may /ill be necess>y4 ,lawn heal? is simil> to g>d5 heal?4 ,bo? dep5d on ! pres5ce ( l>ge en\gh quantities ( organic mat]ial 9 ! soil4 ,?is organic matt] holds a massive res]ve ( nutrition built up ov] ! ye>s by ! gr[+ plants !mselves4 ,:51 = reasons ( mom5t>y ae/hetics1 we bag up & remove clipp+s f our lawn1 we prev5t ! grass f recycl+ its own f]tility4 ,x 0 once mi/ak5ly believ$ t unrak$ lawn clipp+s built up on ! gr\nd z unrott$ ?at*1 promot+ h>mful insects & diseases4 ,?is is a half-tru?4 ,lawns repeat$ly f]tiliz$ ) sulfur-bas$ *emical f]tiliz]s1 especially ammonium sulfate & sup]phosphate1 become s acid & ?us s ho/ile to bact]ial decomposition & soil animals t a ?at* ( unrott$ clipp+s & dead sod c build up & ?us promote disease & insect problems4 ,h[ev]1 lawns giv5 lime or gypsum to supply calcium t is s vital to ! heal?y gr[? ( clov]1 & se$ meals &_/or dress+s ( f9ely decompos$ compo/ or manure become naturally heal?y4 ,clipp+s fall+ on su* a lawn rot rapidly because ( ! high level ( microorganisms 9 ! soil1 & disappe> 9 days4 ,dw>f :ite clov] c produce all ! nitrate nitrog5 t grasses ne$ to /ay gre5 & gr[ lu/ily4 ,once ?is /ate ( heal? is develop$1 broadleaf we$s h a h>d "t compet+ ) ! lu/y grass_/clov] sod & gradually disappe>4 ,f]tiliz+ w r>ely be necess>y aga9 if little biomass is remov$4 ,home[n]s :o dem& ! spiffy appe>ance ( a rak$ lawn b /ill want a heal?y lawn h sev]al options4 ,!y may compo/ _! grass clipp+s & !n return ! compo/ to ! lawn4 ,!y may use a side-dis*>ge m[] & cut two days 9 succession4 ,! fir/ cut w leave r[s ( clipp+s to dry on ! lawn2 ! second cut w dis9tegrate ^? clipp+s & pretty mu* make !m disappe>4 ,f9ally1 !re are mul*+ m[]s ) blades t *op gre5 grass clipp+s into t9y pieces & drops !m bel[ ! m[] :]e !y are unnoticeable4 ,grass clipp+s1 especially spr+ grass1 are v high 9 nitrog51 simil> to ! be/ horse or c[ manure4 ,anyone :o has pil$ up fre% grass clipp+s has notic$ h[ rapidly !y heat up1 h[ quickly ! pile turns into a slimy1 airless1 f\l-smell+ ana]obic mess1 & h[ mu* ammonia may be giv5 (f4 ,gre5 grass %\ld be ?or\ghly disp]s$ into a pile1 ) pl5ty ( dry mat]ial4 ,res]ve bags ( leaves f ! fall or h a bale ( /raw h&y to mix 9 if ne$$4 ,clipp+s all[$ to sun dry = a few days be=e rak+ or bagg+ behave mu* bett] 9 ! compo/ heap4 ,gre5s&4 ,see ,rock du/4 ,hair conta9s t5 times ! nitrog5 ( mo/ manures4 ,x resi/s absorb+ moi/ure & readily compresses1 mats1 & %$s wat]1 s hair ne$s to be mix$ ) o!r wett] mat]ials4 ,if ,i _h easy access to a b>b] %op1 beauty salon1 or poodle groom+ bus9ess1 ,i'd def9itely use hair 9 my compo/4 ,fea!rs1 fea!r meal & fea!r du/ 7a bird's equival5t to hair7 h simil> qualities4 ,hay4 ,9 temp]ate climates1 pa/ure grasses g ?r\gh an annual cycle t greatly *anges _! nutri5t cont5t4 ,lawn grasses are n v diff]5t4 ,! fir/ cutt+s ( spr+ grass are pot5t s\rces ( nitrog51 high 9 prote9 & o!r vital m9]al nutri5ts4 ,9 fact1 spr+ grass may be z good an animal fe$ z alfalfa or o!r legume hay4 ,"y ryegrass1 = example1 may exce$ two p]c5t nitrog5-equal+ ab\t #ac p]c5t prote94 ,t's :y cattle & horses on fre% spr+ grass frisk ar\nd & :y ,june butt] is s d>k yell[1 vitam9-ri* & good-flavor$4 ,9 late spr+1 grasses beg9 to =m se$ & _! *emical composition *anges4 ,) ! em]g5ce ( ! se$ /alk1 nitrog5 cont5t drops m>k$ly & ! leaves become m fibr\s1 lign9\s1 & consequ5tly1 m reluctant to decompose4 ,at poll9ation ryegrass has dropp$ to ab\t l p]c5t nitrog5 & by ! "t mature se$ has develop$1 to ab\t #j4ge p]c5t4 ,^! realities h pr(\nd implications = hay-mak+1 = us+ grasses z gre5 manures1 & = evaluat+ ! ,c_/,n ( hay y may be plann+ to use 9 a compo/ heap4 ,9 e>li] times1 mak+ grass hay t w\ld be nutriti\s en\gh to ma9ta9 ! heal? ( cattle requir$ cutt+ ! grass be=e1 or j at1 ! fir/ appe>ance ( se$ /alks4 ,n only did e>ly h>ve/+ greatly r$uce ! bulk yield1 x usually meant t )\t conc]n = co/ or h\rs ( labor ! grass _h to be pa9/ak+ly dri$ at a "t ( ye> :5 !re 7 m frequ5t ra9s & l[] temp]atures4 ,9 n9ete5?-c5tury ,engl&1 dry+ grass 0 drap$ by h& ov] l[ hurdles1 dott+ ea* pa/ure ) hundr$s ( small racks t %$ wat] l ?at*$ ro(s & all[$ air fl[ f bel[4 ,x is obvi\s to me :]e ! sport ( runn+ hurdles came f2 ,i envision en]getic "y c\ntryfolk1 pepp$ up on t ri* spr+ milk & ! fir/ g>d5 gre5s ( ! ye>1 exub]antly rac+ ea* o!r across ! j-m[$ fields dur+ hay+ season4 ,9 m rec5t ye>s1 fre% wet spr+ grass 0 pack$ gre5 into pits & made into silage :]e a controll$ ana]obic f]m5tation reta9$ its nutritional cont5t mu* l sau]kraut keeps cabbage4 ,silage makes dry+ unnecess>y4 ,^! days1 f>m labor is exp5sive & tractors are relatively inexp5sive4 ,x seems t grass hay mu/ be cut lat] :5 ! wea!r is m /able1 economically dri$ on ! gr\nd1 prev5t$ f mold+ by frequ5t rak+1 & !n bal$ me*anically4 ,9 regions enjoy+ relatively ra9less spr+s or :]e agriculture dep5ds on irrigation1 ?is sy/em may result 9 quality hay4 ,b mo/ mod]n f>m]s mu/ supplem5t ! l[-quality hay ) oil cakes or o!r conc5trates4 ,:]e ,i live1 spr+s are cool & damp & ! wea!r may n /abilize until mid-,june4 ,by ?is date grass se$ is already =m$ & beg9n+ to dry d[n4 ,?is means our local grass hay is v l[ 9 prote91 has a high ,c_/,n1 & is v woody--little bett] ?an :eat /raw4 ,pity ! poor horses & cattle t mu/ try to extract en\gh nutrition f ?is /uff4 ,we/]n ,oregon wea!r conditions also mean t f>m]s (t5 end up ) ra9-spoil$ hay !y are happy to sell *eaply4 ,_m ye>s ,i've made huge compo/ piles l>gely f ?is k9d ( hay4 ,"o s]i\s liability f cutt+ grass hay late is t x w conta9 viable se$s4 ,if ! compo/+ process does n ?or\ghly heat all ( ^! se$s1 ! compo/ w spr\t grass all ov] ! g>d54 ,"o la/ difficulty ) poor quality grass hay3 ! t\gh1 woody /ems are reluctant to absorb moi/ure4 ,! be/ way to simultane\sly ov]come all ( ^! liabilities is fir/ to p]mit ! bales to ?or\ghly spoil & become moldy ?r\gh & ?r\gh be=e compo/+ !m4 ,:5 ,i h a ton or two ( spoil$ hay bales ar\nd1 ,i spread !m out on ! gr\nd 9 a s+le lay] & leave !m 9 ! ra9 = an entire w9t]4 ,do+ ?is spr\ts mo/ ( ! grass se$ )9 ! bales1 ?or\ghly moi/5s ! hay1 & initiates decomposition4 ,next summ] ,i pick up ?is mat]ial1 remove ! bal+ tw9e1 & mix x into compo/ piles ) pl5ty ( m nitrog5\s /uff4 ,"o la/ ^w ab\t grass & h[ x works :5 gre5 manur+4 ,if a ?ick /& ( grasses is till$ 9 dur+ spr+ be=e se$ =mation beg9s1 its high nitrog5 cont5t enc\rages rapid decomposition4 ,mat]ial conta9+ #b p]c5t nitrog5 & lack+ a lot ( t\gh fib] c be totally rott$ & out ( ! way 9 two weeks1 leav+ ! soil ready to plant4 ,?is v>iation on gre5 manur+ works l a *>m4 ,h[ev]1 if unsettl$ wea!r conditions prev5t tillage until se$ =mation has begun1 ! grasses w conta9 mu* less nitrog5 & w h develop$ a high] cont5t ( resi/ant lign9s4 ,if ! soil does n become dry & l>ge res]ves ( nitrog5 are already wait+ 9 ! soil to balance ! high ,c_/,n ( mature grass1 x may take only a mon? to decompose ,b !re w be s mu* decomposition go+ on = ! fir/ few weeks t ev5 se$ g]m9ation is inhibit$4 ,hav+ to wait an unexpect$ mon? or six weeks aft] wet wea!r prev5t$ =m+ an e>ly se$ b$ may delay s[+ = s long t ! season is miss$ = ! entire ye>4 ,ob/acles l ?is mu/ be kept 9 m9d :5 consid]+ us+ gre5 manur+ z a soil-build+ te*nique4 ,cutt+ ! grass close to ! soil l9e & compo/+ ! vegetation (f ! field elim9ates ?is problem4 ,ho( & horn meal4 ,did y "k t animals con/ruct _! hooves & horns f compress$ hair8 ,! meal is simil> 9 nutri5t composition to blood meal1 lea!r du/1 fea!r meal1 or meat meal 7tankage74 ,x is a p[]ful s\rce ( nitrog5 ) significant am\nts ( phosphorus4 ,l o!r slaught]h\se byproducts its high co/ may make x impractical to use to adju/ ! ,c_/,n ( compo/ piles4 ,se$ meals or *ick5 manure 7*ick5s are ma9ly f$ se$s7 h some:at l[] nitrog5 cont5ts ?an animal byproducts b _! price p] p\nd ( actual nutrition is m reasonable4 ,if ho( & horn meal is n disp]s$ ?r\gh a pile x may draw flies & putrefy4 ,i w\ld pref] to use exp5sive slaught]h\se conc5trates to bl5d into organic f]tiliz] mixes4 ,juic] pulp3 ,see ,apple pomace4 ,kelp meals f sev]al c\ntries are available 9 fe$ & gra9 /ores & bett] g>d5 c5t]s1 usually 9 #be kg 7#ee-p\nd7 sacks rang+ 9 co/ f #bj to #ej4 ,consid]+ ?is sp5dy price1 ,i consid] us+ kelp meal m ju/ifiable 9 complete organic f]tiliz] mixes z a s\rce ( trace m9]als ?an z a compo/+ supplem5t4 ,!re is a great deal ( g>d5 lore ab\t kelp meal's gr[?-/imulat+ & /ress-=tify+ prop]ties4 ,"s g>d5-/ore br&s t\t ^! qualities & *>ge a v high price4 ,! be/ prices are f\nd at fe$ deal]s :]e kelp meal is consid]$ a bulk commodity useful z an animal food supplem5t4 ,i've pur*as$ kelp meal f ,norway1 ,korea1 & ,canada4 ,!re are probably o!r types f o!r places4 ,i don't ?9k !re is a significant diff]5ce 9 ! m9]al cont5t ( "o s\rce comp>$ to ano!r4 ,i d n d5y t !re may be diff]5ces 9 h[ well ! pack]s process+ me?od pres]v$ kelp's multitude ( b5eficial complex organic *emicals t improve ! gr[? & ov]all heal? ( plants by function+ z gr[? /imulants1 phytam9s1 & :o kn[s :at else4 ,/ill1 ,i pref] to buy by price1 n by my/ique1 because1 aft] g>d5+ = ov] tw5ty ye>s1 g>d5 writ+ = fifte5 & be+ 9 ! mail ord] g>d5 se$ bus9ess = sev5 ,i h be5 on ! receiv+ end ( c\ntless amaz+ claims by t\t]s ( agricultural snake oils2 aft] te/+ out doz5s ( su* concoctions ,i t5d to disbelieve my/ic cont5tions ( unique sup]iority4 ,see also3 ,seawe$4 ,lea!r du/ is a wa/e product ( tann]ies1 simil> to ho( & horn meal or tankage4 ,x may or may n be contam9at$ ) high levels ( *romium1 a sub/ance us$ to tan su$e4 ,if only vegetable-tann$ lea!r is produc$ at ! tann]y 9 "q1 lea!r du/ %\ld be a f9e soil am5dm5t4 ,"s organic c]tification bureaucrats prohibit its use1 p]haps rightly s 9 ?is case4 ,leaves4 ,soil nutri5ts are dissolv$ by ra9 & lea*$ f surface lay]s1 transport$ to ! subsoil1 !nce ! gr\nd wat]1 & ultimately into ! salty sea4 ,trees h deep root sy/ems1 rea*+ f> into ! subsoil to br+ plant nutri5ts back up1 mak+ !m nature's nutri5t recycl]4 ,because !y greatly increase soil f]tility1 ,j4 ,russell ,smi? call$ trees great eng9es ( production4 ,anyone :o has n read 8 vision>y book1 ,tree ,crops1 %\ld4 ,?\gh writt5 9 #aibi1 ?is classic book is curr5tly 9 pr9t4 ,once ea* ye>1 leaves are available 9 l>ge quantity1 b ar5't ! easie/ mat]ial to compo/4 ,ri* 9 m9]als b l[ 9 nitrog51 !y are g5]ally sl[ to decompose & t5d to pack into an airless mass4 ,h[ev]1 if mix$ ) manure or o!r high-nitrog5 am5dm5t & en\gh firm mat]ial to prev5t compaction1 leaves rot z well z any o!r sub/ance4 ,runn+ dry leaves ?r\gh a %r$d] or gr9d+ !m ) a lawnm[] greatly accel]ates _! decomposition4 ,( all ! mat]ials ,i've ev] put ?r\gh a g>d5 gr9d]1 dry leaves are ! easie/ & run ! fa/e/4 ,once *opp$1 leaves occupy mu* less volume4 ,my neighbor1 ,john1 a v s]i\s g>d5] l me1 keeps sev]al l>ge g>bage cans fill$ ) pulv]iz$ dry leaves = use z mul* :5 ne$$4 ,7 ,i a nor!rn g>d5] ,i'd /ore %r$d$ dry leaves 9 pla/ic bags ov] ! w9t] to mix into compo/ piles :5 spr+ grass clipp+s & o!r m pot5t mat]ials 7 available4 ,"s p fe> us+ urban leaves because !y may conta9 automotive pollutants su* z oil & rubb] compon5ts4 ,su* worries are probably gr\ndless4 ,dave ,campbell :o ran ! ,city ( ,portl& 7,oregon7 ,bureau ( ,ma9t5ance leaf compo/+ program said he has run te/s = heavy metals & pe/icide residues on e w9dr[ ( compo/ he has made4 ,almo/ all our te/s s f> h %[n less ?an ! backgr\nd level = heavy metals1 & no traces ( pe/icides includ+ *lor9at$ & organophosphat$ pe/icides4444 ,x is v r>e = !re to be any problem4 ,campbell tells an int]e/+ /ory t po9ts out h[ ?or\ghly compo/+ elim9ates pe/icide residues4 ,he said1 ,once ,i 0 curi\s ab\t "s leaves we 7 gett+ f a city p>k :]e ,i knew ! trees _h be5 spray$ ) a pe/icide j ab\t a mon? be=e ! leaves fell & we collect$ !m4 ,9 ?is case1 ,i _h ! uncompo/$ leaves te/$ & !n ! compo/ te/$4 ,9 ! fre% leaves a trace ( 4 4 4 residue 0 detect$1 b by ! "t ! compo/+ process 0 f9i%$1 no detectable level 0 f\nd4 ,lime4 ,!re is no disput+ t calcium is a vital soil nutri5t z ess5tial to ! =mation ( plant & animal prote9s z nitrog54 ,soils defici5t 9 calcium c be inexp5sively improv$ by add+ agricultural lime :i* is relatively pure calcium c>bonate 7,ca,c#jc74 ,! use ( agricultural lime or dolomitic lime 9 compo/ piles is some:at controv]sial4 ,ev5 ! mo/ au?oritative ( au?orities disagree4 ,!re is no disput+ t ! calcium cont5t ( plant mat]ial & animal manure result+ f t plant mat]ial is v dep5d5t on ! am\nt ( calcium available 9 ! soil4 ,*apt] ,eight conta9s q a ?or\gh discussion ( ?is v ph5om5a4 ,if a compo/ pile is made f a v>iety ( mat]ials gr[n on soils t conta9$ adequate calcium1 !n add+ additional lime %\ld be unnecess>y4 ,h[ev]1 if ! mat]ials be+ compo/$ are !mselves defici5t 9 calcium !n ! organisms ( decomposition may n develop fully4 ,:ile prep>+ ?is book1 ,i qu]i$ ! v5]able ,dr4 ,h]b]t ,h4 ,koepf ab\t lime 9 ! compo/ heap4 ,koepf's biodynamic books s]v$ z my own introduction to g>d5+ 9 ! e>ly #aigjs4 ,he is /ill active ?\gh 9 8 late sev5ties4 ,koepf believes t lime is n necess>y :5 compo/+ mixtures t conta9 significant am\nts ( manure because ! decomposition ( prote9ace\s mat]ials develops a m or less neutral p,h4 ,h[ev]1 :5 compo/+ mixtures ( vegetation )\t manure1 ! conditions t5d to become v acid & bact]ial f]m5tation is inhibit$4 ,to correct l[ p,h1 ,koepf recomm5ds agricultural lime at #be p\nds p] ton ( vegetation1 ! weight figur$ on a dry matt] basis4 ,to gue/imate dry weight1 rememb] t gre5 vegetation is #gj-hj p]c5t wat]1 to prev5t organic mat]ial l hay f spoil+ x is fir/ dri$ d[n to bel[ #ae p]c5t moi/ure4 ,!re is ano!r reason to make sure t a compo/ pile conta9s an abundance ( calcium4 ,azobact]ia1 t c fix nitrate nitrog5 9 mell[+ compo/ piles1 dep5d = _! activity on ! availability ( calcium4 ,add+ agricultural lime 9 su* a situation may be v useful1 greatly spe$ ! decomposition process1 & improve ! quality ( ! compo/4 ,alb]t ,h[>d us$ small am\nts ( lime 9 8 compo/ piles specifically to aid nitrog5 fixation4 ,he also incorporat$ significant quantities ( fre% bov9e manure at ! same "t4 ,h[ev]1 add+ lime to heat+ manure piles results 9 ! loss ( l>ge quantities ( ammonia gas4 ,p]haps ?is is ! reason "s p are oppos$ to us+ lime 9 any compo/+ process4 ,keep 9 m9d t a manure pile is n a compo/ pile4 ,al?\gh bo? w heat up & decay1 ! />t+ ,c_/,n ( a b>ny>d manure pile runs ar\nd #aj3a :ile a compo/ heap ( y>d wa/e & kit*5 g>bage runs #be3a to #cj3a4 ,any "t highly nitrog5\s mat]ial1 su* z fre% manures or spr+ grass clipp+s1 are p]mitt$ to decompose )\t adju/m5t ( ! c>bon-to-nitrog5 ratio ) less pot5t /uff1 ammonia t5ds to be releas$1 lime or n4 ,only agricultural lime or slightly bett]1 dolomitic lime1 are useful 9 compo/ piles4 ,quicklime or slak$ lime are made f heat$ lime/one & und]go a viol5t *emical reaction :5 mix$ ) wat]4 ,!y may be f9e = mak+ cem5t1 b n = mo/ agricultural purposes4 ,l9se$ meal4 ,see ,cottonse$ meal4 ,manure4 ,fre% manure c be ! s+le mo/ useful addition to ! compo/ pile4 ,:at makes x special is ! pres5ce ( l>ge quantities ( active dige/ive enzymes4 ,^! enzymes seem to contribute to m rapid heat+ & result 9 a f9]-textur$1 m completely decompos$ compo/ t provokes a great] gr[? response 9 plants4 ,manure f cattle & o!r multi-/oma*$ rum9ants also conta9s cellulose-decompos+ bact]ia4 ,soil animals supply simil> dige/ive enzymes z !y "w ov] ! litt] on ! =e/ floor b be=e insects & o!r t9y animals c eat mu* ( a compo/ heap1 well-made piles w heat up1 driv+ out or kill+ ev]y?+ except microorganisms & fungi4 ,all ( ! above might be ( int]e/ to ! c\ntry dwell] or s]i\s backy>d food gr[] b probably s\nds highly impractical to mo/ ( ?is book's read]s4 ,don't despair if fre% manure is n available or if us+ x is unappeal+4 ,compo/ made ) fre%1 unheat$ manure works only a little fa/] & produces j a slightly bett] product ?an compo/ activat$ ) se$ meals1 slaught]h\se conc5trates1 gr\nd alfalfa1 grass clipp+s1 kit*5 g>bage1 or ev5 dri$1 sack$ manures4 ,compo/ made )\t any manure /ill makes6 ,:5 evaluat+ manure keep 9 m9d ! _m pitfalls4 ,fre% manure is v valuable1 b if y obta9 "s t has be5 has be5 heap$ up & p]mitt$ to heat up1 mu* ( its nitrog5 may already h dissipat$ z ammonia :ile ! valuable dige/ive enzymes w h be5 de/roy$ by ! high temp]atures at ! heap's core4 ,a simil> degradation happ5s to dige/ive enzymes :5 manure is dri$ & sack$4 ,usually1 dri$ manure comes f fe$lots :]e x has also fir/ be5 /ack$ wet & gone ?r\gh a viol5t heat+ process4 ,s if ,i 7 go+ to use sack$ dri$ manure to l[] ! ,c_/,n ( a compo/ pile1 ,i'd evaluate x /rictly on its co/ p] p\nd ( actual nitrog54 ,9 "s cases1 se$ meals might be *eap] & bett] able to drop ! heap's c>bon-to-nitrog5 ratio ev5 m ?an manure4 ,!re are _m k9ds ( manure & v>i\s samples ( ! same type ( manure may n be equal4 ,?is demon/rates ! pr9ciple ( :at goes 9 comes out4 ,plants conc5trate prote9s & m9]al nutri5ts 9 _! se$ s animals f$ on se$ 7l *ick5s7 excrete manure ne>ly z high 9 m9]als & ) a ,c_/,n l se$ meals 7ar\nd #h3a74 ,alfalfa hay is a legume ) a ,c_/,n ar\nd #ab3a4 ,rabbits f$ almo/ exclusively on alfalfa pellets make a ri* manure ) a simil> ,c_/,n4 ,spr+ grass & high quality hay & o!r leafy gre5s h a ,c_/,n ne>ly z good z alfalfa4 ,live/ock f$ ! be/ hay supplem5t$ ) gra9 & silage make fairly ri* manure4 ,pity ! un=tunate live/ock try+ to survive z /rawburn]s eat+ ov]ly mature grass hay f deplet$ fields4 ,_! manure w be z poor z ! food & soil !y are try+ to live on4 ,:5 evaluat+ manure1 also consid] ! nature & quantity ( b$d+ mix$ into x4 ,our local bo>d+ /ables keep _! lazy horses on fir sawdu/4 ,! idle rid+ horses are usually f$ v /rawy local grass hay ) j en\gh supplem5tal alfalfa & gra9 to ma9ta9 a m9imal heal?y condition4 ,! horse manure ,i've haul$ f ^! /ables seems m sawdu/ ?an manure4 ,x mu/ h a ,c_/,n ( #ej or #fj3a because by itself x w b>ely heat up4 ,manure mix$ ) /raw is usually ri*] /uff4 ,(t5 ?is type comes f dairies4 ,mod]n bre$s ( milk c[s mu/ be f$ se$ meals & o!r conc5trates to tempor>ily su/a9 !m aga9/ depletion f unnaturally high milk production4 ,aft] rabbit & *ick51 horse manure f well-f$ animals l race horses or true1 work+ animals may come next4 ,c]ta9ly x is "r up !re ) ! be/ c[ manure4 ,be=e ! era ( *emical f]tiliz]1 m>ket g>d5]s on ! outskirts ( l>ge cities took wagon loads ( produce to m>ket & return$ ) an equival5t weight ( /reet sweep+s4 ,:at !y mo/ priz$ 0 call$ %ort manure1 or horse manure )\t any b$d+4 ,manure & b$d+ mixtures 7 ref]r$ to z long manure & w]5't consid]$ ne>ly z valuable4 ,f9ally1 rememb] t ov] half ! excretion ( animals is ur9e4 ,& f> too little value is plac$ on ur9e4 ,z e>ly z #aijj x 0 well kn[n t if y f$ "o ton 7dry weight7 ( hay & measur$ ! result+ manure aft] ?or\gh dry+1 only #hjj p\nds 0 left4 ,:at happ5$ to ! o!r #a1bjj p\nds ( dry mat]ial8 ,"s1 ( c\rse1 w5t to gr[ ! animal4 ,"s 0 enzymatically burn$ z en]gy fuel & its wa/es giv5 (f z ,,co#b & ,h#b,o4 ,mo/ ( x 0 excret$ 9 liquid =m4 ,aft] all1 :at is dige/ion b an enzymatic conv]sion ( dry mat]ial into a wat] solution s x c be circulat$ ?r\gh ! blood/ream to be us$ & disc>d$ z ne$$4 ,ur9e also conta9s num]\s complex organic sub/ances & cellul> breakd[n products t improve ! heal? ( ! soil ecology4 ,h[ev]1 ur9e is n easy to capture4 ,x t5ds to lea* into ! gr\nd or run (f :5 x %\ld be absorb$ into b$d+4 ,*ick5 manure & ! excrem5ts ( o!r f[l are p>ticul>ly valuable 9 ?is respect because ! liquids & solids ( _! wa/e are uni=mly mix$ s no?+ is lo/4 ,:5 ,h[>d work$ out 8 sy/em ( mak+ sup]ior compo/ at ,indore1 he took full measure ( ! value ( ur9e & paid great c>e to its capture & use4 ,pap] is almo/ pure cellulose & has a v high ,c_/,n l /raw or sawdu/4 ,x c be consid]$ a valuable s\rce ( bulk = compo/+ if y're us+ compo/ z mul*4 ,look$ ^u ano!r way1 compo/+ c be a practical way to recycle pap] at home4 ,! key to compo/+ pap] is to %r$ or gr9d x4 ,lay]s ( pap] w compress into airless mats4 ,motor-driv5 hamm]mill %r$d]s w make %ort "w ( dry pap]4 ,once torn into t9y pieces & mix$ ) o!r mat]ials1 pap] is no m subject to compaction ?an grass clipp+s4 ,ev5 )\t p[] %r$d+ equipm5t1 newspr9t c be %r$d$ by h&1 easily ripp$ into n>r[ /rips by te>+ :ole sections along ! gra9 ( ! pap]1 n fight+ aga9/ x4 ,evaluat+ ,nitrog5 ,cont5t ,a "o-cubic foot bag ( dri$ /e] manure weighs #be p\nds & is label$ #a p]c5t nitrog54 ,t means f\r sacks weighs #ajj p\nds & conta9s #a p\nd ( actual nitrog54 ,a fifty p\nd bag ( cottonse$ meal conta9s six p]c5t nitrog54 ,two sacks weighs #ajj p\nds & conta9s #f p\nds ( actual nitrog54 ,!re=e x takes #bd sacks ( /e] manure to equal ! nitrog5 conta9$ 9 two sacks ( cottonse$ meal4 ,if /e] manure co/s #a4ej p] sack1 six p\nd ( actual nitrog5 f /e] manure co/s #bd x #a4ej #cf4jj ,if fifty p\nds ( cottonse$ meal co/s #g4ej1 !n six p\nds ( actual nitrog5 f cottonse$ meal co/s #b x #g4ej #ae4jj4 ,n[1 lets take a brief mom5t to see :y indu/rial f>m]s ?9k+ only ( imm$iate f9ancial pr(it1 use *emical f]tiliz]s4 ,urea1 a syn!tic =m ( ur9e us$ z nitrog5 f]tiliz] conta9s #dh p]c5t nitrog54 ,s #ajj p\nds ( urea conta9s #dh p\nds ( nitrog54 ,t quantity ( urea also co/s ab\t #ae4jj6 ,)\t tak+ into acc\nt its value 9 t]ms ( phosphorus1 potassium & o!r m9]al cont5ts1 nitrog5 f se$ meal co/s at lea/ eight times z mu* p] p\nd z nitrog5 f urea4 ,newspap]s1 ev5 ) color$ inks1 c be safely us$ 9 compo/ piles4 ,?\gh "s color$ inks d conta9 heavy metals1 ^! are n us$ on newspr9t4 ,h[ev]1 be=e beg9n+ to incorporate newspr9t into y\r compo/+1 reconsid] ! analyses ( v>i\s types ( compo/ brok5 out z a table 9 ! previ\s *apt]4 ,! ma9 reason _m municipal compo/+ programs make a l[-grade product ) su* a high ,c_/,n is ! l>ge proportion ( pap] us$4 ,if y\r compo/ is int5d$ = use z mul* ar\nd p]5nial b$s or to be scre5$ & broadca/ atop lawns1 !n hav+ a nitrog5-poor product is ( little consequ5ce4 ,b if y\r compo/ is head$ = ! vegetable g>d5 or w be us$ to gr[ ! l>ge/ possible priz$ fl[]s !n p]haps newspr9t c\ld be recycl$ 9 ano!r way4 ,c>dbo>d1 especially corrugat$ mat]ial1 is sup]ior to newspr9t = compo/ mak+ because its biodegradable glues conta9 significant am\nts ( nitrog54 ,worms love to consume c>dbo>d mul*4 ,l o!r =ms ( pap]1 c>dbo>d %\ld be %r$d$1 gr\nd or *opp$ z f9ely z possible1 & ?or\ghly mix$ ) o!r mat]ials :5 compo/$4 ,pet wa/es may conta9 disease organisms t infect humans4 ,?\gh municipal compo/+ sy/ems c safely elim9ate su* diseases1 home compo/+ ( dog & cat manure may be risky if ! compo/ is int5d$ = food g>d5+4 ,phosphate rock4 ,if y\r g>d5 soil is defici5t 9 phosphorus1 add+ rock phosphate to ! compo/ pile may accel]ate its availability 9 ! g>d51 f> m effectively ?an add+ phosphate to soil4 ,if ! vegetation 9 y\r vic9ity comes f soils simil>ly defici5t 9 phosphorus1 add+ phosphate rock w support a heal?i] decomposition ecology & improve ! quality ( y\r compo/4 ,five to t5 p\nds ( rock phosphate add$ to a cubic y>d ( uncompo/$ organic matt] is ab\t ! "r am\nt4 ,rice hulls3 ,see ,buck:eat hulls4 ,rock du/4 ,all plant nutri5ts except nitrog5 orig9ally come f decompos+ rock4 ,n all rocks conta9 equal conc5trations & assortm5ts ( ! elem5ts plants use = nutri5ts4 ,consequ5tly1 n all soils lu/ily gr[ heal?y plants4 ,"o v natural way to improve ! ov] all f]tility ( soil is to spread & till 9 f9ely gr\nd rock fl\r make f highly m9]aliz$ rocks4 ,?is me?od is n a new idea4 ,lime/one & dolomite--s(t1 easily p[d]$ rocks--h be5 us$ = c5turies to add calcium & magnesium4 ,= ov] a c5tury1 rock phosphate & ka9ite--a s(t1 readily soluble naturally occurr+ rock ri* 9 potassium1 magnesium & sulfur--h be5 gr\nd & us$ z f]tiliz]4 ,o!r natural rock s\rces l ,j]sey gre5s& h long be5 us$ 9 ! ea/]n ,unit$ ,/ates on "s unusual potassium-defici5t soils4 ,lately x has become fa%ionable to rem9]alize ! e>? ) heavy applications ( rock fl\rs4 ,unlike mo/ fads & tr5ds1 ?is "o is wise & %\ld endure4 ,! be/ rocks to use are f9ely gr\nd basic igne\s rocks l basalts4 ,!y are call$ basic z oppos$ to acid rocks because !y are ri*] 9 calcium & magnesium ) less] quantities ( potassium4 ,:5 soil =ms f ^! mat]ials x t5ds to n be acid4 ,mo/ basic igne\s rocks also conta9 a wide range ( trace m9]al nutri5ts4 ,i h obs]v$ m>k$ improvem5ts 9 plant gr[? by incorporat+ ord9>y basalt du/ t ,i p]sonally %ovel$ f bel[ a conveyor belt roll] at a local qu>ry :]e cru%$ rock 0 be+ prep>$ = road build+4 ,basalt du/ 0 an un9t5tional byproduct4 ,?\gh highly m9]aliz$ rock du/ may be a valuable soil am5dm5t1 its value mu/ equal its co/4 ,application rates ( "o or two tons p] acre are m9imal4 ,john ,hamak]'s ,! ,survival ( ,civilization sugge/s eight to t5 tons p] acre ! fir/ application & !n "o or two tons e few ye>s !reaft]4 ,?is means ! correct price = rock du/ is simil> to ! price = agricultural lime2 9 my region t's ab\t #fj to #hj a ton 9 sacks4 ,local f>m]s pay ab\t #dj a ton 9 bulk1 includ+ spread+ on y\r field by ! sell]4 ,a fifty-p\nd sack ( rock du/ %\ld retail = ab\t #b4 ,^! days x probably co/s sev]al times t price1 t5d+ to keep rock du/ a novelty item4 ,! activities ( fungi & bact]ia are ! mo/ pot5t =ces mak+ nutri5ts available to plants4 ,z useful z till+ rock p[d]s into soil may be1 ! int5se biological activity ( ! compo/ pile accel]ates _! availability4 ,& ! pres5ce ( ^! m9]als might well make a compo/ pile conta9+ nutri5t-defici5t vegetation "w fa/] & become bett] f]tiliz]4 ,7 ! "r types ( rock du/ available & *eap1 ,i'd make x ab\t #e p]c5t by volume ( my heap1 & equal t ) ri* soil4 ,saffl[]se$ meal4 ,see ,cottonse$ meal4 ,sawdu/ conta9s virtually no?+ b c>bon4 ,9 small quantities x is useful to fluff up compo/ piles & prev5t compaction4 ,h[ev] ?is is only true ( co>se mat]ial l t f sawmills or *a9 saws4 ,! f9e saw du/ f c>p5try & cab9et "w may compact & become airless4 ,see ,pap] = a discussion ( l[]+ ! f]tiliz+ value ( compo/ ) high ,c_/,n mat]ials4 ,seawe$ :5 fre%ly ga!r$ is an extraord9>y mat]ial = ! compo/ pile4 ,l mo/ liv+ ?+s f ! ocean seawe$s are ri* 9 all ( ! trace m9]als & conta9 significant am\nts ( ! major nutri5ts1 especially potassium1 ) less] am\nts ( phosphorus & nitrog54 ,seawe$s enri* ! heap1 decompose v rapidly1 & assi/ o!r mat]ials to break d[n4 ,?\gh heavy & (t5 awkw>d to ga!r & haul1 if !y are available1 seawe$s %\ld n be p]mitt$ to g to wa/e4 ,^? ) unlimit$ money may use spr9kl+s ( kelp meal 9 ! compo/ pile to get a simil> effect4 ,h[ev]1 kelp meal may be m economically us$ z "p ( a complete organic f]tiliz] mixture t is work$ into soil4 ,%rub & tree prun+s are difficult mat]ials to compo/ unless y h a %r$d]_/*ipp]4 ,ev5 aft] be+ incorporat$ into "o hot compo/ heap aft] ano!r1 half-in* diamet] twigs may take sev]al ye>s to fully decompose4 ,& turn+ a heap conta9+ long bran*es c be v difficult4 ,b buy+ p[] equipm5t j to gr9d a few c>t loads ( h$ge & tree prun+s ea* ye> may n be economical4 ,my sugge/ion is to neatly tie any /ick l>g] ?an y\r little f+] into tight bundles ab\t "o foot 9 diamet] & ab\t #af in*es long & !n burn ^! faggots 9 ! fireplace or wood /ove4 ,?is w be less "w 9 ! long run4 ,soil is an (t5 ov]look$ b critically important "p ( ! compo/ pile4 ,lea/ ( its num]\s b5efits1 soil conta9s inf9itudes ( microorganisms t help />t out decomposition4 ,_m compo/able mat]ials come ) bits ( soil already atta*$ & few are /]ile 9 !mselves4 ,b extra soil ensures t !re w initially be a suffici5t numb] & v>iety ( ^! valuable organisms4 ,soil also conta9s insoluble m9]als t are made soluble by biological activity4 ,"s ( ^! m9]als may be 9 %ort supply 9 ! organic matt] itself & _! addition may improve ! heal? & vigor ( ! :ole decomposition ecology4 ,a g5]\s addition ( rock du/ may d ?is ev5 bett]4 ,mo/ important1 soil conta9s nitrification microorganisms t readily conv]t ammonia gas to nitrates1 & clay t w cat* & tempor>ily hold ammonia4 ,nitrify+ bact]ia d n live outside ( soil4 ,f9ally1 a sev]al in* ?ick lay] ( soil capp+ ! heap s]ves z an extra insulator1 hold+ 9 heat1 rais+ ! core temp]ature & help+ seal 9 moi/ure4 ,mak+ a compo/ heap z mu* z #aj p]c5t soil by dry weight is ! "r t>get ,try ?9k+ ( soil some:at l ! mod]ators 9 an atomic reactor1 controll+ ! reaction by trapp+ neutrons4 ,soil won't *ange ! ,c_/,n ( a heap b n be+ subject to significant breakd[n x w slightly l[] ! maximum temp]ature ( decomposition2 :ile trapp+ ammonia emissions2 & creat+ bett] conditions = nitrog5 fix+ bact]ia to improve ! ,c_/,n z ! heap cools & rip5s4 ,soybean meal4 ,see ,cottonse$ meal4 ,/raw is a c>bonif]\s mat]ial simil> to sawdu/ b usually conta9s m nutri5ts4 ,x is a valuable a]ator1 ea* /alk act+ z a tube = air to ent] & move ?r\gh ! pile4 ,l>ge quantities ( long /raw c make x v difficult to turn a heap ! fir/ "t4 ,i'd mu* pref] to h manure mix$ ) /raw ?an ) sawdu/4 ,sunfl[]se$ meal4 ,see ,cottonse$ meal4 ,tankage is ano!r slaught]h\se or r5d]+ plant wa/e consi/+ ( all animal refuse except blood & fat4 ,locally x is call$ meat meal4 ,see ,ho( & horn meal4 ,t(u factory wa/e4 ,ok>a is ! pulp left aft] soy milk has be5 squeez$ f cook$1 gr\nd soybeans4 ,small-scale t(u mak]s w h _m gallons ( ok>a to dispose ( ea* day4 ,x makes good pig food s !re may be competition to obta9 x4 ,l any o!r se$ wa/e1 ok>a is high 9 nitrog5 & w be wet & readily putrefiable l brew]y wa/e4 ,mix into compo/ piles imm$iately4 ,ur9e4 ,see ,manure4 ,we$s4 ,_! nutri5t cont5t is highly v>iable dep5d+ on ! species & age ( ! plant4 ,we$s gone to se$ are bo? l[ 9 nitrog5 & require locat+ 9 ! c5t] ( a hot heap to kill (f ! se$s4 ,t5d] "y we$s are z ri* 9 nitrog5 z spr+ grass4 ,we$s t propagate ?r\gh und]gr\nd /ems or rhizomes l quack-grass1 ,johnsongrass1 bitt]sweet1 & ! l are bett] burnt4 ,wood a% f h>dwoods is ri* 9 potassium & conta9s significant am\nts ( calcium & o!r m9]als4 ,a% f conif]s may be simil>ly ri* 9 potassium b conta9s little else4 ,wood a%es spread on ! gr\nd t5d to lose _! nutri5ts rapidly ?r\gh lea*+4 ,if ^! nutri5ts are ne$$ 9 y\r soil1 !n add ! a% to y\r compo/ piles :]e x w become an unrea*able "p ( ! biomass t w be gradually releas$ 9 ! g>d5 :5 ! compo/ is us$4 ,wood *ips are sl[ to decompose al?\gh !y may be add$ to ! compo/ pile if "o is n 9 a hurry4 ,_! *unk9ess & /iff me*anical prop]ties help a]ate a heap4 ,!y are some:at m nutri5t ri* ?an sawdu/4 ,wool wa/es are also call$ %oddy4 ,see ,hair4 ,,*apt] ,,five ,me?ods & ,v>iations ,a note to ! int]net read]3 ,9 ! ! pr9t-on-pap] edition1 ?is *apt] & ! next "o on v]micompo/+ are full ( illu/rations %[+ compo/+ /ructures & accessories4 ,^! d n reproduce well on-l9e & are n includ$4 ,gr[+ ! majority ( my family's food absorbs all ( ! en]gy ,i c>e to put into g>d5+4 ,s my y>d is neat b %aggy4 ,motivat$ by :at ,i consid] total rationality1 my lawn is cut only :5 x ?reat5s to ov]:elm ! lawnm[]1 & ! lawn is n irrigat$1 s x br[ns (f & /ops gr[+ 9 summ]4 ,i don't gr[ fl[]s because ,i live on a riv] 9 a beautiful c\ntryside sett+ surr\nd$ by l[ m\nta9s4 ,no?+ ,i creat$ c\ld beg9 to compete ) :at nature freely (f]s my eye4 ,"o untidy b$ ( ornam5tals by ! front door are my b[ to conv5tionality1 b ^! fit ! entrances nor!a/ aspect by be+ ,oregon woods natives l f]ns1 salal1 ,oregon grape & an almo/ wild rhodod5dron--all ^! species ?rive )\t irrigation4 ,:5 ,i give lectures1 ,i am confront$ by ! amaz+ g>d5+ v>iations t humans are capable (4 ,"s folks' rais$ vegetable b$s are crude l[ m\nds4 ,!n1 ,i am %[n photographs ( squ>$1 p>allel$ v]tical-wall$ rais$ b$s1 uni=mly wrapp$ 9 c$> planks4 ,"s g>d5s are plant$ 9 fairly /raight r[s1 "s are laid-out 9 c>efully calculat$ int]plant$ hexagonal successions & "s are a wild scatt]+ ( cat*-z-cat*-c4 ,"s p don't eat _m k9ds ( vegetables yet gr[ l>ge /&s ( corn & beans = cann+ or freez+4 ,o!rs gr[ small pat*es ( a great _m species1 creat+ a ye>-r\nd g\rmet produce /& = _! p]sonal enjoym5t4 ,"s g>d5]s gr[ ,engli%-/yle floral displays occupy+ e squ>e in* ( _! y>ds & (f]+ a con/ant succession ( color & texture4 ,?is *apt] pres5ts "s ( ! _m diff]5t ways p h&le ! disposal ( y>d & kit*5 wa/es4 ,compo/ mak+1 l g>d5+1 reflects v>iations 9 temp]am5t4 ,y probably w]5't surpris$ at my casual l&scap+ because y already read ab\t my unkempt compo/ heap4 ,s ,i am simil>ly n surpris$ to discov] backy>d compo/+ me?ods z neat z a ,g]man village1 z ae/hetic z a ,japanese g>d51 z sci5tific z an eng9e] w\ld design & z ugly z 4 4 4 ,conta9]s & ,o!r ,simil> ,me?ods ,9 my days ( y\?ful indiscretions ,i ?\ght ,i c\ld improve life on ,e>? by civiliz+ high s*ool y\? ?r\gh eng5d]+ 9 !m an und]/&+ ( hi/ory4 ,i confess ,i almo/ completely fail$ & gave up tea*+ aft] a few ye>s4 ,h[ev]1 ,i p]sonally le>n$ a great deal ab\t hi/ory & ! tell+ ( hi/ory4 ,i read _m old j\rnals1 di>ies1 & travel acc\nts4 ,f "s ( ^! docum5ts ,i ga9$ little :ile o!r acc\nts introduc$ me to unique individuals :o assi/$ me 9 und]/&+ _! era4 ,x seems t :at diff]5tiates good f bad report+ is h[ frank & hone/ ! report] is ab\t _! own p]sonal op9ions1 prejudices1 & outlooks4 ,! m op5 & direct ! report]1 ! bett] ! read] c disc\nt inevitable di/ortions & get a picture ( :at might really h be5 !re4 ,! m ! report] attempts to be objective by hid+ _! viewpo9ts1 ! less valuable _! in=mation4 ,t is :y be=e discuss+ ^? manufactur$ aids to compo/+ t c make a consum] ( y1 ,i want to in=m y t ,i am a frugal p]son :o %uns unnecess>y exp5diture4 ,i ma9ta9 :at seems to me to be a p]fect ju/ification = my /+9ess3 ,i pref] relative unemploym5t4 ,:5ev] ,i want to buy some?+ x has become my habit fir/ to ask myself if ! desir$ object c\ld possibly br+ me z mu* pleasure z kn[+ t ,i don't h to get up & g to "w ! next morn+4 ,usually ,i decide to save ! money s ,i d n h to e>n m4 ,en extremis1 ,i repeat ! old ,yankee m>*+ *ant l a mantra3 ,make d6 ,we> x out6 ,:5 x is gone1 d )\t6 ,bum1 ,bum6 ,bum bi ,dum6 ,bum bi di ,dum1 ,bum bi ,dum6 ,s ,i d n own a %r$d]_/gr9d] :5 pati5ce w take its place4 ,i d n buy or make compo/+ conta9]s :5 a c\ntry life /yle & n con=m+ to ! neatness /&>ds ( o!rs makes b9s or tumbl]s unnecess>y4 ,h[ev]1 ,i d grudg+ly accept t o!rs live diff]5tly4 ,let me w>n y t my descriptions ( compo/+ aids & accessories are probably a little jaundic$4 ,i am do+ my be/ to be fair4 ,visual appeal is ! prim>y b5efit ( mak+ compo/ 9 a conta9]4 ,to a tidy1 nor!rn ,european s5se ( ord]1 any compo/+ /ructure w be f> neat] ?an ! raw beauty ( a nak$ heap4 ,compo/+ conta9] designs may (f] additional advantages b no s+le /ructure w d ev]y?+ possible4 ,) an enclosure1 x may be possible to heat up a pile small] ?an #a' x #d' x #d' because ! walls & sometimes ! top ( ! conta9] may be insulat+4 ,?is is a great advantage to someone ) a po/age /amp backy>d t treasures e squ>e foot4 ,simil>ly1 wrapp+ ! heap ret>ds moi/ure loss4 ,"s /ructures %ut out v]m94 ,on ! o!r h&1 /ructures c make x m difficult to make compo/4 ,us+ a prefabricat$ b9 c prev5t a p]son f readily turn+ ! heap & c almo/ =ce a p]son to also buy "s sort ( %r$d]_/*ipp] to fir/ r$uce ! size ( ! mat]ial4 ,also1 view$ z a depreciat+ economic asset ) a limit$ life span1 _m compo/+ aids co/ z mu* or m money z ! value ( all ! mat]ial !y c ev] turn out4 ,f9ancial co/ relates to ecological co/1 s sp5d+ money on %ort-liv$ pla/ic or easily ru/$ metal may negate any environm5tal b5efit ga9$ f recycl+ y>d wa/es4 ,build+ ,y\r ,own ,b9 ,probably ! be/ homemade compo/+ design is ! multiple b9 sy/em :]e sep>ate comp>tm5ts facilitate cont9u\s decomposition4 ,ea* b9 is ab\t f\r feet on a side & ?ree to f\r feet tall4 ,usually1 ! divid+ walls betwe5 b9s are %>$4 ,always1 ea* b9 op5s completely at ! front4 ,i ?9k ! be/ design has removable slatt$ sep>ators betwe5 a s]ies ( f\r 7n ?ree7 wood5 b9s 9 ?ree decl9+ sizes3 two l>ge1 "o m$ium-l>ge & "o small]4 ,alt]natively1 b9s may be con/ruct$ ( unmort>$ concrete blocks ) removable wood5 fronts4 ,p]man5tly con/ruct$ b9s ( mort>$ concrete block or wood may h moi/ure-ret5tive1 ra9-protective h+$ lids4 ,!re are two workable compo/+ sy/ems t fit ^! /ructures4 ,mo/ compo/]s obta9 mat]ials too gradually to make a l>ge heap all at once4 ,9 ?is case my sugge/ion is ! f\r-b9 sy/em1 us+ "o l>ge b9 z a /orage area = dry vegetation4 ,beg9 compo/+ 9 b9 two by mix+ ! dry cont5ts tempor>ily /or$ 9 b9 "o ) kit*5 g>bage1 grass clipp+s & etc4 ,once b9 two is fill$ & heat+1 remove its front slats & ! side slats sep>at+ x f b9 ?ree & turn ! pile into b9 ?ree1 gradually re9s]t+ side slats z b9 ?ree is fill$4 ,b9 ?ree1 be+ ab\t two-?irds ! size ( b9 two1 w be fill$ to ! brim4 ,a new pile c be =m+ 9 b9 two :ile b9 ?ree is cook+4 ,:5 b9 ?ree has settl$ significantly1 repeat ! process1 turn+ b9 ?ree into b9 f\r1 etc4 ,by ! "t ! mat]ial has reheat$ 9 b9 f\r & cool$ y w h f9i%$ or close-to-f9i%$ compo/ ,at any po9t dur+ ?is turn+ t resi/ant1 unrott$ mat]ial is discov]$1 in/ead ( pass+ x on1 x may be ?r[n back to an e>li] b9 to g ?r\gh yet ano!r decomposition /age4 ,p]haps ! clev]e/ design ( ?is type takes advantage ( any significant slope or hill available to a lazy g>d5] & places a s]ies ( sep>ate b9s "o above ! next1 elim9at+ any ne$ = removable side-slats :ile mak+ toss+ compo/ d[n to ! next conta9] relatively easy4 ,a simply con/ruct$ alt]native avoids mak+ removable slats betwe5 b9s or ( lift+ ! mat]ial ov] ! walls to toss x f b9 to b94 ,"h1 ea* b9 is treat$ z a sep>ate & discrete compo/ process4 ,:5 x is "t to turn ! heap1 ! front is remov$ & ! heap is turn$ "r back into its orig9al conta9]4 ,to accompli% ?is x may be necess>y to fir/ %ovel ab\t half ( ! mat]ial out ( ! b9 onto a "w area1 !n turn :at is rema9+ 9 ! b9 & !n cov] x ) :at 0 %ovel$ out4 ,gradually ! mat]ial 9 ! b9 %r9ks & decomposes4 ,:5 f9i%$1 ! compo/ w fill only a small fraction ( ! b9's volume4 ,my clev] /ud5ts at ! ,urban ,f>m ,class1 ,univ]sity ( ,oregon h made a v inexp5sive compo/ b9 /ructure ( ?is type us+ recycl$ indu/rial wood pallets4 ,!y are held erect by nail+ !m to pressure-treat$ f5ce po/s sunk into ! e>?4 ,! removable doors are also pallets1 hook$ on ) bail+ wire4 ,! flimsy pallets rot 9 a c\ple ( ye>s b obta9+ m free pallets is easy4 ,if ,i 7 build+ a m f9i%$ ?ree or f\r b9 s]ies1 ,i w\ld use rot-resi/ant wood l c$> &_/or ?or\ghly pa9t ! wood ) a non-phytotoxic wood pres]vative l ,cupr9ol 7copp] nap?anate74 ,cupr9ol is n z p]man5t z o!r types ( wood pres]vatives & may h to be reappli$ e two or ?ree ye>s4 ,b9s r$uce moi/ure loss & wood b9s h ! additional advantage ( be+ fairly good !rmal insulators3 "o in* ( wood is z mu* insulation z "o foot ( solid concrete4 ,compo/+ conta9]s also h a pot5tial disadvantage-r$uc+ air fl[1 sl[+ decomposition1 & possibly mak+ ! process g ana]obic4 ,%\ld ?is happ5 air fl[ c be improv$ by support+ ! heap on a slatt$ floor made ( up-end$ ,cupr9ol-treat$ #b x #d's ab\t ?ree in*es ap>t tack$ into ! back wall4 ,air ducts1 inexp5sively made f p]=at$ pla/ic septic sy/em lea* l9e1 are laid betwe5 ! slats to greatly enhance air fl[4 ,i w\ldn't initially build a b9 array ) duct$ floors2 ^! c be add$ z an aft]?\ght if necess>y4 ,mu* simpl] b9s c be con/ruct$ out ( #b x #d me% x #cf or #dh high /rong1 weld$ wire f5c+ commonly call$ turkey wire1 or hog wire4 ,! f5c+ is =m$ into cyl9d]s f\r to five feet 9 diamet]4 ,i ?9k a s]i\s g>d5] might ne$ "o five-foot circle & two1 f\r-foot diamet] ones4 ,turkey wire is /iff en\gh to support itself :5 =m$ into a circle by hook+ ! f5c+ ^u itself4 ,?is home-roll$ wire b9 sy/em is ! lea/ exp5sive ( all4 ,z compo/able mat]ials are available1 ! wire circle is gradually fill$4 ,once ! b9 has be5 load$ & has settl$ some:at1 ! wire may be unhook$ & peel$ away2 ! mat]ial w hold itself 9 a cyl9drical %ape )\t fur!r support4 ,aft] a mon? or two ! heap w h settl$ significantly & w be ready to be turn$ into a small] wire cyl9d]4 ,aga91 ! mat]ial is all[$ to settle & !n1 if desir$1 ! wire may be remov$ to be us$ aga9 to =m ano!r neatly-%ap$ heap4 ,wire-enclos$ heaps enc\rage air circulation1 b c also enc\rage dry+ out4 ,_! prop] location is 9 full %ade4 ,9 hot1 dry climates1 moi/ure ret5tion c be improv$ by wrapp+ a l5g? ( pla/ic %eet+ ar\nd ! outside ( ! circle & if necess>y1 by drap+ ano!r pla/ic %eet ov] ! top4 ,h[ev]1 do+ ?is limits air fl[ & prev5ts removal ( ! wire support ,y may h to exp]im5t ) h[ mu* moi/ure-ret5tion ! heap c /& )\t go+ ana]obic4 ,to calculate ! l5g? ( wire 7circumf]5ce7 necess>y to enclose any desir$ diamet]1 use ! =mula ,circumf]5ce ,diamet] x #c4ad4 ,= example1 to make a five-foot circle3 #e x #c4ad approximately #af feet ( wire4 ,) ! exception ( ! tumbl]1 comm]cially made compo/ b9s are d]iv$ f "o ( ^! two sy/ems4 ,usually ! factory-made wire b9s are =m$ into rectangles in/ead ( circles & may be made ( ,,pvc coat$ /eel in/ead ( galvaniz$ wire4 ,i see no advantage 9 buy+ a wire b9 ov] mak+ "o1 o!r ?an support+ unnecess>y /ages ( manufacture & di/ribution by sp5d+ m money4 ,turkey wire f5c+ is relatively inexp5sive & easy en\gh to f9d at f>m supply & f5c+ /ores4 ,! la/ "t ,i pur*as$ any x 0 sold by ! l9eal foot mu* z h>dw>e clo? is disp5s$ at h>dw>e & build+ supply /ores4 ,manufactur$ solid-sid$ b9s are usually con/ruct$ ( %eet /eel or recycl$ pla/ic4 ,9 cool climates !re is an advantage to tightly con/ruct$ pla/ic walls t reta9 heat & facilitate decomposition ( small] !rmal masses4 ,precise con/ruction also prev5ts access by l>g] v]m9 & pets4 ,mice1 on ! o!r h&1 are capable ( squeez+ ?r\gh amaz+ly small op5+s4 ,promotional mat]ials make compo/+ 9 pre-manufactur$ b9s seem easy1 self-righte\sly ecological1 & ef=tless4 ,h[ev]1 !re are drawbacks4 ,x is n possible to readily turn ! mat]ials once !y've be5 plac$ into mo/ compo/]s ( ?is type unless ! entire front is removable4 ,in/ead1 new mat]ials are cont9u\sly plac$ on top :ile an op5+ at ! bottom p]mits ! g>d5] to scrape out f9i%$ compo/ 9 small quantities4 ,because no turn+ is involv$1 ?is me?od is call$ passive compo/+4 ,b to "w well1 ! +r$i5ts mu/ n be too co>se & mu/ be well mix$ be=e load+4 ,cont9u\s b9 compo/]s g5]ally "w fa/ en\gh :5 process+ mixtures ( readily decomposable mat]ials l kit*5 g>bage1 we$s1 grass clipp+s & "s leaves4 ,b if ! load conta9s too mu* f9e grass or o!r gooey /uff & goes ana]obic1 a special compo/ a]ator mu/ be us$ to loos5 x up4 ,manufactur$ passive compo/]s are n v l>ge4 ,compactness may be an advantage to p ) v small y>ds or :o may want to compo/ on _! t]race or por*4 ,b if ! ,c_/,n ( ! mat]ials is n favorable1 decomposition c take a long1 long "t & sev]al b9s may h to be us$ 9 t&em4 ,unless !y are fir/ gr\nd or *opp$ v f9ely1 l>g] m resi/ant mat]ials l corn1 ,brussels spr\ts1 sunfl[] /alks1 cabbage /umps1 %rub prun+s1 etc4 w con/ipate a top-load+1 bottom-dis*>g+ compo/]4 ,! compo/ tumbl] is a clev] me?od t accel]ates decomposition by improv+ a]ation & facilitat+ frequ5t turn+4 ,a rotat+ drum hold+ f eight to eighte5 bu%els 7! l>g] sizes look l a squat1 fat1 ov]siz$ oil drum7 is susp5d$ above ! gr\nd1 top-load$ ) organic matt]1 & !n tumbl$ e few days = a few weeks until ! mat]ials h decompos$4 ,!n ! door is op5$ & f9i%$ compo/ falls out ! bottom4 ,tumbl]s h real advantages4 ,frequ5t turn+ greatly increases air supply & accel]ates ! process4 ,mo/ tumbl]s ret>d moi/ure loss too because !y are made ( solid mat]ial1 ei!r heavy pla/ic or /eel ) small air v5ts4 ,be+ susp5d$ above gr\nd makes !m immune to v]m9 & frequ5t turn+ makes x impossible = flies to bre$4 ,tumbl]s h disadvantages t may n become app>5t until a p]son has us$ "o = a:ile4 ,fir/1 al?\gh greatly accel]at$1 compo/+ 9 !m is n in/antane\s4 ,passive b9s are cont9u\s processors :ile 7) ! exception ( "o unique design7 tumbl]s are bat* processors1 mean+ t !y are fir/ load$ & !n ! entire load is decompos$ to f9i%$ compo/4 ,:at does a p]son d ) newly acquir$ kit*5 g>bage & o!r wa/e dur+ ! two to six weeks t !y are tumbl+ a bat*8 ,"o h&y solution is to buy two tumbl]s & be fill+ "o :ile ! o!r is work+1 b tumbl]s ar5't *eap6 ,! m sub/antial ones co/ #bej to #djj plus freight4 ,!re are o!r less obvi\s tumbl] disadvantages t may negate any "w avoid$1 "t sav$1 or sweaty turn+ ) a manure =k elim9at$4 ,be+ top-load$ means lift+ compo/ mat]ials & dropp+ !m into a small op5+ t may be %\ld] height or m4 ,^! mat]ials may include a sloppy bucket ( kit*5 g>bage4 ,!n1 a tumbl] mu/ be tumbl$ = a few m9utes e two or ?ree days4 ,crank+ ! lev] or grunt+ ) ! b>rel may seem l fun at fir/ b x c get old fa/4 ,decomposition 9 an untumbl$ tumbl] sl[s d[n to a crawl4 ,bo? ! passive compo/ b9 & ! highly active compo/ tumbl] "w mu* bett] :5 load$ ) small-siz$ p>ticles4 ,! pur*ase ( ei!r "o t5ds to impel ! g>d5] to also buy some?+ to cut &_/or gr9d compo/ mat]ials4 ,! ,u4,c4 ,me?od--,gr9d]_/,%r$d]s ,dur+ ! #aiejs1 ma9/ream int]e/ 9 municipal compo/+ develop$ 9 ,am]ica = ! fir/ "t4 ,v>i\s indu/rial processes already exi/$ 9 ,europe2 mo/ ( ^! 7 pat5t$ v>iations on l>ge & exp5sive compo/+ tumbl]s4 ,rese>*]s at ! ,univ]sity ( ,cali=nia set out to see if simpl] me?ods c\ld be develop$ to h&le urban organic wa/es )\t inve/+ 9 s mu* heavy ma*9]y4 ,_! be/ sy/em1 nam$ ! ,u4 ,c4 ,fa/ ,compo/ ,me?od1 rapidly made compo/ 9 ab\t two weeks4 ,no claim 0 ev] made t ,u4 ,c4 me?od produces ! highe/ quality compo/4 ,! idea 0 to process & decompose organic matt] z in(f5sively & rapidly z possible4 ,no attempt is made to maximize ! product's ,c_/,n z is done 9 sl[] me?ods develop$ by ,h[>d at ,indore4 ,mo/ municipal compo/+ done 9 ?is c\ntry today foll[s ! basic process work$ out by ! ,univ]sity ( ,cali=nia4 ,spe$ ( decomposition comes ab\t f v high int]nal heat & extreme a]obic conditions4 ,to a*ieve ! highe/ possible temp]ature1 all ( ! organic mat]ial to be compo/$ is fir/ pass$ ?r\gh a gr9d] & !n /ack$ 9 a long1 high w9dr[4 ,g5]ally ! height is ab\t five to six feet1 any high] causes too mu* compaction4 ,because ! mat]ial is /ack$ ) sides z v]tical z possible1 ! wid? takes c>e ( itself4 ,frequ5t turn+ ) ma*9]y keeps ! heap work+ rapidly4 ,dur+ ! initial exp]im5ts ! turn+ 0 done ) a tractor & front end load]4 ,^! days giant ,u %ap$ ma*9es may roll d[n w9dr[s at municipal compo/+ plots1 automatically turn+1 re%ap+ ! w9dr[ & if necess>y1 simultane\sly spray+ wat]4 ,"s municipal wa/e consi/s ( moi/ kit*5 g>bage & grass clipp+s4 ,mo/ ( ! re/ is dry pap]4 ,if ?is mixture results 9 a moi/ure cont5t t is too high ! pile gets soggy1 sags promptly1 & easily goes ana]obic4 ,turn+ n only re/ores a]obic conditions1 b also t5ds to drop ! moi/ure cont5t4 ,if ! initial moi/ure cont5t is betwe5 #fj & #gj p]c5t1 ! w9dr[ is turn$ e two days4 ,five su* turns1 />t+ two days aft] ! w9dr[ is fir/ =m$1 f9i%es ! process+4 ,if ! moi/ure cont5t is betwe5 #aj & #fj p]c5t1 ! w9dr[ is fir/ turn$ aft] ?ree days & !nce at ?ree day int]vals1 tak+ ab\t f\r turns to f9i% ! process4 ,if ! moi/ure cont5t is bel[ #dj p]c5t or drops bel[ #dj p]c5t dur+ process+1 moi/ure is add$4 ,no nuisances c develop if turn+ is done correctly4 ,simply flipp+ ! heap ov] or add+ new mat]ial on top w n d x4 ,! mat]ial mu/ be bl5d$ s t ! outsides are %ift$ to ! core & ! core becomes ! sk94 ,?is way1 any fly l>vae1 pa?og5s1 or insect eggs t might n be kill$ by ! cool] temp]atures on ! outside are rotat$ into ! le?al high heat ( ! core e few days4 ,! spe$ ( ! ,u4,c4 me?od also appeals to ! backy>d g>d5]4 ,at home1 frequ5t turn+ c be accompli%$ ei!r 9 nak$ heaps1 or by swit*+ f "o b9 to ! next & back1 or ) a compo/ tumbl]4 ,b a *ipp]_/%r$d] is also ess5tial4 ,gr9d+ ev]y?+ t goes into ! heap has o!r advantages ?an high] heat & accel]at$ process+4 ,mat]ials may be initially mix$ z !y are gr\nd & small p>ticles are mu* easi] to turn ov] ?an long twigs1 t\gh /raw1 & o!r fibr\s mat]ials t tie ! heap toge!r & make x difficult to sep>ate & h&le ) h& tools4 ,backy>d %r$d]s h o!r uses1 especially = g>d5]s ) no l& to wa/e4 ,compo/+ t\gh mat]ials l grape prun+s1 b]ry canes1 & h$ge trimm+s c take a long "t4 ,sl[ heaps conta9+ resi/ant mat]ials occupy preci\s space4 ,) a %r$d] y c fa/-compo/ small limbs1 tree prun+s1 & o!r woody mat]ials l corn & sunfl[] /alks4 ,:ole autumn leaves t5d to compact into airless lay]s & decompose sl[ly1 b dry leaves are among ! easie/ ( all mat]ials to gr9d4 ,once sma%$ into flakes1 leaves become a fluffy mat]ial t resi/s compaction4 ,electric driv5 g>d5 *ipp]_/%r$d]s are easi] on ! neighbors' e>s ?an m p[]ful gasol9e-p[]$ ma*9es1 al?\gh n s quiet t ,i'd run "o )\t e> protection4 ,electrics are light en\gh = a /rong p]son to pick up & c>ry out to ! compo/+ area & keep secur$ 9 a /or]oom4 ,"o m plus1 !re nev] is any problem />t+ an electric motor4 ,b no way to conv5i5tly repair "o ei!r4 ,!re are two basic %r$d+ sy/ems4 ,"o is ! hamm]mill--a gr9d+ *amb] conta9+ a rotat+ sp9dle ) /eel t9es or hamm]s atta*$ t repeat$ly beats & te>s mat]ials into small] & small] pieces until !y fall out ?r\gh a bottom scre54 ,hamm]mills w flail almo/ any?+ to pieces )\t becom+ dull$4 ,s(t1 gre5 mat]ials are beat5 to %r$s2 h>d1 dry1 brittle /uff is rapidly fractur$ into t9y *ips4 ,*ang+ ! size ( ! dis*>ge scre5 adju/s ! size ( ! f9al product4 ,by us+ v co>se scre5s1 ev5 s(t1 wet1 /r+y mat]ials c be sl[ly f$ ?r\gh ! gr9d+ *amb] )\t hopelessly tangl+ up 9 ! hamm]s4 ,l a co>se p[] plan] 9 a wood %op1 ! o!r type ( ma*9e uses %>p5$ blades t slice ?9 *ips f :atev] is pu%$ into its maw4 ,! *ipp] is design$ to gr9d woody mat]ials l small tree limbs1 prun+s1 & b]ry canes4 ,prop] function+ dep5ds on hav+ %>p blades4 ,b edges easily become dull$ & require ma9t5ance4 ,c>e mu/ be tak5 to avoid pass+ soil & small /ones ?r\gh a *ipp]4 ,s(t1 dry1 brittle mat]ials l leaves w be brok5 up b ar5't process$ z rapidly z 9 a hamm]mill4 ,*ipp]s won't h&le s(t wet /uff4 ,:5 driv5 by l[ horsep[] electric motors1 bo? *ipp]s & hamm]mills are light-duty ma*9es4 ,!y may be a little %aky1 /&+ on sp9dly legs or small plat=ms1 s mat]ials mu/ be f$ 9 g5tly4 ,mo/ electric models co/ betwe5 #cjj & #djj4 ,p ) m ?an a po/age-/amp y>d :o l deal+ ) ma*9]y may want a gasol9e-p[]$ %r$d]_/*ipp]4 ,^! are mu* m sub/antial ma*9es t comb9e bo? a big hamm]mill %r$d] ) a side-fe$+ *ipp] = limbs & bran*es4 ,flail+ )9 a hamm]mill or *ipp+ limbs ( two or m in*es 9 diamet] focuses a great deal ( =ce2 betwe5 ! eng9e noise & ! deaf5+ d9 z dry mat]ials bang ar\nd ! gr9d+ *amb]1 e> protection is ess5tial4 ,s are safety goggles & heavy gloves4 ,ev5 ?\gh ! fan belt driv+ ! sp9dle is %ield$1 ,i w\ld n op]ate "o )\t we>+ tight-fitt+ clo!s4 ,:5 gr9d+ dry mat]ials1 great cl\ds ( du/ may be giv5 (f4 ,"s ( ^! p>ticles1 l ! du/ f alfalfa or f dri$-out spoil$ 7moldy7 hay1 c sev]ely irritate lungs1 eyes1 ?roat & nasal passages4 ,a face mask1 or bett]1 an army surplus gas mask ) built-9 goggles1 may be 9 ord]4 ,& y'll probably want to take a %[] :5 f9i%$4 ,fitt$ ) ! "r-size scre5 select$ f ! assortm5t suppli$ at pur*ase1 some?+ le>n$ aft] a bit ( exp]i5ce1 p[]ful hamm]mills are capable ( pulv]iz+ fairly l>ge am\nts ( dry mat]ial 9 %ort ord]4 ,b wet /uff is mu* sl[] to pass ?r\gh & may take a mu* co>s] scre5 to get out at all4 ,*ang+ mat]ials may mean *ang+ scre5s & t takes a few m9utes4 ,dry leaves seem to fl[ ?r\gh z fa/ z !y c be f$ 94 ,! side-fe$ auxili>y *ipp]s incorporat$ into hamm]mills w make %ort "w ( small] gre5 tree limbs2 b dry1 h>d5$ wood takes a lot long]4 ,fe$+ l>ge h>d bran*es too fa/ c te> up *ipp] blades & ev5 break ! ball-be>+ h\s+s hold+ ! sp9dle4 ,"h ,i speak f exp]i5ce4 ,?\gh adv]tisem5ts = ^! ma*9es make !m seem ef=tless & fa/1 %r$d]s actually take consid]able "t1 en]gy1 skill$ att5tion1 con/ant conc5tration1 & exp]i5ce4 ,:5 gr9d+ "o mu/ att5tively mat* ! infl[ to ! rate ( outfl[ because if ! hopp] is ov]fill$ ! t9es become sn>l$ & cease to "w4 ,= example1 tangl+ easily c occur :ile rapidly fe$+ 9 ?9 brittle flakes ( dry spoil$ hay & !n fail+ to sl[ d[n :ile a s(t1 wet flake is gradually r$uc$4 ,to cle> a sn>l$ rotor )\t risk+ cont9u$ atta*m5t ( "o's own arm1 ! motor mu/ be kill$ be=e rea*+ into ! hopp] & untangl+ ! t9es4 ,to cle> badly clogg$ ma*9es x may also be necess>y to fir/ remove & !n replace ! dis*>ge scre51 some?+ t takes a few m9utes4 ,!re are significant diff]5ces 9 ! quality ( mat]ials & workman%ip t g into mak+ ^! ma*9es4 ,!y all look good :5 fre%ly pa9t$2 x is n always possible to "k :at y h b\ght until a season or two ( heavy use has pass$4 ,"o tri$-&-true aid to *oos+ quality is to ask equipm5t r5tal bus9esses :at br& _! cu/om]s are n able to de/roy4 ,ano!r guide is to obs]ve ! br& ( gasol9e eng9e atta*$4 ,9 my g>d5+ c>e] ,i've own$ q a few gas-p[]$ rot>y till]s & lawnm[]s & "o eight-horsep[] %r$d]4 ,9 my exp]i5ce !re are two grades ( small gasol9e eng9es--consum] & ! g5u9e indu/rial4 ,l all consum] m]*&ise1 consum]-grade eng9es are int5d$ to be consum$4 ,!y h a design life ( a few hundr$ h\rs & !n are worn out4 ,mo/ p>ts are made ( s(t1 easily-ma*9$ alum9um1 re9=c$ ) small am\nts ( /eel 9 vital places4 ,!re are two g5u9ely sup]ior ,am]ican companies--,kohl] & ,wiscons9-t make v durable1 long-la/+ gas eng9es commonly f\nd on small indu/rial equipm5t4 ,) prop] ma9t5ance _! ma*9es are design$ to endure ?\s&s ( h\rs ( cont9u\s use4 ,i believe small gas eng9es made by ,yamaha1 ,kawasaki1 & especially ,honda1 are ( equal or great] quality to any?+ made 9 ,am]ica4 ,i sugge/ y c\ld d worse ?an to judge h[ long ! mak] expects _! %r$d]_/*ipp] to la/ by ! motor x selects4 ,gasol9e-p[]$ %r$d]_/*ipp]s co/ f #gjj to #a1cjj4 ,back 9 ! e>ly #aigjs ,i wore "o pretty well out 9 only "o ye> ( mak+ fa/ compo/ = a half-acre ,biodynamic ,fr5* int5sive m>ket g>d54 ,:5 ,i amortiz$ ! co/ ( ! ma*9e into ! value ( bo? ! compo/ & ! vegetables ,i grew ) ! compo/1 & consid]$ ! am\nt ( "t ,i sp5t runn+ ! gr9d] aga9/ ! extra en]gy x takes to turn ord9>y sl[ compo/ heaps ,i decid$ ,i w\ld be bett] (f all[+ my heaps to take m "t to mature4 ,%eet ,compo/+ ,decomposition happ5s rapidly 9 a hot compo/ heap ) ! ma9 ag5ts ( decay be+ heat-lov+ microorganisms4 ,decomposition happ5s sl[ly at ! soil's surface ) ! ma9 ag5ts ( decay be+ soil animals4 ,h[ev]1 if ! leaves & =e/ duff on ! floor ( a =e/ or a ?ick matt$ sod are till$ into ! topsoil1 decomposition is greatly accel]at$4 ,= two c5turies1 fronti] ,am]ican agriculture dep5d$ on j su* a me?od4 ,e>ly pione]s w\ld move into an unt\*$ region1 cle> ! =e/1 & pl[ 9 mill5nia ( accumulat$ nutri5ts held z biomass on ! =e/ floor4 ,= a few ye>s1 p]haps a decade1 or ev5 tw5ty ye>s if ! soil c>ri$ a high] level ( m9]alization ?an ! av]age1 crops f =e/ soils grew magnific5tly4 ,!n1 unless o!r me?ods 7 introduc$ to rebuild f]tility1 yields1 crop1 animal1 & human heal? all decl9$4 ,:5 ! less-lea*$ grassy prairies ( :at we n[ call ! ,midwe/ 7 rea*$1 ev5 great] b\nties 7 m9$ out = m ye>s because ri* black-soil grassl&s conta9 m m9]al nutri5ts & sod accumulates f> m humus ?an d =e/s4 ,%eet compo/+ mimics ?is sy/em :ile sav+ a great deal ( ef=t4 ,in/ead ( fir/ heap+ organic matt] up1 turn+ x sev]al times1 c>t+ humus back to ! g>d51 spread+ x1 & till+ x 91 %eet compo/+ conducts ! decomposition process ) f> less ef=t "r 9 ! soil ne$+ enri*m5t4 ,%eet compo/+ is ! easie/ me?od ( all4 ,h[ev]1 ! me?od has c]ta9 liabilities4 ,unless ! mat]ial be+ spread is pure manure )\t significant am\nts ( b$d+1 or only fre% spr+ grass clipp+s1 or alfalfa hay1 ! c>bon-nitrog5 ratio w almo/ c]ta9ly be well above t ( /able humus4 ,z expla9$ e>li]1 dur+ ! initial /ages ( decay ! soil w be ?or\ghly deplet$ ( nutri5ts4 ,only aft] ! surplus c>bon has be5 consum$ w ! soil ecology & nutri5t pr(ile normalize4 ,! "t ?is w take dep5ds on ! nature ( ! mat]ials be+ compo/$ & on soil conditions4 ,if ! soil is moi/1 airy1 & w>m & if x already conta9$ high levels ( nutri5ts1 & if ! organic mat]ials are n lign9\s & t\gh & h a reasonable ,c_/,n1 !n %eet compo/+ w proce$ rapidly4 ,if ! soil is cold1 dry1 clayey 7relatively airless7 or inf]tile &_/or ! organic matt] consi/s ( ?+s l gra9 /raw1 pap]1 or ! v wor/1 b>kless sawdu/1 !n decomposition w be sl[$4 ,obvi\sly1 x is n possible to /ate ) any precision h[ fa/ %eet compo/+ w\ld proce$ = y4 ,autumn leaves usually %eet compo/ v successfully4 ,^! are ga!r$1 spread ov] all ( ! g>d5 7except = ^? areas int5d$ = e>ly spr+ s[+71 & till$ 9 z %all[ly z possible be=e w9t]4 ,ev5 9 ! ,nor? :]e soil freezes solid = mon?s1 "s decomposition w occur 9 autumn & !n 9 spr+1 z ! soil w>ms1 compo/+ in/antly resumes & is f9i%$ by ! "t fro/ dang] is ov]4 ,%eet compo/+ high] ,c_/,n mat]ials 9 spr+ is also workable :]e ! l& is n s*$ul$ = plant+ e>ly4 ,if ! organic matt] has a l[ ,c_/,n1 l manure1 a t5d] gre5 manure crop n yet =m+ se$1 alfalfa hay or grass clipp+s1 q a l>ge volume ( mat]ial c be decompos$ by w>m soil 9 a matt] ( weeks4 ,h[ev]1 rott+ l>ge quantities ( v resi/ant mat]ial l sawdu/ c take _m mon?s1 ev5 9 hot1 moi/ soil4 ,mo/ g>d5]s _c af=d to give _! valuable l& ov] to be+ a compo/ factory = mon?s4 ,"o way to spe$ ! %eet compo/+ ( some?+ ) a high ,c_/,n is to am5d x ) a /rong nitrog5 s\rce l *ick5 manure or se$ meal4 ,if sawdu/ is ! only organic matt] y c f9d1 ,i recomm5d an exception to avoid+ *emical f]tiliz]4 ,by add+ ab\t #hj p\nds ( urea to ea* cubic y>d ( sawdu/1 its ov]all ,c_/,n is r$uc$ f #ejj3a to ab\t #bj3a4 ,urea is p]haps ! mo/ b5ign ( all *emical nitrog5 s\rces4 ,x does n acidify ! soil1 is n toxic to worms or o!r soil animals or microorganisms1 & is actually a syn!tic =m ( ! naturally occurr+ *emical t conta9s mo/ ( ! nitrog5 9 animal ur9e4 ,9 t s5se1 putt+ urea 9 soil is n t diff]5t ?an putt+ syn!tic vitam9 ,c 9 a human body ,bury+ kit*5 g>bage is a traditional =m ( %eet compo/+ practic$ by r[-cropp+ g>d5]s usually 9 mild climates :]e ! soil does n freeze 9 w9t]4 ,"s p use a po/ hole digg] to make a neat six-to eight-in* diamet] hole ab\t eighte5 in*es deep betwe5 well-spac$ gr[+ r[s ( plants4 ,:5 ! hole has be5 fill$ to )9 two or ?ree in*es ( ! surface1 x is topp$ (f ) soil4 ,r>ely w animals mole/ buri$ g>bage1 x is safe f flies & yet en\gh air exi/s 9 ! soil = x to rapidly decompose4 ,! local soil ecology & nutri5t balance is tempor>ily disrupt$1 b ! upset only happ5s 9 ?is "o little spot f> en\gh away f gr[+ plants to h no h>mful effect4 ,ano!r g>bage disposal v>iation has be5 call$ tr5* compo/+4 ,in/ead ( a po/ hole1 a long tr5* ab\t ! wid? ( a comb9ation %ovel & a foot deep is gradually dug betwe5 r[ crops spac$ ab\t f\r feet 7or m7 ap>t4 ,z bucket aft] bucket ( g>bage1 manure1 & o!r organic matt] are empti$ into ! tr5*1 x is cov]$ ) soil dug f a little fur!r along4 ,next ye>1 ! r[s are %ift$ two feet ov] s t crops are s[n above ! compo/$ g>bage4 ,mul* ,g>d5+ ,ru? ,/\t discov]$--or at lea/ popul>iz$ ?is new-to-h] me?od4 ,mul*+ may owe "s ( its popul>ity to ,ru?'s possession ( writ+ tal5t simil> to h] bro!r ,rex's1 :o 0 a well-kn[n mid-c5tury my/]y writ]4 ,ru?'s humor\s book1 ,g>d5+ ,)\t ,"w is a fun-to-read classic t ,i highly recomm5d if = no o!r reason ?an x %[s h[ an intellig5t p]son c make rem>kable discov]ies simply by obs]v+ ! obvi\s4 ,h[ev]1 l _m o!r g>d5 writ]s1 ,ru? ,/\t made ! mi/ake ( assum+ t :at work$ 9 h] own backy>d w\ld be univ]sally applicable4 ,mul* g>d5+ does n succe$ ev]y:]e4 ,?is easy me?od mimics decomposition on ! =e/ floor4 ,in/ead ( mak+ compo/ heaps or %eet compo/+1 ! g>d5 is kept ?ickly cov]$ ) a p]man5t lay] ( decompos+ vegetation4 ,ye>-r\nd mul* produces a numb] ( syn]gi/ic advantages4 ,decay on ! soil's surface is sl[ b /eady & ma9ta9s f]tility4 ,z on ! =e/ floor1 soil animals & worm populations are high4 ,_! activities cont9u\sly loos5 ! e>?1 /eadily transport humus & nutri5ts deep] into ! soil1 & elim9ate all ne$ = tillage4 ,protect$ f ! sun1 ! surface lay]s ( soil d n dry out s %all[-fe$+ species l lettuce & moi/ure-lov]s l radi%es make mu* bett] gr[?4 ,dur+ high summ]1 mul*$ gr\nd does n become unheal?fully heat$ up ei!r4 ,! advantages g on4 ,! v top lay] ( soil directly "u ! mul* has a high organic matt] cont5t1 reta9+ moi/ure1 elim9at+ cru/+1 & consequ5tly1 enhanc+ ! g]m9ation ( se$s4 ,mul*]s usually s[ 9 well-sep>at$ r[s4 ,! g>d5] m]ely rakes back ! mul* & exposes a few in*es ( b>e soil1 scrat*es a furr[1 & cov]s ! se$ ) humusy topsoil4 ,z ! se$l+s gr[ tall] & are ?9n$ out1 ! mul* is gradually pu%$ back ar\nd !m4 ,we$s8 ,no problem6 ,except :]e g]m9at+ se$s1 ! mul* lay] is ?ick en\gh to prev5t we$ se$s f spr\t+4 ,%\ld a we$ beg9 %[+ ?r\gh ! mul*1 ?is is tak5 z an indication t spot has become too ?9ly cov]$ & a flake ( spoil$ hay or o!r vegetation is toss$ on ! unwant$ plant1 smo!r+ x4 ,oh1 h[ easy x seems6 ,pick a g>d5 site4 ,if y h a ye> to wait be=e />t+ y\r g>d5 d n ev5 bo!r to till fir/4 ,cov] x a foot deep ) comb9ations ( spoil$ hay1 leaves1 grass clipp+s1 & /raw4 ,woody wa/es are n suitable because !y won't rot fa/ en\gh to fe$ ! soil4 ,kit*5 g>bage & manures c also be toss$ on ! e>? &1 = a s5se ( tid9ess1 cov]$ ) hay4 ,! mul* smo!rs ! grass or we$s gr[+ !re & ! site beg9s to s(t54 ,next ye> x w be ready to gr[ vegetables4 ,if ! plot is v inf]tile to beg9 ) !re won't be en\gh biological activity or nutri5ts 9 ! soil to rapidly decompose ! mul*4 ,9 t case1 to accel]ate ! process1 be=e fir/ putt+ d[n mul* till 9 an initial manure lay] or a heavy spr9kl+ ( se$ meal4 ,=ev] aft]1 mul*+ mat]ials alone w be suffici5t4 ,nev] aga9 till4 ,nev] aga9 we$4 ,nev] aga9 f]tilize4 ,no compo/ piles to make1 turn1 & haul4 ,j keep y\r eye op5 = spoil$ hay & buy a few inexp5sive tons ( x ea* ye>4 ,/\t1 :o discov]$ mul* g>d5+ 9 ,connecticut :]e irregul> summ] ra9s 7 usually suffici5t to wat] a widely-spac$ g>d51 also mi/ak5ly ?\ght t mul*$ g>d5s lo/ less soil moi/ure because ! e>? 0 protect$ f ! dry+ sun & ?us did n ne$ irrigation ?r\gh occasional dr\ght4 ,i suspect t dr\ght resi/ance "u mul* has m to d ) a plant's ability to fe$ vigor\sly1 obta9 nutrition1 & cont9ue gr[+ because ! surface in*es :]e mo/ ( soil nutri5ts & biological activities are locat$1 /ay$ moi/4 ,i also suspect t actual1 measurable moi/ure loss f mul*$ soil may be great] ?an f b>e e>?4 ,b t's ano!r book ,i wrote1 call$ ,g>d5+ ,)\t ,irrigation4 ,yes1 g>d5+ "u p]man5t ye>-r\nd mul* seems easy1 b x does h a few glit*es4 ,ru? ,/\t did n discov] !m because %e liv$ 9 ,connecticut :]e ! soil freezes solid e w9t] & /ays froz5 = long en\gh to set back population levels ( c]ta9 soil animals4 ,9 ! ,nor?1 e>wigs & s[ bugs 7pill bugs7 are frequ5tly f\nd 9 mul*$ g>d5s b !y d n become a s]i\s pe/4 ,slugs are infrequ5t & snails don't exi/4 ,all ?anks to w9t]4 ,try p]man5t mul* 9 ! deep ,s\?1 or ,cali=nia :]e ,i 0 fir/ disappo9t$ ) mul*+1 or ! ,m>itime nor?we/ :]e ,i n[ live1 & a cata/rophe develops4 ,dur+ ! fir/ ye> ^! soil animals are pres5t b cause no problem4 ,b aft] ! fir/ mild w9t] ) no population setback1 !y become a plague4 ,slugs 7& 9 ,cali=nia1 snails7 w be f\nd ev]y:]e1 deva/at+ se$l+s4 ,e>wigs & s[ bugs1 t previ\sly only 7 se5 eat+ only decay+ mul*1 beg9 to attack plants4 ,x soon becomes impossible to get a /& ( se$l+s e/abli%$4 ,! situation c be rapidly cur$ by rak+ up all ! mul*1 c>t+ x away f ! g>d51 & compo/+ x4 ,i "k ?is to be ! tru? because ,i've _h to d j t bo? 9 ,cali=nia :]e z a novice g>d5] ,i _h my fir/ mul* cata/rophes1 & !n :5 ,i mov$ to ,oregon1 ,i gave mul*+ ano!r trial ) simil> sad results4 ,s\rces = ,compo/]s1 ,gr9d]s & etc4 ,%r$d]_/,*ipp]s & o!r p[] equipm5t ,i've be5 wat*+ ?is m>ket *ange rapidly s9ce ! e>ly #aigjs4 ,manufactur]s come & g4 ,equipm5t is usually ord]$ direct f ! mak]1 freight extra4 ,^? int]e/$ 9 l>ge horsep[] %r$d]_/*ipp]s might *eck ! adv]tisem5ts 9 g>d5-relat$ magaz9es su* z ,national ,g>d5+1 ,organic ,g>d5+1 ,sunset1 ,horticulture1 ,f9e ,g>d5+1 ,c\ntry ,liv+ 7,h>r[smi?71 etc4 ,)\t int5d+ any endorsem5t or criticism ( _! products1 two mak]s t h rema9$ 9 bus9ess s9ce ,i />t$ g>d5+ are3 ,kemp ,company4 #afj ,kos] ,road41 ,lititz1 ,,pa #agedc4 7also compo/ drums7 ,troy-,bilt ,manufactur+ ,company1 #ajb;,d ,/4 #i? ,ave41 ,troy1 ,,ny #abahj ,mail-ord] catalog s\rces ( compo/ conta9]s & g>d5 accessories ,g>d5s ,alive1 #eajj ,s*5ley ,place1 ,lawr5ceburg1 ,indiana #dgjbe ,g>d5]'s ,supply ,company1 #abh ,int]vale ,road1 ,burl+ton1 ,,vt #jedja ,r+] ,corporation1 #iiei ,valley ,view ,road1 ,ed5 ,prairie1 ,,mn #eecdd ,smi? ,hawk51 #be ,corte ,mad]a1 ,mill ,valley1 ,,ca #idida ,,*apt] ,,six ,v]micompo/+ ,x 0 #aieb & ,mr4 ,campbell _h a worm b94 ,?is %all[ box--ab\t two feet wide by f\r feet long--resid$ "u a worktable 9 ! t9y /or]oom_/gre5h\se adjac5t to our grade s*ool sci5ce class4 ,x 0 full ( :at look$ l black1 crumbly soil & zillions ( small1 r$ wiggly worms1 n at all l ! huge nightcrawl]s ,i us$ to snat* f ! lawn aft] d>k to take fi%+ ! next morn+4 ,mr4 ,campbell's worms 7 f$ us$ c(fee gr\nds2 ! worms 9 turn 7 f$ to salam&]s1 to ,mr4 ,campbell's favorite fi%1 a f\rte5-in* long smallm\? bass nam$ ,c>l1 to v>i\s snakes1 & to turtles liv+ 9 aqu>iums ar\nd ! classroom4 ,f "t to "t ! soil 9 ! box 0 f$ to 8 lu% pott$ plants4 ,mr4 ,campbell 0 v]micompo/+4 ,?is be+ be=e ! age ( ecology & recycl+1 he probably j ?\ght ( x z rais+ live food to su/a9 8 educational m5ag]ie4 ,?\gh ,i nev] _h reason to raise worms be=e1 prep>+ to write ?is book p]k$ my int]e/ 9 e possible me?od ( compo/+4 ,n com=table writ+ ab\t some?+ ,i _h n done1 ,i built a small worm box1 obta9$ a p\nd or s ( br&l+ worms1 made b$d+1 add$ worms1 & began fe$+ ! cont5ts ( my kit*5 compo/ bucket to ! box4 ,to my secret surprise1 v]micompo/+ works j z ,m>y ,appelh('s book ,worms ,eat ,my ,g>bage said x w\ld4 ,worm compo/+ is amaz+ly easy1 al?\gh ,i admit !re 0 a %ort le>n+ curve & a few brief spells ( s\r odors t w5t away z soon z ,i /opp$ ov]fe$+ ! worms4 ,i also discov]$ t my slapda% homemade box _h to h a drip cat*+ pan b5ea? x4 ,a fri5d ( m9e1 :o has run h] own 9-!-h\se worm box = ye>s1 tells me t dilut+ ^! occasional1 insignificant & almo/ odorless d>k-color$ liquid emissions ) sev]al p>ts wat] makes !m into excell5t f]tiliz] = h\se plants or g>d54 ,x quickly became cle> to me t compo/+ ) worms conv5i5tly solves sev]al recycl+ glit*es4 ,h[ does a nor!rn home[n] process kit*5 g>bage 9 ! w9t] :5 ! gr\nd & compo/ pile are froz5 & !re is no o!r vegetation to mix 98 ,& c an ap>tm5t dwell] )\t any o!r k9d ( organic wa/e except g>bage & p]haps newspap] recycle ^! at home8 ,! solution to bo? situations is v]micompo/+4 ,worm ca/+s1 ! end product ( v]micompo/+1 are truly ! f9e/ compo/ y c\ld make or buy4 ,comp>$ to ! volume ( kit*5 wa/e t w g into a worm box1 ! am\nt ( ca/+s y end up ) w be small1 ?\gh pot5t4 ,ap>tm5t dwell]s c\ld use worm ca/+s to raise magnific5t h\se plants or scatt] surplus ca/s "u ! ornam5tals or atop ! lawn ar\nd _! build+s or 9 ! local p>k4 ,9 ?is *apt]1 ,i enc\rage y to at lea/ try worm compo/+4 ,i also answ] ! que/ions t p ask ! mo/ ab\t us+ worms to recycle kit*5 g>bage4 ,z ! ev]-en?usia/ic ,m>y ,appleh( said3 ,i hope x conv9ces y t y1 too1 c v]micompo/1 & t ?is simple process ) ! funny "n is a lot easi] to d ?an y ?\ght4 ,aft] all1 if worms eat my g>bage1 !y w eat y\rs1 too4 ,locat+ ! ,worms ,! species ( worm us$ = v]micompo/+ has a numb] ( common names3 r$ worms1 r$ wiggl]s1 manure worms1 or br&l+ worms4 ,r$worms are heal?y & active z long z !y are kept above freez+ & bel[ #he degree4 ,ev5 if ! air temp]ature gets above #he degree1 _! moi/ b$d+ w be cool$ by evaporation z long z air circulation is adequate4 ,!y are mo/ active & w consume ! mo/ wa/e betwe5 #ee-gg degree--room temp]atures4 ,r$worms ne$ to live 9 a moi/ environm5t b mu/ brea? air ?r\gh _! sk94 ,keep+ _! b$d+ damp is r>ely ! problem2 prev5t+ x f becom+ wat]logg$ & airless c be a difficulty4 ,9 ! ,s\? or along ! ,pacific coa/ :]e ?+s nev] freeze solid1 worms may be kept outside 9 a %all[ %ad$ pit 7z long z ! spot does n become flood$7 or 9 a box 9 ! g>age or patio4 ,9 ! ,nor?1 worms are kept 9 a conta9] t may be locat$ any:]e ) good v5tilation & temp]atures t /ay above freez+ b d n get too hot4 ,good spots = a worm box are "u ! kit*5 s9k1 9 ! utility room1 or 9 ! basem5t4 ,! kit*51 be+ ! s\rce ( ! worm's food1 is ! mo/ conv5i5t1 except = ! dang] ( tempor>y odors4 ,if y h "o1 a basem5t may be ! be/ location because x is out ( ! way4 ,:ile y are le>n+ to manage y\r worms !re may be occasional %ort-t]m odor problems or fruit flies2 ^! won't be ne>ly z objectionable if ! box is bel[ ! h\se4 ,!n too1 a v]micompo/] c only exi/ 9 a complex ecology ( soil animals4 ,a few ( ^! may exit ! box & be h>mlessly f\nd ab\t ! kit*54 ,ultra-fa/idi\s h\sekeep]s may f9d ?is objectionable4 ,basem5ts also t5d to ma9ta9 a cool] temp]ature 9 summ]4 ,h[ev]1 x is less conv5i5t to take ! compo/ bucket d[n to ! basem5t e few days4 ,conta9]s ,r$worms ne$ to brea! oxyg51 b 9 deep conta9]s b$d+ c pack d[n & become airless1 tempor>ily prev5t+ ! worms f eat+ ! bottom mat]ial4 ,?is might n be s s]i\s because y w /ir up ! box f "t to "t :5 add+ new food4 ,b ana]obic decomposition smells bad4 ,if a]obic conditions are ma9ta9$1 ! odor f a worm box is v slight & n p>ticul>ly objectionable4 ,i notice ! box's odor only :5 ,i am add+ new g>bage & get my nose up close :ile /irr+ ! mat]ial4 ,a %all[ box w be bett] a]at$ because x exposes mu* m surface area4 ,worm b9s %\ld be f eight to twelve in*es deep4 ,i con/ruct$ my own box out ( "s old plywood4 ,a top is n ne$$ because ! worms w n crawl out4 ,9 fact1 :5 worm compo/+ is done outdoors 9 %all[ pits1 few r$worms exit ! bottom by ent]+ ! soil because !re is little !re = !m to eat4 ,because air fl[ is vital1 num]\s holes betwe5 #a_/d & #a_/b in* 9 diamet] %\ld be made 9 ! bottom & ! box mu/ !n h small legs or cleats ab\t #a_/b to #c_/d ( an in* ?ick to hold x up en\gh to let air fl[ b5ea?4 ,hav+ a drip-cat*]--a l>ge cookie tray works well--is ess5tial4 ,worms c also be kept 9 pla/ic conta9]s 7l di% pans7 ) holes pun*$ 9 ! bottom4 ,z ?is book is be+ writt51 "o mail-ord] g>d5 supply company ev5 sells a tidy-look+ #ai by #bd by ab\t #ab deep gre5 pla/ic v]micompo/+ b9 ) drip pan1 lid1 & an initial supply ( worms & b$d+4 ,if worm compo/+ becomes m popul>1 o!rs w foll[ suit4 ,unless y are v /rong d n con/ruct a box l>g] ?an #b x #d feet because !y w ne$ to be lift$ f "t to "t4 ,wood5 boxes %\ld la/ ?ree or f\r ye>s4 ,if built ( plywood1 use an ext]ior grade to prev5t delam9ation4 ,x is n advisable to make conta9]s f rot-resi/ant r$wood or c$> because ! natural oils t prev5t rott+ also may be toxic to worms4 ,seal$ ) polyure?ane1 epoxy1 or o!r non-toxic wat]pro(+ mat]ial1 worm boxes %\ld la/ q a bit long]4 ,h[ big a box or h[ _m boxes d y ne$8 ,ea* cubic foot ( worm box c process ab\t "o p\nd ( kit*5 g>bage ea* week4 ,naturally1 "s weeks m g>bage w g into ! box ?an o!rs4 ,! worms w adju/ to su* *anges4 ,y c e/imate box size by a weekly av]age am\nt ( g>bage ov] a ?ree mon? "t span4 ,my own home-g>d5-suppli$ kit*5 fe$s two vegetableat>ian adults4 ,be+ ye>-r\nd g>d5]s1 our kit*5 disc>ds a lot ( trimm+s t w\ld nev] leave a sup]m>ket & we ?r[ out z old1 salad gre5s t are /ill fre%] ?an mo/ p buy 9 ! /ore4 ,i'd say our #b-a_/b gallon compo/ bucket is dump$ twice a week 9 w9t] & ?ree times 9 summ]4 ,f ,may ?r\gh ,septemb] :ile ! g>d5 is on1 a s+le1 #b foot x #d foot by #ab in* tall 7#h cubic foot7 box is n en\gh = u4 ,b$d+ ,b$d+ is a high ,c_/,n mat]ial t holds moi/ure1 provides an a]obic m$ium worms c exi/ 91 & all[s y to bury ! g>bage 9 ! box4 ,! be/ b$d+s are also light & airy1 help+ to ma9ta9 a]obic conditions4 ,b$d+ mu/ n be toxic to worms because !y'll ev5tually eat x4 ,b$d+ />ts out dry & mu/ be fir/ soak$ 9 wat] & !n squeez$ out until x is m]ely v damp4 ,sev]al ord9>y mat]ials make f9e b$d+4 ,y may use a s+le mat]ial b$d+ or may come to pref] mixtures4 ,if y h a p[] %r$d]1 y c gr9d corrugat$ c>dbo>d boxes4 ,h&l+ gr\nd up c>dbo>d indoors may be a little du/y until y moi/5 x4 ,%r$d$ c>dbo>d is sold 9 bulk z insulation b ?is mat]ial has be5 treat$ ) a fire ret>dant t is toxic4 ,gasol9e-p[]$ %r$d]s c also gr9d up c]eal /raw or spoil$ grass hay 7if x is dry & brittle74 ,alfalfa hay w decompose too rapidly4 ,simil>ly1 %r$d$ newspr9t makes f9e b$d+4 ,! ink is n toxic1 be+ made f c>bon black & oil4 ,by te>+ ) ! gra91 entire newspap] sections c rapidly be ripp$ into in*-wide %r$s by h&4 ,o!r %r$d$ pap] may be available f banks1 (fices1 or univ]sities t may dispose ( docum5ts4 ,gr\nd-up leaves make t]rific b$d+4 ,"h a p[] %r$d] is n necess>y4 ,an ord9>y lawnm[] is capable ( *opp+ & bagg+ l>ge volumes ( dry leaves 9 %ort ord]4 ,^! may be prep>$ once a ye> & /or$ dry 9 pla/ic g>bage bags until ne$$4 ,a few #cj-;gallon bags w h&le y\r v]micompo/+ = an entire ye>4 ,h[ev]1 dry leaves may be a little sl[] ?an o!r mat]ials to rehydrate4 ,peat moss is widely us$ z b$d+ by comm]cial worm gr[]s4 ,x is v acid & conta9s o!r sub/ances h>mful to worms t are fir/ remov$ by soak+ ! moss = a few h\rs & !n h&-squeez+ ! soggy moss until x is damp4 ,!n a little lime is add$ to adju/ ! p,h4 ,soil ,r$worms are heat-tol]ant litt] dwell]s t f9d little to eat 9 soil4 ,mix+ l>ge quantities ( soil into worm b$d+ makes a v heavy box4 ,h[ev]1 ! dige/ive sy/em ( worms gr9ds food us+ soil p>ticles z ! abrasive grit 9 ! same way birds *ew 9 _! crop4 ,a big h&ful ( add$ soil w improve a worm box4 ,a c\ple ( tablespoonfuls ( p[d]$ agricultural lime does ! same ?+ :ile add+ additional calcium to n\ri% ! worms4 ,r$worms ,! sci5tific "n ( ! species us$ 9 v]micompo/+ is ,eis5ia foetida4 ,!y may be pur*as$ by mail f bre$]s1 f bait /ores1 & ^! days1 ev5 f mail-ord] g>d5 supply companies4 ,r$worms may also be collect$ f compo/ & manure piles aft] !y h heat$ & are cool+4 ,nightcrawl]s & common g>d5 worms play a v important "p 9 ! creation & ma9t5ance ( soil f]tility4 ,b ^! species are soil dwell]s t require cool conditions4 ,!y _c survive 9 a %all[ worm box at room temp]atures4 ,r$worms are capable ( v rapid reproduction at room temp]atures 9 a worm box4 ,!y lay eggs encas$ 9 a lemon-%ap$ cocoon ab\t ! size ( a gra9 ( rice f :i* baby worms w hat*4 ,! cocoons />t out pe>ly :ite b z ! baby worms develop ov] a ?ree week p]iod1 ! eggs *ange color to yell[1 !n light br[n1 & f9ally are r$di% :5 ! babies are ready to hat*4 ,normally1 two or ?ree "y worms em]ge f a cocoon4 ,hat*l+s are :iti% & semi-transp>5t & ab\t "o-half in* long4 ,x w\ld take ab\t #aej1jjj hat*l+s to weigh "o p\nd4 ,a r$worm hat*l+ w gr[ at an explosive rate & rea* sexual maturity 9 f\r to six weeks4 ,once x beg9s bre$+ a r$worm makes two to ?ree cocoons a week = six mon?s to a ye>2 or1 "o bre$+ worm c make ab\t #ajj babies 9 six mon?s4 ,& ! babies are bre$+ ab\t ?ree mon?s aft] ! fir/ eggs are laid4 ,?\gh ?is reproductive rate is n ! equal ( yea/ 7capable ( d\bl+ e tw5ty m9utes71 /ill a sev]al-hundr$-fold increase e six mon?s is amaz+ly fa/4 ,:5 v]micompo/+1 ! worm population increase is limit$ by available food & space & by ! worms' own wa/e products or ca/s4 ,worm ca/s are slightly toxic to worms4 ,:5 a new box />ts out ) fre% b$d+ x conta9s no ca/s4 ,z "t goes on1 ! b$d+ is gradually brok5 d[n by cellulose-eat+ microorganisms ^: decay products are consum$ by ! worms & ! box gradually fills ) ca/s4 ,z ! proportion ( ca/s increases1 reproduction sl[s1 & mature worms beg9 to die4 ,h[ev]1 y w almo/ nev] see a dead worm 9 a worm box because _! high-prote9 bodies are rapidly decompos$4 ,y w quickly recognize worm ca/s4 ,once ! b$d+ has be5 consum$ & ! box conta9s only worms1 worm ca/s1 & fre% g>bage x is necess>y to empty ! ca/s1 replace ! b$d+1 & />t ! cycle ov]4 ,h[ to d ?is w be expla9$ 9 a mom5t4 ,b fir/1 h[ _m worms w y ne$ to beg9 v]micompo/+8 ,y c\ld />t ) a few doz5 r$worms1 pati5tly beg9 by fe$+ !m t9y quantities ( g>bage & 9 six mon?s to a ye> h a box full4 ,h[ev]1 y'll almo/ c]ta9ly want to beg9 ) a sy/em t c consume all or mo/ ( y\r kit*5 g>bage "r away4 ,s = />t]s y'll ne$ to obta9 two p\nds ( worms = ea* p\nd ( g>bage y'll put into ! box ea* day4 ,suppose 9 an av]age week y\r kit*5 compo/ bucket takes 9 sev5 p\nds ( wa/e or ab\t "o gallon4 ,t av]ages "o p\nd p] day4 ,y'll ne$ ab\t two p\nds ( worms4 ,y'll also ne$ a box t holds six or sev5 cubic feet1 or ab\t #b x #c feet by #ab in*es deep4 ,ea* p\nd ( worms ne$s ?ree or f\r cubic feet ( b$d+4 ,a bett] way to e/imate box size is to figure t "o cubic foot ( worm b9 c dige/ ab\t "o p\nd ( kit*5 wa/e a week )\t go+ ana]obic & smell+ bad4 ,r$worms are small & consequ5tly worm gr[]s sell !m by ! p\nd4 ,!re are ab\t #a1jjj mature bre$]s to ! p\nd ( "y r$worms4 ,bait deal]s pref] to sell only ! l>ge/ sizes or _! cu/om]s compla94 ,r$ wiggl]s f a bait /ore may only c\nt #fjj to ! p\nd4 ,worm rais]s w sell pit run t co/s mu* less4 ,?is is a mix ( worms ( all sizes & ages4 ,(t5 ! l>ge/ sizes w h already be5 sep>at$ out = sale z fi% bait4 ,t's p]fectly okay4 ,s9ce hat*l+s run #aej1jjj to ! p\nd & mature worms c\nt ab\t #fjj-gjj1 ! population ( a p\nd ( pit run c v>y greatly4 ,a reasonable pit run e/imate is #b1jjj to ! p\nd4 ,actually x doesn't matt] :at ! numb] is1 x is _! weight t det]m9es h[ mu* !y'll eat4 ,r$worms eat slightly m ?an _! weight 9 food e day4 ,if t is s1 :y did ,i recomm5d fir/ />t+ v]micompo/+ ) two p\nds ( worms = e p\nd ( g>bage8 ,because ! worms y'll buy w n be us$ to liv+ 9 ! k9d ( b$d+ y'll give !m nor adju/$ to ! mix ( g>bage y'll fe$ !m4 ,initially !re may be "s losses4 ,aft] a few weeks ! surviv+ worms w h adju/$4 ,mo/ p h little tol]ance = outright failure4 ,b if !y h a record ( successes beh9d !m1 m9or glit*es won't /op !m4 ,s x is vital to />t ) en\gh worms4 ,! only "t v]micompo/+ becomes odorif]\s is :5 ! worms are f$ too mu*4 ,if !y quickly eat all ! food t !y are giv5 ! sy/em runs rem>kably smoo?ly & makes no (f5se4 ,please keep t 9 m9d s9ce !re may well be "s %ort-liv$ problems until y le>n to gauge _! intake4 ,sett+ ,up a ,worm ,box ,r$worms ne$ a damp b n soggy environm5t ) a moi/ure cont5t m or less #ge p]c5t by weight4 ,b b$d+ mat]ial />ts out v dry4 ,s weigh ! b$d+ & !n add ?ree times t weight ( wat]4 ,! rule to rememb] "h is a p9t's a p\nd ! _w 'r\nd1 or "o gallon ( wat] weighs ab\t eight p\nds4 ,z a gauge1 x takes #a to #a-a_/b p\nds ( dry b$d+ = ea* cubic foot ( box4 ,prep>+ b$d+ mat]ial c be a messy job ,! be/ conta9] is probably an empty g>bage c1 ?\gh 9 a p9* x c be done 9 a kit*5 s9k or a c\ple ( five gallon pla/ic buckets4 ,cauti\sly put half ! 7probably du/y7 b$d+ 9 ! mix+ conta9]4 ,add ab\t "o-half ! ne$$ wat] & mix ?or\ghly4 ,!n add two h&fuls ( soil1 ! re/ ( ! b$d+1 & ! balance ( ! wat]4 ,cont9ue mix+ until all ! wat] has be5 absorb$4 ,!n spread ! mat]ial ev5ly ?r\gh y\r empty worm box4 ,if y've measur$ correctly no wat] %\ld leak out ! bottom v5t holes & ! b$d+ %\ld n drip :5 a h&ful is squeez$ mod]ately h>d4 ,!n add ! worms4 ,spread y\r r$worms ov] ! surface ( ! b$d+4 ,!y'll burr[ "u ! surface to avoid ! light & 9 a few m9utes w be gone4 ,!n add g>bage4 ,:5 y d ?is ! fir/ "t1 ,i sugge/ t y spread ! g>bage ov] ! entire surface & mix x 9 us+ a ?ree-t9$ h& cultivator4 ,?is is ! be/ tool to "w ! box ) because ! r\nd$ po9ts won't cut worms4 ,!n cov] ! box4 ,m>y ,appleh( sugge/s us+ a black pla/ic %eet slightly small] ?an ! inside dim5sions ( ! conta9]4 ,black mat]ial keeps out light & all[s ! worms to be active "r on ! surface4 ,y may f9d t a pla/ic cov]+ reta9s too mu* moi/ure & ov]ly re/ricts air fl[4 ,:5 ,i cov]$ my worm box ) pla/ic x dripp$ too mu*4 ,b !n1 mo/ ( :at ,i fe$ ! worms is fre% vegetable mat]ial t runs #hj-ij p]c5t wat]4 ,o!r h\seholds may fe$ dry] mat]ial l /ale bread & leftov]s4 ,i've f\nd t on our diet x is bett] to keep ! box 9 a dimly lit place & to use a s+le %eet ( newspap] fold$ to ! inside dim5sions ( ! box z a loose cov] t enc\rages a]ation1 some:at r$uces light on ! surface1 & less5s moi/ure loss yet does n completely /op x4 ,fe$+ ! ,worms ,r$worms w ?rive on any k9d ( vegetable wa/e y create :ile prep>+ food4 ,"h's a p>tial li/ to consid]3 potato peel+s1 citrus r9ds1 ! out] leaves ( lettuce & cabbage1 sp9a* /ems1 cabbage & caulifl[] cores1 cel]y butts1 plate scrap+s1 spoil$ food l old bak$ beans1 moldy *eese & o!r leftov]s1 tea bags1 egg %ells1 juic] pulp4 ,! worms' absolute favorite seems to be us$ c(fee gr\nds ?\gh ^! c f]m5t & make a s\r smell4 ,drip c(fee lov]s c put ! filt]s 9 too4 ,?is extra pap] m]ely supplem5ts ! b$d+4 ,l>ge pieces ( vegetable matt] c take a long "t to be dige/$4 ,be=e toss+ cabbage or caulifl[] cores or cel]y butts into ! compo/ bucket1 cut !m up into f9] *unks or ?9 slices4 ,x is n necess>y to gr9d ! g>bage4 ,ev]y?+ w break d[n ev5tually4 ,putt+ meat products into a worm box may be a mi/ake4 ,! odors f decay+ meat c be f\l & x has be5 kn[n to attract mice & rats4 ,small quantities cut up f9ely & well disp]s$ w dige/ neatly4 ,bones are sl[ to decompose 9 a worm box4 ,if y spread ! worm ca/s z compo/ x may n look attractive conta9+ :it5$1 pick$-clean bones4 ,*ick5 bones are s(t & may disappe> dur+ v]micompo/+4 ,if y c\ld gr9d bones be=e s5d+ !m to ! worm b91 !y w\ld make valuable additions to y\r compo/4 ,avoid putt+ non-biodegradable items l pla/ic1 bottle caps1 rubb] b&s1 alum9um foil1 & glass into ! worm box4 ,d n let y\r cat use ! worm b9 z a litt] box44 ,! odor ( cat ur9e w\ld soon become intol]able :ile ! ur9e is s high 9 nitrog5 t x might kill "s worms4 ,mo/ s]i\sly1 cat manure c transmit ! cy/s ( a protozoan disease organism call$ ,toxoplasma gondii1 al?\gh mo/ cats d n c>ry ! disease4 ,^! p>asites may also be h>bor$ 9 adult humans )\t !m feel+ any ill effects4 ,h[ev]1 transmitt$ f "m to develop+ fetus1 ,toxoplasma gondii c cause bra9 damage4 ,y are go+ to h&le ! cont5ts ( y\r worm b9 & won't want to take a *ance on be+ infect$ ) ^! p>asites4 ,mo/ p use "s sort ( pla/ic j>1 recycl$ half-gallon yogurt tub1 empty wax$ pap] milk c>ton1 or simil> ?+ to hold kit*5 g>bage4 ,odors develop :5 ana]obic decomposition beg9s4 ,if ! hold+ tub is gett+ high1 don't cov] x1 fe$ x to ! worms4 ,x is neat] to add g>bage 9 spots r ?an mix+ x ?r\gh\t ! b94 ,:5 fe$+ g>bage into ! worm b91 lift ! cov]1 pull back ! b$d+ ) a ?ree-t9e h& cultivator1 & make a hole ab\t ! size ( y\r g>bage conta9]4 ,dump ! wa/e into t hole & cov] x ) an in* or s ( b$d+4 ,! :ole op]ation only takes a few m9utes4 ,a few days lat] ! kit*5 compo/ bucket w aga9 be ready4 ,make & fill ano!r hole adjac5t to ! fir/4 ,me?odically g ar\nd ! box ?is way4 ,by ! "t y get back to ! fir/ spot ! g>bage w h become unrecognizable1 ! spot w seem to conta9 mo/ly worm ca/s & b$d+1 & w n give (f /rongly unpleasant odors :5 di/urb$4 ,seasonal ,ov]loads ,on fe/ive occasions1 holidays1 & dur+ cann+ season x is easy to ov]load ! dige/ive capacity ( a worm b94 ,! problem w correct itself )\t do+ any?+ b y may n be will+ to live ) ana]obic odors = a week or two4 ,"o simple way to accel]ate ! heal+ ( an ana]obic box is to fluff x up ) y\r h& cultivator4 ,vegetableat>ian h\seholds greatly increase ! am\nt ( organic wa/e !y g5]ate dur+ summ]4 ,s d p :o c or freeze :5 ! g>d5 is on4 ,"o v]micompo/+ solution to ?is seasonal ov]load is to />t up a second1 summ]time-only outdoor worm b9 9 ! g>age or o!r %ad$ location4 ,appelh( uses an old1 leaky galvaniz$ wa%tub = ?is purpose4 ,! tub gets a few in*es ( fre% b$d+ & !n is inoculat$ ) a gallon ( work+ v]micompo/ f ! orig9al b94 ,extra g>bage goes 9 all summ]4 ,m>y says3 ,i h us$ = a worm b9 annex an old leaky galvaniz$ wa%tub1 kept outside ne> ! g>age4 ,dur+ cann+ season ! grape pulp1 corn cobs1 corn husks1 bean cutt+s & o!r fall h>ve/ residues w5t into ! conta9]4 ,x got soggy :5 x ra9$ & ! worms got huge f all ! food & moi/ure4 ,we br\ght x inside at ab\t ! "t ( ! fir/ fro/4 ,! worms kept work+ ! mat]ial until !re 0 no food left4 ,aft] six to eight mon?s1 ! only id5tifiable rema9s 7 a few corn cobs1 squa% se$s1 tomato sk9s & "s undecompos$ corn husks4 ,! re/ 0 an excell5t bat* ( worm ca/+s & a v few h>dy1 und]n\ri%$ worms4 ,vacations ,go+ away f home = a few weeks is n a problem4 ,! worms w simply cont9ue eat+ ! g>bage left 9 ! b94 ,ev5tually _! food supply w decl9e en\gh t ! population w drop4 ,?is w rem$y itself z soon z y beg9 fe$+ ! b9 aga94 ,if a mon? or m is go+ to pass )\t add+ food or if ! h\se w be unheat$ dur+ a w9t] sabbatical1 y %\ld give y\r worms to a fri5d to c>e =4 ,fruit ,flies ,fruit flies c1 on occasion1 be a v annoy+ problem if y keep ! worm b9s 9 y\r h\se4 ,!y w n be pres5t all ! "t nor 9 e h\se at any "t b :5 !y are pres5t !y are a nuisance4 ,fruit flies ar5't unsanit>y1 !y don't bite or seek out p to bo!r4 ,!y seek out ov]-ripe fruit & fruit pulp4 ,usually1 fruit flies w hov] ar\nd ! food s\rce t int]e/s !m4 ,9 high summ] we h accept$ hav+ a few %>e our kit*5 along ) ! enorm\s spread ( ripe & rip5+ tomatoes atop ! kit*5 c\nt]4 ,:5 we're mak+ fre% ,v-#g juice on dem& ?r\gh\t ! day1 !y t5d to congregate ov] ! juic]'s dis*>ge pail t holds a mixture ( vegetable pulps4 ,if y\r worm b9 conta9s ^! types ( mat]ials1 fruit flies may f9d x attractive4 ,appelh( sugge/s suck+ !m up ) a vacuum clean] hose if _! numb]s become annoy+4 ,fruit flies are a good reason = ^? ( ,teutonic tid9ess to v]micompo/ 9 ! basem5t or outside ! h\se if possible4 ,ma9t5ance ,aft] a new b9 has be5 runn+ = a few weeks1 y'll see ! b$d+ becom+ d>k] & w spot individual worm ca/s4 ,ev5 ?\gh food is /eadily add$1 ! b$d+ w gradually vani%4 ,ext5sive decomposition ( ! b$d+ by o!r small soil animals & microorganisms beg9s to be significant4 ,z worm ca/s become a l>g] proportion ( ! b91 conditions det]iorate = ! worms4 ,ev5tually ! worms suff] & _! numb] & activity beg9s to drop (f4 ,diff]5ces 9 b$d+1 temp]ature1 moi/ure1 & ! composition ( y\r kit*5's g>bage w control h[ long x takes b ev5tually y mu/ sep>ate ! worms f _! ca/+s & put !m into fre% b$d+4 ,if y're us+ v]micompo/+ ye>-r\nd1 x probably w be necess>y to reg5]ate ! box ab\t once e f\r mon?s4 ,!re are a numb] ( me?ods = sep>at+ r$worms f _! ca/+s4 ,h& sort+ works well aft] a worm box has fir/ be5 all[$ to run d[n a bit4 ,! worms are n f$ until almo/ all _! food has be5 consum$ & !y are liv+ 9 ne>ly pure ca/+s4 ,!n lay out a ?ick %eet ( pla/ic at lea/ f\r feet squ>e on ! gr\nd1 floor1 or on a table & dump ! cont5ts ( ! worm box on x4 ,make six to n9e cone-%ap$ piles4 ,y'll see worms all ov]4 ,if y're work+ inside1 make sure !re is bright light 9 ! room4 ,! worms w move into ! c5t] ( ea* pile4 ,wait five m9utes or s & !n delicately scrape (f ! surface ( ea* conical heap1 "o aft] ano!r4 ,by ! "t y f9i% ) ! la/ pile ! worms w h retreat$ fur!r & y c beg9 ) ! fir/ heap aga94 ,y repeat ?is proc$ure1 gradually scrap+ away ca/s until !re is n mu* left ( ! conical heaps4 ,9 a surpris+ly %ort "t1 ! worms w all be squirm+ 9 ! c5t] ( a small pile ( ca/+s4 ,!re is no ne$ to completely sep>ate ! worms f all ! ca/+s4 ,y c n[ ga!r up ! worms & place !m 9 fre% b$d+ to />t anew )\t fur!r inconv5i5ce = ano!r f\r mon?s4 ,use ! v]micompo/ on h\se plants1 9 ! g>d51 or save x = lat]4 ,h& sort+ is p>ticul>ly useful if y want to give a few p\nds ( r$worms to a fri5d4 ,divid+ ! box is ano!r1 simpl] me?od4 ,y simply remove ab\t two-?irds ( ! box's cont5ts & spread x on ! g>d54 ,!n refill ! box ) fre% b$d+ & di/ribute ! rema9+ worms1 ca/+s1 & food /ill 9 ! box4 ,pl5ty ( worms & egg cocoons w rema9 to populate ! box4 ,! worms t y dump$ on ! g>d5 w probably n survive !re4 ,a bett] me?od ( divid+ a box prev5ts wa/+ s _m worms4 ,all ( ! box's cont5ts are pu%$ to "o side1 leav+ "o-?ird to "o-half ( ! box empty4 ,new b$d+ & fre% food are put on ! new side4 ,no food is giv5 to ! old side = a mon? or s4 ,by t "t virtually all ! worms w h migrat$ to ! new side4 ,!n ! old side may be empti$ & refill$ ) fre% b$d+4 ,p 9 ! ,nor? may want to use a worm box prim>ily 9 w9t] :5 o!r compo/+ me?ods are inconv5i5t or impossible4 ,9 ?is case1 />t fe$+ ! b9 heavily f fall ?r\gh spr+ & !n let x run )\t mu* new food until mid-summ]4 ,by t "t !re w be only a few worms left alive 9 a box ( ca/+s4 ,! worms may !n be sep>at$ f _! ca/+s1 ! box re*>g$ ) b$d+ & ! rema9+ worms c be f$ j en\gh to increase rapidly s t by autumn !re w aga9 be en\gh to eat all y\r w9t] g>bage4 ,g>bage ,c ,compo/+ ,"h's a l>ge-capacity v]micompo/+ sy/em = vegetableat>ians & big families4 ,x might ev5 h suffici5t dige/ive capacity = s]i\s juice mak]s4 ,y'll ne$ two or ?ree1 #bj to #cj gallon g>bage cans1 metal or pla/ic4 ,9 two ( !m drill num]\s half-in* diamet] holes f bottom to top & 9 ! lid z well4 ,! ?ird c is us$ z a tidy way to hold extra dry b$d+4 ,beg9 ! process ) ab\t #aj in*es ( moi/ b$d+ mat]ial & worms on ! bottom ( ! fir/ c4 ,add g>bage on top )\t mix+ x 9 & occasionally spr9kle a ?9 lay] ( fre% b$d+4 ,ev5tually ! fir/ c w be full ?\gh x w dige/ hundr$s ( gallons ( g>bage be=e t happ5s4 ,:5 f9ally full1 ! bulk ( its cont5ts w be f9i%$ worm ca/s & w conta9 few if any worms4 ,mo/ ( ! rema9+ activity w be on ! surface :]e !re is fre% food & m air4 ,fill+ ! fir/ c may take six mon?s to a ye>4 ,!n1 />t ! second c by transf]r+ ! top few in*es ( ! fir/1 :i* conta9s mo/ ( ! worms1 into a few in*es ( fre% b$d+ on ! bottom ( ! second c4 ,i'd wait ano!r mon? = ! worms left 9 ! initial c to f9i% dige/+ all ! rema9+ g>bage4 ,!n1 y h #be to #cj gallons ( worm ca/s ready to be us$ z compo/4 ,pa9t+ ! inside ( metal cans ) ord9>y enamel :5 !y h be5 empti$ w greatly ext5d _! life4 ,really high-volume kit*5s might run two v]micompo/+ g>bage cans at once4 ,,"p ,,two ,compo/+ ,= ,! ,food ,g>d5] ,introduction ,!re is a great deal ( confusion 9 ! g>d5+ _w ab\t compo/1 organic matt]1 humus1 f]tiliz] & _! roles 9 soil f]tility1 plant heal?1 animal heal?1 human heal? & g>d5+ success4 ,"s au?orities seem to recomm5d z mu* manure or compo/ z possible4 ,mo/ %[ inadequate conc]n ab\t its quality4 ,! slick books publi%$ by a major petro*emical corporation correctly ackn[l$ge t soil organic matt] is important b give r vague guidel9es z to h[ mu* :ile focus+ on *emical f]tiliz]s4 ,organic g>d5]s d5igrate *emicals z ?\gh !y 7 ( ! devil & l ,j4,i4 ,rodale 9 ,! ,organic ,front1 advise3 ,is x practical to run a g>d5 exclusively ) ! use ( compo/1 )\t ! aid ( s-call$ *emical or artificial f]tiliz]s8 ,! answ] is n only yes1 b 9 su* case y w h ! f9e/ vegetables obta9able1 vegetables fit to grace ! table ( ! mo/ exact+ g\rmet4 ,s9ce ! #aiejs a gov]nm5t-fund$ laboratory at ,cornell ,univ]sity has crank$ out s]i\sly flaw$ /udies prov+ t food rais$ ) *emicals is j z or ev5 m nutriti\s ?an organically gr[n food4 ,! gov]nm5t's inve/m5t 9 sci5tific rese>* 0 made to c\nt] unsettl+ 7to v>i\s economic int]e/ gr\ps7 nutritional & heal? claims t ! organic f>m+ movem5t _h be5 mak+4 ,= example1 9 ,! ,liv+ ,soil1 ,lady ,eve ,balf\r obs]v$3 ,i h liv$ a heal?y c\ntry exi/5ce practically all my life1 & = ! la/ #be ye>s ( x ,i h be5 actively engag$ 9 f>m+4 ,i am physically robu/1 & h nev] suff]$ a major illness1 b until #aich ,i 0 seldom free 9 w9t] f "s =m ( rheumatism1 & f ,novemb] to ,april ,i inv>iably suff]$ f a cont9ual succession ( head colds4 ,i />t$ mak+ compo/ by ,h[>d's me?od us+ x fir/ on ! vegetables = home consumption4444 ,t w9t] ,i _h no colds at all & almo/ = ! fir/ "t 9 my life 0 free f rheumatic pa9s ev5 9 prolong$ spells ( wet wea!r4 ,fifty ye>s lat] !re /ill exi/s an int5sely pol>iz$ dispute ab\t ! "r way to g>d5 & f>m4 ,p :o are com=table disagree+ ) ,au?ority & t believe !re is a /rong connection betwe5 soil f]tility & ! consequ5t heal? ( plants1 animals1 & humans liv+ on t soil t5d to side ) ! organic camp4 ,p :o consid] !mselves practical or sci5tific t5d to side ) ! ma9/ream agronomi/s & consid] *emical agriculture z ! only me?od t c produce en\gh to p]mit indu/rial civilization to exi/4 ,= _m ye>s ,i 0 confus$ by all ?is4 ,h y be5 too8 ,or h y tak5 a position on ?is controv]sy & feel t y don't ne$ m in=mation8 ,i once ?\ght ! organic camp _h all ! "r answ]s b ye>s ( expla9+ soil managem5t 9 g>d5+ books made me reconsid] & reconsid] aga9 que/ions l :y is organic matt] s important 9 soil8 & h[ mu* & :at k9d d we ne$8 ,i f\nd ^! subjects /ill ne$$ to h cle>] answ]s4 ,?is book attempts to provide ^? answ]s & puts aside ideology4 ,a ,brief ,hi/ory ( ! ,organic ,movem5t ,h[ did all ( ?is irresolvable controv]sy beg9 ov] some?+ t %\ld be sci5tifically obvi\s8 ,ab\t #aijj1 exp]ts increas+ly enc\rag$ f>m]s to use *emical f]tiliz]s & to neglect manur+ & compo/+ z unpr(itable & unnecess>y4 ,at ! "t ?is advice seem$ practical because *emicals did greatly increase yields & pr(its :ile *emi/ry plus motoriz$ f>m ma*9]y m9us live/ock greatly eas$ ! f>m]'s workload1 all[$ ! f>m] to ab&on ! production ( l[-value fodd] crops1 & conc5trate on high] value ca% crops4 ,p]plex+ new f>m+ problems--diseases1 insects & loss ( se$ vigor--began appe>+ aft] ,_w ,w> #a4 ,^! difficulties did n seem obvi\sly connect$ to indu/rial agriculture1 to ab&onm5t ( live/ock1 manur+1 compo/+1 & to dep5d5ce on *emi/ry4 ,! tr\bl$ f>m]s saw !mselves z innoc5t victims ( happ5/ance1 ne$+ to hire ! *emical plant doctor mu* z sick p are enc\rag$ by m$ical doctors to view !mselves z victims1 :o are totally irresponsible = creat+ _! condition & incapable ( cur+ x )\t co/ly & dang]\s m$ical int]v5tion4 ,f>m+ _h be5 done holi/ically s9ce be=e ,roman times4 ,f>ms inevitably includ$ live/ock1 & animal manure or compo/ made ) manure or gre5 manures 7 ! ma9 su/a9]s ( soil f]tility4 ,9 #aijj productive f>m soils /ill conta9$ l>ge res]ves ( humus f mill5nia ( manur+4 ,z long z humus is pres5t 9 quantity1 small1 af=dable am\nts ( *emicals actually d /imulate gr[?1 increase yields1 & up pr(its4 ,& plant heal? doesn't suff] nor d diseases & insects become plagues4 ,h[ev]1 humus is n a p]man5t mat]ial & is gradually decompos$4 ,elim9ation ( manur+ /eadily r$uc$ humus levels & consequ5tly decreas$ ! life 9 ! soil4 ,& 7z w be expla9$ a little lat]7 nitrog5-ri* f]tiliz]s accel]ate humus loss4 ,) ! decl9e ( organic matt]1 new problems ) plant & animal heal? gradually develop$ :ile insect pr$ation wors5$ & pr(its dropp$ because soils decl9+ 9 humus ne$ ev] l>g] am\nts ( f]tiliz] to ma9ta9 yields4 ,^! *anges develop$ gradually & erratically1 & !re 0 a long lag betwe5 ! fir/ dep5d5ce on *emicals1 ! result+ soil addiction1 & /eady increases 9 f>m problems4 ,a new alliance ( sci5tific exp]ts1 univ]sities1 & agribus9ess int]e/s _h self-int]e/$ reasons to id5tify o!r causes ?an loss ( soil humus = ! new problems4 ,! increas+ly tr\bl$ f>m]'s att5tion 0 ?us fixat$ on fight+ aga9/ plant & animal diseases & insects ) new] & bett] *emicals4 ,j z ) f>m animals1 human heal? also responds to soil f]tility4 ,indu/rial agriculture /eadily l[]$ ! av]age nutritional quality ( food & gradually increas$ human deg5]ation1 b ^! effects 7 mask$ by a /ati/ical increase 9 human life span due to improv$ public sanitation1 vacc9ations1 &1 />t+ 9 ! #aicjs1 ! fir/ antibiotics4 ,z /ati/ics1 we 7 liv+ long] b z individuals1 we 7 feel+ poor]4 ,actually1 mo/ ( ! /ati/ical increase 9 lifespan is f *ildr5 t are n[ surviv+ *ildhood diseases4 ,i cont5d t p :o made x to sev5 ye>s old a c5tury ago _h a *ance m-or-less equal to ours1 ( surviv+ pa/ sev5ty ) a great] probability ( feel+ good 9 middle-& old age4 ,p h %ort memories & t5d to ?9k t ?+s always 7 z !y are 9 ! pres5t4 ,sl[ b cont9u\s increases 9 nutritionally relat$ diseases l too? decay1 p]iodontal disease1 diabetes1 he>t disease1 bir? defects1 m5tal ret>dation1 drug addiction or canc] are n g5]ally se5 z a new problem1 :ile subtle r$uctions 9 ! feel+ ( well-be+ g unnotic$4 ,dur+ ! #aicjs a numb] ( f>-see+ individuals began to worry ab\t ! social liabilities f *emically dep5d5t f>m+4 ,drs4 ,rob]t ,mc,carrison & ,we/on ,price address$ _! conc]ns to o!r heal? pr(essionals4 ,rudolf ,/e9]1 obs]v+ t decl9es 9 human heal? 7 prev5t+ 8 disciples f a*iev+ spiritual bett]m5t />t$ ! g5tle biodynamic f>m+ movem5t4 ,/e9]'s pr9cipal ,engli% speak+ foll[]s1 ,pfeiff] & ,koepf1 wrote ab\t biological f>m+ & g>d5+ ext5sively & well4 ,pr(essor ,william ,albre*t1 ,*airman ( ! ,soil ,dep>tm5t ( ! ,univ]sity ( ,miss\ri1 tri$ to help f>m]s raise heal?i] live/ock & made unemotional b v explicit connections betwe5 soil f]tility1 animal1 & human heal?4 ,any s]i\s g>d5] or p]son int]e/$ 9 heal? & prev5tive m$ic9e w f9d ! books ( all ^! unique individuals well wor? read+4 ,i d\bt t ! writ+s & lectures ( any ( ! above individuals w\ld h sp>k$ a bitt] controv]sy l ! int5sely ideological /ruggle t develop$ betwe5 ! organic g>d5+ & f>m+ movem5t & ! agribus9ess e/abli%m5t4 ,?is 0 ! do+ ( two en]getic & highly puritanical m53 ,sir ,alb]t ,h[>d & 8 ,am]ican disciple1 ,j4,i4 ,rodale4 ,h[>d's criticism 0 correctly bas$ on obs]vations ( improv$ animal & human heal? z a result ( us+ compo/ to build soil f]tility4 ,probably conclud+ t ! av]age f>m]'s weak e?ical condition w\ld be unable to resi/ ! app>5tly pr(itable allures ( *emicals unless _! moral s5se 0 outrag$1 ,h[>d und]took an almo/ religi\s crusade aga9/ ! evils ( *emical f]tiliz]s4 ,notice ! p[]ful emotional load+ c>ri$ 9 ?is brief exc]pt f ,h[>d's ,soil & ,heal?3 ,artificial f]tiliz]s lead to artificial nutrition1 artificial animals & f9ally to artificial m5 & wom54 ,d y want to be artificial8 ,rodale's cont5ti\s ,organic ,front makes read]s feel morally defici5t if !y d n agree ab\t ! vital importance ( recycl+ organic matt]4 ,! ,*9ese d n use *emical f]tiliz]s4 ,!y return to ! l& e bit ( organic matt] !y c f9d4 ,9 ,*9a if y burn$ ov] a field or a pile ( vegetable rubbi% y w\ld be sev]ely puni%$4 ,!re are _m fanta/ic /ories z to ! l5g?s ! ,*9ese w g to get human excrem5tal matt]4 ,a travel] told me t :ile he 0 on ! toilet 9 a ,%anghai hotel two m5 7 wait+ outside to ru% 9 & make way ) ! /uff4 ,p]haps y too %\ld be sev]ely puni%$ = wa/+ y\r p]sonal organic matt]4 ,rodale began proselytiz+ = ! organic movem5t ab\t #aidb4 ,) an int5sity unique to ideologues1 he attack$ *emical companies1 attack$ *emical f]tiliz]s1 attack$ *emical pe/icides1 & attack$ ! sci5tific agricultural e/abli%m5t4 ,) a limit$ te*nical education beh9d him1 ! well-mean+ ,rodale occasionally made ov]/atem5ts1 wrote ov]simplification z sci5ce1 & utt]$ sci5tific absurdities z fact4 ,& he attack$1 attack$1 attack$ all along a broad organic front4 ,s ! objects ( 8 attacks def5d$1 def5d$1 def5d$4 ,a great deal ( confusion 0 g5]at$ f ! contradictions betwe5 ,rodale's self-righte\s & sometimes sci5tifically vague positions & ! amus$ def5ses ( ! smug sci5tific community4 ,donald ,hopk9s' ,*emicals1 ,humus & ! ,soil is ! be/1 mo/ humane1 & emotionally g5]\s def5se aga9/ ! extremism ( ,rodale4 ,hopk9s makes ha% ( _m organic pr9ciples :ile /ill uphold+ ! vital role ( humus4 ,anyone :o ?9ks ( !mselves z a support] ( organic f>m+ & g>d5+ %\ld fir/ dig up ?is old1 out-(-pr9t book1 & come to t]ms ) ,hopk9s' argum5ts4 ,organic v]sus e/abli%m5t ho/ilities cont9u$ unabat$ = _m ye>s4 ,aft] 8 fa!r's dea?1 ,rodale's son & heir to ! publi%+ empire1 ,rob]t1 began to realize t !re 0 a s5sible middle gr\nd4 ,h[ev]1 ,i suppose ,rob]t ,rodale p]ceiv$ communicat+ a less ideological message z a problem3 mo/ ( ! read]s ( ,organic ,g>d5+ & ,f>m+ magaz9e & ! buy]s ( organic g>d5+ books publi%$ by ,rodale ,press w]5't op5 to ambiguity4 ,i view organic g>d5]s l>gely z examples ( ,am]ican ,puritanism :o want to possess an cle>1 simple sy/em ( capital ,t tru?1 t brooks no exceptions & has no complications or gray areas4 ,organic z a movem5t _h come to be def9$ by ,rodale publications z gr[+ food by us+ an approv$ li/ ( sub/ances t 7 consid]$ good & virtu\s :ile %unn+ ano!r li/ t seem$ to be consid]$ '( ! devil1' simil> to ko%] & non-ko%] food 9 ! or?odox ,jewi% religion4 ,& l o!r puritans1 ! organic fai?ful c\ld consid] !mselves sup]ior humans4 ,b o!r agricultural re=m]s h und]/ood t !re are gray areas--t *emicals are n all bad or all good & t o!r sane & holi/ic /&>ds c be appli$ to decide :at is ! be/ way to g ab\t rais+ crops4 ,^! p began to discuss new agricultural me?ods l ,integrat$ ,pe/ ,managem5t ,,ipm or ,l[ ,input ,su/a9able ,agriculture ,,lisa1 sy/ems t all[$ a m9imal use ( *emi/ry )\t ab&on+ ! focus on soil organic matt]'s vital importance4 ,my guess is t "s ye>s back1 ,bob ,rodale came to see ! tru? ( ?is1 giv+ him a problem--he did n want to ?reat5 a major s\rce ( political & f9ancial support4 ,s he split (f ! f>m+ f ,organic ,g>d5+ & ,f>m+ magaz9e & />t$ two new publications1 "o call$ ,! ,new ,f>m :]e safely away f less educat$ unsophi/icat$ eyes he c\ld discuss m9or alt]ations 9 ! organic fai? )\t upsett+ ! read]s ( ,organic ,g>d5+4 ,today's ,confusions ,i h (f]$ ?is brief int]pretation ( ! organic g>d5+ & f>m+ movem5t prim>ily = ! ^? g>d5]s :o1 l me1 le>n$ _! basics f ,rodale ,press4 ,^? :o d n n[ ca/ ?is h]etical book d[n 9 disgu/ b f9i% x w come away ) a broad]1 m sci5tific und]/&+ ( ! vital role ( organic matt]1 "s c]ta9ty ab\t h[ mu* compo/ y really ne$ to make & use1 & ! role t bo? compo/ & f]tiliz]s c h 9 creat+ & ma9ta9+ ! level ( soil f]tility ne$$ to gr[ a great vegetable g>d54 ,,*apt] ,,sev5 ,humus & ,soil ,productivity ,books ab\t hydroponics s\nd plausible4 ,t is1 until y actually see ! results4 ,plants gr[n 9 *emical nutri5t solutions may be huge b look a little (f4 ,sickly & weak someh[4 ,)\t a liv+ soil1 plants c n be totally heal?y or gr[ q z well z !y might4 ,by focus+ on increas+ & maximiz+ soil life in/ead ( add+ *emical f]tility1 organic f>m]s are able to gr[ excell5t c]eals & fodd]4 ,on ri*] soils !y c ev5 d ?is = g5]ations1 p]haps ev5 = mill5nia )\t br++ 9 plant nutri5ts f else:]e4 ,if little or no product is s5t away f ! f>m1 ?is subsi/5ce approa* may be a p]man5t agricultural sy/em4 ,b ev5 ) a heal?y ecology few soils are f]tile en\gh by !mselves to p]mit cont9u\s export ( _! m9]al res\rces by sell+ crops at m>ket4 ,take "o /ep fur!r4 ,c]eals are mo/ly d]iv$ f h>dy grasses :ile o!r field crops h simil> abilities to ?rive :ile be+ (f]$ relatively l[ levels ( nutri5ts4 ,) good managem5t1 f]tile soils are able to pres5t ^! l[] nutritional levels to gr[+ plants )\t am5dm5t or =tification ) pot5t1 conc5trat$ nutri5t s\rces4 ,b mo/ vegetables dem& f> high] levels ( support4 ,few soils1 ev5 f]tile soils t h nev] be5 f>m$1 w gr[ vegetables )\t improvem5t4 ,f>m]s & g>d5]s mu/ increase f]tility significantly if !y want to gr[ great vegetables4 ,! *oices !y make :ile do+ ?is c h a /rong effect1 n only on _! imm$iate success or failure1 b on ! actual nutritional quality ( ! food t !y produce4 ,h[ ,humus ,b5efits ,soil ,! roots ( plants1 soil animals1 & mo/ soil microorganisms ne$ to brea! oxyg54 ,l o!r oxyg5 burn]s1 !y expel c>bon dioxide4 ,= all ( !m to gr[ well & be heal?y1 ! e>? mu/ rema9 op51 all[+ air to ent] & leave freely4 ,o!rwise1 c>bon dioxide builds up to toxic levels4 ,imag9e y\rself be+ suffocat$ by a pla/ic bag ti$ ar\nd y\r neck4 ,x w\ld be ab\t ! same ?+ to a root try+ to live 9 compact$ soil4 ,a soil consi/+ only ( rock p>ticles t5ds to be airless4 ,a sci5ti/ w\ld say x _h a high bulk d5sity or lack$ pore space4 ,only co>se s&y soil rema9s light & op5 )\t organic matt]4 ,few soils are =m$ only ( co>se s&1 mo/ are mixtures ( s&1 silt & clay4 ,s&s are %>p-sid$1 relatively l>ge rock p>ticles simil> to table salt or ref9$ :ite sug>4 ,irregul> edges keep s& p>ticles sep>at$1 & all[ ! free movem5t ( air & moi/ure4 ,silt is =m$ f s& t has wea!r$ to mu* small] sizes1 simil> to p[d]$ sug> or talcum p[d]4 ,?r\gh a magnify+ l5s1 ! edges ( silt p>ticles appe> r\nd$ because weak soil acids h actually dissolv$ !m away4 ,a significant am\nt ( ! nutri5t cont5t ( ^! decompos$ rock p>ticles has become plant food or clay4 ,silt p>ticles c compact tightly1 leav+ little space = air4 ,z soil acids break d[n silts1 ! less-soluble portions recomb9e into clay cry/als4 ,clay p>ticles are mu* small] ?an silt gra9s4 ,x takes an electron microscope to see ! flat1 lay]$ /ructures ( clay molecules4 ,%ales & slates are rocks =m$ by heat+ & compress+ clay4 ,_! lay]$ fracture planes mimic ! molecules f :i* !y 7 made4 ,pure clay is heavy1 airless & a v poor m$ium = plant gr[?4 ,humusless soils t are mixtures ( s&1 silt1 & clay c become extremely compact$ & airless because ! small] silt & clay p>ticles sift betwe5 ! l>g] s& bits & d5sely fill all ! pore spaces4 ,^! soils c also =m v h>d cru/s t resi/ ! infiltration ( air1 ra91 or irrigation wat] & prev5t ! em]g5ce ( se$l+s4 ,surface cru/s =m exactly ! same way t concrete is f9i%$4 ,h y ev] se5 a f9i%] scre$ a concrete slab8 ,fir/1 smoo? bo>ds & !n1 l>ge tr[els are run back & =? ov] liquid concrete4 ,! motion sep>ates ! t9y bits ( f9e s& & cem5t f d5s] bits ( gravel4 ,! f9es rise to ! surface :]e !y are tr[ell$ into a ?9 smoo? sk94 ,! same ?+ happ5s :5 humusless soil is ra9$ on or irrigat$ ) spr9kl]s emitt+ a co>se1 heavy spray4 ,! droplets beat on ! soil1 me*anically sep>at+ ! light] f9es 79 ?is case silt & clay7 f l>g]1 d5s] p>ticles4 ,! s& p>ticles s9k1 ! f9es rise & dry into a h>d1 imp5etrable cru/4 ,organic matt] decompos+ 9 soil op5s & loos5s soil & makes ! e>? f> m welcom+ to plant gr[?4 ,its b5efits are bo? direct & indirect4 ,decompos+ organic matt] me*anically acts l spr+y sponges t r$uce compaction4 ,h[ev]1 rott+ is rapid & soon ?is mat]ial & its effect is virtually gone4 ,y c easily create ?is type ( tempor>y result by till+ a ?ick du/+ ( peat moss into "s poor soil4 ,a m significant & long]-la/+ soil improvem5t is creat$ by microorganisms & e>?worms1 ^: activities makes p>ticles ( s&1 silt1 & clay cl+ /rongly toge!r & =m l>ge1 irregul>ly-%ap$ gra9s call$ aggregates or crumbs t resi/ break+ ap>t4 ,a well-develop$ crumb /ructure gives soil a set ( qualities f>m]s & g>d5]s delightfully ref] to z good til?4 ,! diff]5ce betwe5 good & poor til? is l night & day to someone work+ ! l&4 ,= example1 if y rot>y till unaggregat$ soil into a fluffy se$b$1 ! fir/ "t x is irrigat$1 ra9$ on1 or /epp$ on x slumps back d[n into an airless mass & probably develops a h>d cru/ z well4 ,h[ev]1 a soil ) good til? w p]mit multiple irrigations & a fair am\nt ( foot traffic )\t compact+ or cru/+4 ,crumbs develop z a result ( two simil>1 int]relat$ processes4 ,e>?worms & o!r soil animals make /able humus crumbs z soil1 clay & decompos+ organic matt] pass ?r\gh _! dige/ive sy/ems4 ,! ca/s or scats t em]ge are crumbs4 ,free-liv+ soil microorganisms also =m crumbs4 ,z !y eat organic matt] !y secrete slimes & gums t firmly cem5t f9e soil p>ticles toge!r into long la/+ aggregates4 ,i sadly obs]ve :at happ5s :5 f>m]s all[ soil organic matt] to run d[n e "t ,i drive 9 ! c\ntry4 ,soil color t %\ld be d>k *anges to light because m9]al p>ticles !mselves are usually light color$ or r$di%2 ! ri* black or *e/nut tone soil c get is organic matt]4 ,puddles =m :5 x ra9s h>d on p]fectly flat humusless fields & may /& = h\rs or days1 driv+ out all soil air1 dr[n+ e>?worms1 & suffocat+ crop roots4 ,on slop+ fields ! wat] runs (f r ?an p]colat+ 94 ,evid5ce ( ?is c be se5 9 muddy /reams & 9 m sev]e cases1 by little rills or m9i-gullies across ! field caus$ by fa/ mov+ wat] sweep+ up soil p>ticles f ! cru/$ surface z x leaves ! field4 ,lat]1 ! f>m]s w compla9 ( dr\ght or inf]tility & seek to support _! crops ) irrigation & *emicals4 ,actually1 if all ! wat] t _h fall5 on ! field _h p]colat$ into ! e>?1 ! crops probably w\ld n h suff]$ at all ev5 f ext5d$ spells )\t ra94 ,^! same humusless fields lose a lot m soil 9 ! =m ( bl[+ du/ cl\ds :5 till$ 9 a dryi% /ate4 ,! greate/ "p ( f>m soil erosion is caus$ by fail+ to ma9ta9 necess>y levels ( humus4 ,z a nation1 ,am]ica is los+ its be/ cropl& at a nonsu/a9able rate4 ,no civilization 9 hi/ory has yet surviv$ ! loss ( its prime f>ml&4 ,be=e indu/rial te*nology plac$ ?\s&s ( times m =ce into ! h&s ( ! f>m]1 humans /ill manag$ to make an impov]i%$ semi-des]t out ( e civiliz$ region )9 #a1jjj-a1ejj ye>s4 ,?is sad /ory is told 9 ,c>t] & ,dale's fasc9at+1 b di/urb+1 book call$ ,topsoil & ,civilization t ,i believe %\ld be read by e ?\ghtful p]son4 ,unless we significantly alt] our improv$ f>m+ me?ods we w probably d ! same to ,am]ica 9 ano!r c5tury or two4 ,! ,e>?worm's ,role 9 ,soil ,f]tility ,soil f]tility has be5 gaug$ by diff]5t measures4 ,h[>d repeat$ly insi/$ t ! only good y>d/ick 0 humus cont5t4 ,o!rs are s impress$ by ! e>?worm's ess5tial functions t !y c\nt worms p] acre & say t ?is numb] measures soil f]tility4 ,! two /&>ds ( evaluation are closely relat$4 ,:5 active1 "s species ( e>?worms daily eat a quantity ( soil equal to _! own body weight4 ,aft] pass+ ?r\gh ! worm's gut1 ?is soil has be5 *emically alt]$4 ,m9]als1 especially phosphorus :i* t5ds to be lock$ up z insoluble calcium phosphate & consequ5tly unavailable to plants1 become soluble 9 ! worm's gut1 & ?us available to n\ri% gr[+ plants4 ,& nitrog51 unavailably held 9 organic matt]1 is alt]$ to soluble nitrate nitrog54 ,9 fact1 comp>$ to ! surr\nd+ soil1 worm ca/s are five times z ri* 9 nitrate nitrog52 twice z ri* 9 soluble calcium2 conta9 two & "o-half times z mu* available magnesium2 are sev5 times z ri* 9 available phosphorus1 & (f] plants elev5 times z mu* potassium4 ,e>?worms are equally capable ( mak+ trace m9]als available4 ,highly f]tile e>?worm ca/s c am\nt to a l>ge proportion ( ! entire soil mass4 ,:5 soil is damp & cool en\gh to enc\rage e>?worm activity1 an av]age ( #gjj p\nds ( worm ca/s p] acre are produc$ ea* day4 ,ov] a ye>'s "t 9 ! humid ea/]n ,unit$ ,/ates1 #ajj1jjj p\nds ( highly f]tile ca/s p] acre may be g5]at$4 ,imag9e6 ,t's l #ej tons ( l[-grade f]tiliz] p] acre p] ye> conta9+ m readily available ,,npk1 ,ca1 ,mg & s =?1 ?an f>m]s apply to gr[ c]eal crops l :eat1 corn1 or soybeans4 ,a level ( f]tility t w gr[ :eat is n en\gh nutrition to gr[ vegetables1 b e>?worms c make a major contribution to ! g>d54 ,at age #bh1 ,*>les ,d>w9 pres5t$ ,on ! ,=mation ( ,m\ld to ! ,geological ,society ( ,london4 ,?is lecture illu/rat$ ! amaz+ *urn+ effect ( ! e>?worm on soil4 ,d>w9 obs]v$ "s *unks ( lime t _h be5 left on ! surface ( a mead[4 ,a few ye>s lat] !y 7 f\nd sev]al in*es bel[ ! surface4 ,d>w9 said ?is 0 ! "w ( e>?worms1 deposit+ ca/+s t soon] or lat] spread out & cov] any object left on ! surface4 ,9 a lat] book1 ,d>w9 said1 ,! pl[ is "o ( ! mo/ anci5t & mo/ valuable ( man's inv5tions2 b long be=e he exi/$ ! l& 0 9 fact regul>ly pl[$ & /ill cont9ues to be ?us pl[$ by e>?worms4 ,x may be d\bt$ :e!r !re are _m o!r animals :i* h play$ s important a "p 9 ! hi/ory ( ! _w1 z h ^! l[ly organiz$ creatures4 ,e>?worms also prev5t run(f4 ,!y increase p]colation ( wat] into f9e-textur$ soils by mak+ a complex sy/em ( int]connect$ *annels or tunnels ?r\gh\t ! topsoil4 ,9 "o /udy1 soil lack+ worms _h an absorption rate ( #j4b in*es ( ra9fall p] m9ute4 ,e>?worms 7 add$ & all[$ to "w ov] t soil sample = "o mon?4 ,!n1 infiltration rates increas$ to #j4i in*es ( ra9fall p] m9ute4 ,mu* ( :at we "k ab\t e>?worms is due to ,dr4 ,h5ry ,hopp :o work$ = ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,dep>tm5t ( ,agriculture dur+ ! #aidjs4 ,dr4 ,hopp's int]e/+ booklet1 ,:at ,e ,g>d5] ,%\ld ,"k ,ab\t ,e>?worms4 is /ill 9 pr9t4 ,9 "o ,hopp rese>* project1 "s v run-d[n clay soil 0 plac$ 9 six l>ge fl[]pots4 ,no?+ 0 done to a pair ( control pots1 f]tiliz] 0 bl5d$ 9 & grass sod gr[n on two o!rs1 :ile mul* 0 spread ov] two m4 ,!n worms 7 add$ to "o ( ea* pair ( pots4 ,9 %ort ord] all ( ! worms add$ to ! unimprov$ pot 7 dead4 ,!re 0 no?+ 9 t soil to fe$ !m4 ,! sod alone increas$ p]colation b :]e ! sod or mul* f$ a worm population1 infiltration ( wat] 0 f> bett]4 ,am5dm5t to clay soil ,p]colation rate 9 in*es p] m9ute ,)\t worms ,) worms ,none #j4j #j4j ,grass & f]tiliz] #j4b #j4h ,mul* #j4j #a4e ,mo/ p :o hone/ly consid] ^! facts conclude t ! e>?worm's activities are a major factor 9 soil productivity4 ,/udy aft] sci5tific /udy has %[n t ! quality & yield ( pa/ures is directly relat$ to _! e>?worm c\nt4 ,s x seems only reasonable to evaluate soil managem5t practices by _! effect on e>?worm c\nts4 ,e>?worm populations w v>y enorm\sly accord+ to climate & native soil f]tility4 ,e>?worms ne$ moi/ure2 few if any w be f\nd 9 des]ts4 ,highly m9]aliz$ soils t produce a lot ( biomass w naturally h m worms ?an inf]tile soils lack+ humus4 ,dr4 ,hopp survey$ worm populations 9 v>i\s f>m soils4 ,! table bel[ %[s :at a g>d5] might expect to f9d 9 _! own g>d5 by contra/+ samples f ri* & poor soils4 ,! data also sugge/ a guidel9e = h[ high worm populations might be usefully increas$ by add+ organic matt]4 ,! worms 7 c\nt$ at _! seasonal population peak by c>efully exam9+ a section ( soil exactly "o foot squ>e by sev5 in*es deep4 ,if y plan to take a c5sus 9 y\r own g>d51 keep 9 m9d t e>?worm c\nts w be highe/ 9 spr+4 ,e>?worms are inhibit$ by acid soils &_/or soils defici5t 9 calcium4 ,f> l>g] populations ( worms live 9 soils t wea!r$ out ( und]ly+ lime/one rocks4 ,9 "o exp]im5t1 e>?worm c\nts 9 a pa/ure w5t up f #ea1jjj p] acre 9 acid soil to #dda1jjj p] acre two ye>s aft] lime & a non-acidify+ *emical f]tiliz] 0 spread4 ,rodale & ,h[>d l\dly & repeat$ly cont5d$ t *emical f]tiliz]s decimate e>?worm populations4 ,swept up 9 :at ,i view z a self-righte\s crusade aga9/ *emical agriculture1 !y includ$ all f]tiliz]s 9 ?is category = tactical reasons4 ,location ,worms p] sq4 ft4 ,worms p] acre ,m>cellus1 ,,ny #ch #a1fjj1jjj ,i?ica1 ,,ny #d #aij1jjj ,fr$]ick1 ,,md #ej #b1bjj1jjj ,beltsville1 ,,md #h #cej1jjj ,zanesville1 ,,oh #cg #a1fjj1jjj ,co%octon1 ,,oh #e #bbj1jjj ,mayaquez1 ,p4,r499 #f #bfj1jjj 99,because ( ! high rate ( bact]ial decomposition1 few e>?worms are f\nd 9 tropical soils unless !y are cont9u\sly amm5d$ ) sub/antial quantities ( organic matt]4 ,h[>d especially d5igrat$ sulfate ( ammonia & s+le sup]phosphate z e>?worm poisons4 ,bo? ( ^! *emical f]tiliz]s are made ) sulfuric acid & h a p[]ful acidify+ reaction :5 !y dissolve 9 soil4 ,rodale correctly po9t$ out t golf c\rse gr\ndskeep]s use repeat$ applications ( ammonium sulfate to elim9ate e>?worms f putt+ gre5s4 7,small m\nds ( worm ca/s made by nightcrawl]s ru9 ! gre5s' p]fectly smoo? surface s ^! worms are ! bane ( gre5skeep]s47 ,h[ev]1 ammonium sulfate does n elim9ate or r$uce worms :5 ! soil conta9s l>ge am\nts ( *alk or o!r =ms ( calcium t c\nt]act acidity4 ,! tru? ( ! matt] is t worms eat decay+ organic matt] & any soil am5dm5t t increases plant gr[? )\t acidify+ soil w increase e>?worm food supply & ?us worm population4 ,us+ lime z an antidote to acid-bas$ f]tiliz]s prev5ts mak+ ! soil inhospitable to e>?worms4 ,& _m *emical f]tiliz]s d n provoke acid reactions4 ,! organic movem5t loses ?is r\nd-b n ! battle4 ,& c]ta9ly n ! w>4 ,food supply prim>ily det]m9es e>?worm population4 ,to increase _! numb]s x is m]ely necess>y to br+ 9 additional organic matt] or add plant nutri5ts t cause m vegetation to be gr[n !re4 ,9 "o /udy1 simply return+ ! manure result+ f hay tak5 (f a pa/ure increas$ e>?worms by "o-?ird4 ,add+ lime & sup]phosphate to t manure made an additional improvem5t ( ano!r #cc p]c5t4 ,e "t compo/ is add$ to a g>d51 ! soil's ability to support e>?worms increases4 ,"s ov]ly en?usia/ic worm fanci]s believe x is useful to import l>ge numb]s ( e>?worms4 ,i d n agree4 ,^! same self-int]e/$ individuals t5d to bre$ & sell worms4 ,if ! v>iety be+ (f]$ is ,eis5ia foetida1 ! br&l+1 r$ wiggl]1 or manure worm us$ 9 v]micompo/+1 add+ !m to soil is a complete wa/e ( money4 ,?is species does n survive well 9 ord9>y soil & c bre$ 9 l>ge numb]s only 9 decompos+ manure or o!r prote9ace\s organic wa/e ) a l[ ,c_/,n4 ,all worm species bre$ prolifically4 ,if !re are any desirable worms pres5t 9 soil1 _! population w soon mat* ! available food supply & soil conditions4 ,! way to increase worm populations is to increase organic matt]1 up m9]al f]tility1 & elim9ate acidity4 ,e>?worms & _! b5eficial activities are easily ov]look$ & left out ( our contemplations on prop] g>d5+ te*nique4 ,b und]/&+ _! bre$+ cycle all[s g>d5]s to easily assi/ ! worms ef=ts to multiply4 ,9 temp]ate climates1 "y e>?worms hat* out 9 ! fall :5 soil is cool+ & moi/ure levels are high4 ,z long z ! soil is n too cold !y fe$ actively & gr[4 ,by e>ly spr+ ^! "y worms are busily lay+ eggs4 ,) summ]'s heat ! soil w>ms & dries out4 ,ev5 if ! g>d5] irrigates1 e>?worms naturally become less active4 ,!y /ill lay a few eggs b _m mature worms die4 ,dur+ high summ] ! few e>?worms f\nd w be small & "y4 ,unhat*$ eggs are pl5tiful b n readily notic$ by casual inspection s g>d5]s may mi/ak5ly ?9k !y h few worms & may worry ab\t h[ to increase _! populations4 ,) autumn ! population cycle beg9s anew4 ,soil managem5t c greatly alt] worm populations4 ,b1 h[ ! field is h&l$ dur+ summ] has only a slight effect4 ,spr+ & summ] tillage does kill a few worms b does n damage eggs4 ,by mul*+1 ! soil c be kept cool] & m favorable to worm activities dur+ summ] :ile surface lay]s are kept moi/]4 ,irrigation helps simil>ly4 ,do+ ^! ?+s w all[ a g>d5] ! dubi\s satisfaction ( see+ a few m worms dur+ ! ma9 g>d5+ season4 ,h[ev]1 soil is suppos$ to become inhospitably hot & dry dur+ summ] 7worm's eye view7 & !re's n mu* po9t 9 /ruggl+ to ma9ta9 l>ge e>?worm populations dur+ t "p ( ! ye>4 ,un=tunately1 summ] is :5 g>d5]s pay ! close/ att5tion to ! soil4 ,worms ma9ta9 _! ye>-r\nd population by ov]w9t]+ & !n lay+ eggs t hat* late 9 ! gr[+ season4 ,! mo/ h>m to worm multiplication happ5s by expos+ b>e soil dur+ w9t]4 ,worm activity %\ld be at a peak dur+ cool wea!r4 ,?\gh worms inadv]t5tly pass a lot ( soil ?r\gh _! bodies z !y tunnel1 soil is n _! food4 ,g>d5 worms & nightcrawl]s int5tionally rise to ! surface to fe$4 ,!y consume decay+ vegetation ly+ on ! surface4 ,)\t ?is food supply !y die (f4 ,& 9 nor!rn w9t]s worms mu/ be protect$ f sudd5ly exp]i5c+ freez+ temp]atures :ile !y h>d5 (f & adapt !mselves to surviv+ 9 almo/ froz5 soil4 ,"u sod or :]e protect$ by insulat+ mul* or a lay] ( organic debris1 soil temp]ature drops gradually z w9t] comes on4 ,b ! fir/ day or two ( cold w9t] wea!r may freeze b>e soil solid & kill (f an entire field full ( worms be=e !y've _h a *ance to adapt4 ,almo/ any k9d ( gr\nd cov] w enhance w9t] survival4 ,a lay] ( compo/1 manure1 /raw1 or a well-gr[n cov] crop ( ryegrass1 ev5 a ?9 mul* ( grass clipp+s or we$s c s]ve z ! food s\rce worms ne$4 ,dr4 ,hopp says t soil til? c be improv$ a great deal m]ely by assi/+ worms ov] a s+le w9t]4 ,g>d5]s c effectively support ! common e>?worm )\t mak+ great alt]ations 9 ! way we h&le our soil4 ,f a worm's viewpo9t1 p]haps ! be/ way to recycle autumn leaves is to till !m 9 v %all[ly ov] ! g>d5 s !y s]ve z insulation yet are mix$ ) en\gh soil s t decomposition is accel]at$4 ,p]haps a ?or\gh g>d5 clean-up is be/ po/pon$ until spr+1 leav+ a significant am\nt ( decay+ vegetation on top ( ! soil4 7,( c\rse1 y'll want to remove & compo/ any diseas$ plant mat]ial or species t may h>bor ov]w9t]+ pe/s47 ,! be/ "t to apply compo/ to till$ soil may also be dur+ ! autumn & ! v be/ way is z a dress+ atop a leaf mul* because ! compo/ w also accel]ate leaf decomposition4 ,?is is call$ %eet compo/+ & w be discuss$ 9 detail %ortly4 ,c]ta9 pe/icides approv$ = g5]al use c sev]ely damage e>?worms4 ,c>b>yl 7,sev971 "o ( ! mo/ commonly us$ home g>d5 *emical pe/icides1 is deadly to e>?worms ev5 at l[ levels4 ,mala?ion is mod]ately toxic to worms4 ,diaz9on has n be5 %[n to be at all h>mful to e>?worms :5 us$ at normal rates4 ,j because a pe/icide is d]iv$ f a natural s\rce & is approv$ = use on crops label$ organically gr[n is no gu>antee t x is n poison\s to mammals or highly toxic to e>?worms4 ,= example1 rot5one1 an insecticide d]iv$ f a tropical root call$ d]ris1 is z poison\s to humans z organophosphate *emical pe/icides4 ,ev5 9 v dilute am\nts1 rot5one is highly toxic to fi% & o!r aquatic life4 ,great c>e mu/ be tak5 to prev5t x f gett+ into wat]ways4 ,9 ! tropics1 p traditionally h>ve/ great quantities ( fi% by toss+ a h&ful ( p[d]$ d]ris 7a root conta9+ rot5one7 into ! wat]1 wait+ a few m9utes1 & !n scoop+ up /unn$1 dead1 & dy+ fi% by ! ton4 ,rot5one is also deadly to e>?worms4 ,h[ev]1 rot5one r>ely kills worms because x is s rapidly biodegradable4 ,spray$ on plants to control beetles & o!r plant pr$ators1 its p[]ful effect la/s only a day or s be=e sun & moi/ure break x d[n to h>mless sub/ances4 ,b once ,i du/$ an entire rais$ b$ ( beetle-?reat5$ bu% bean se$l+s ) p[d]$ rot5one late 9 ! aft]noon4 ,! spott$ beetles mak+ ha% ( _! leaves 7 imm$iately kill$4 ,unexpect$ly1 x ra9$ r h>d t ev5+ & /ill-active rot5one 0 wa%$ (f ! leaves & deeply into ! soil4 ,! next morn+ ! surface ( ! b$ 0 ?ickly litt]$ ) dead e>?worms4 ,i've le>n$ to treat rot5one ) great caution4 ,microbes & ,soil ,f]tility ,!re are /ill o!r holi/ic /&>ds to measure soil productivity4 ,) m ?an adequate ju/ification ! great ,russian soil microbiologi/ ,n4,s4 ,krasilnikov judg$ f]tility by c\nt+ ! numb]s ( microbes pres5t4 ,he said1 4 4 soil f]tility is det]m9$ by biological factors1 ma9ly by microorganisms4 ,! developm5t ( life 9 soil end[s x ) ! prop]ty ( f]tility4 ,! notion ( soil is insep>able f ! notion ( ! developm5t ( liv+ organisms 9 x4 ,soil is creat$ by microorganisms4 ,7 ?is life dead or /opp$1 ! =m] soil w\ld become an object ( geology n biology4 ,l\ise ,h[>d1 ,sir ,alb]t's second wife1 made a v simil> judgm5t 9 h] book1 ,sir ,alb]t ,h[>d 9 ,india4 ,a f]tile soil1 t is1 a soil teem+ ) heal?y life 9 ! %ape ( abundant micr(lora & micr(auna1 w be> heal?y plants1 & ^!1 :5 consum$ by animals & man1 w conf] heal? on animals & man4 ,b an inf]tile soil1 t is1 "o lack+ 9 suffici5t microbial1 fung\s1 & o!r life1 w pass on "s =m ( defici5cy to ! plants1 & su* plant1 9 turn1 :o pass on "s =m ( defici5cy to animal & man4 ,al?\gh ! two quotes sub/antively agree1 ,krasilnikov _h a broad] und]/&+4 ,! e>ly writ]s ( ! organic movem5t focus$ int5tly on mycorrhizal associations betwe5 soil fungi & plant roots z ! hidd5 secret ( plant heal?4 ,krasilnikov1 ^: lat] writ+s b5efit$ f massive ,soviet rese>* did n d5y ! significance ( mycorrhizal associations b /ress$ plant-bact]ial associations4 ,bo? views conta9 mu* tru?4 ,krasilnikov may well h be5 ! greate/ soil microbiologi/ ( 8 era1 & ,russians 9 g5]al seem f> ahead ( u 9 ?is field4 ,x is wor? tak+ a mom5t to ask :y t is s4 ,am]ican agricultural sci5ce is motivat$ by agribus9ess1 ei!r by direct subsidy or indirectly ?r\gh gov]nm5t because our gov]nm5t is (t5 /rongly influ5c$ by major economic int]e/s4 ,am]ican agricultural rese>* also exi/s 9 a relatively free m>ket :]e at ?is mom5t 9 hi/ory1 l>ge quantities ( manufactur$ mat]ials are reliably & *eaply available4 ,we/]n agricultural sci5ce ?us t5ds to seek solutions involv+ manufactur$ inputs4 ,aft] all1 :at good is a problem if y c't solve x by pr(itably sell+ some?+4 ,b any ,soviet agricultural rese>*] :o solv$ problems by us+ factory products w\ld be doom+ _! f>m]s to failure because ! ,u4,s4,s4,r4's economic sy/em 0 incapable ( regul>ly supply+ su* items4 ,s logically1 ,soviet agronomy focus$ on m holi/ic1 l[-te* approa*es su* z manipulat+ ! soil microecology4 ,= example1 ,am]icans sci5tifically increase soil nitrog5 by spread+ indu/rial *emicals2 ! ,russians f\nd l[-te* ways to brew bact]ial s\ps t inoculat$ a field ) slightly m effici5t nitrog5-fix+ microorgamsms4 ,soil microbiology is also a relatively inexp5sive l9e ( rese>* t rew>ds m5tal clev]ness ov] massive inve/m5t4 ,multimillion doll> laboratories ) high-te* equipm5t did n yield big answ]s :5 ! /udy 0 new4 ,p]haps 9 ?is biote* era1 recomb9ant g5etics w f9d high-te* ways to tailor make improv$ microorganisms & we'll surpass ! ,russians4 ,soil microorganism populations are incr$ibly high4 ,9 productive soils !re may be billions to ! gram4 7,"o gram ( fluffy soil might fill #a_/b teaspoon47 ,krasilnikov f\nd great v>iations 9 bact]ial c\nts4 ,light-color$ nonproductive e>?s ( ! ,nor? gr[+ skimpy conif] trees or poor crops don't conta9 v _m microorganisms4 ,! ri*1 black1 gra9-produc+ soils ( ! ,ukra9e 7l our midwe/]n corn belt7 c>ry v l>ge microbial populations4 ,"o mu/ be clev] to /udy soil microbes & fungi4 ,_! life processes & ecological int]actions c't be easily obs]v$ directly 9 ! soil ) a microscope4 ,usually1 sci5ti/s /udy microorganisms by f9d+ an artificial m$ium on :i* !y gr[ well & obs]ve ! activities ( a l>ge colony or pure culture--a v re/rict$ view4 ,!re probably are m species ( microorganisms ?an all o!r liv+ ?+s comb9$1 yet we (t5 c't id5tify "o species f ano!r simil> "o by _! appe>ance4 ,we c g5]ally classify bact]ia by %ape3 r\nd ones1 rod-%ap$ ones1 spiral ones1 etc4 ,we diff]5tiate !m by :i* antibiotic kills !m & by :i* v>iety ( artificial mat]ial !y pref] to gr[ on4 ,pa?og5s are recogniz$ by _! prey4 ,/ill1 mo/ microbial activities rema9 a great my/]y4 ,krasilnikov's great contribution to sci5ce 0 discov]+ h[ soil microorganisms assi/ ! gr[? ( high] plants4 ,bact]ia are v fussy ab\t ! sub/rate !y'll gr[ on4 ,9 ! laboratory1 "o species gr[s on prote9 gel1 ano!r on seawe$4 ,"o ?rives on beet pulp :ile ano!r only gr[s on a c]ta9 c]eal extract4 ,plants und]/& ?is & manipulate _! soil environm5t to enhance ! reproduction ( c]ta9 bact]ia !y f9d desirable :ile suppress+ o!rs4 ,?is is accompli%$ by root exudates4 ,= e #ajj grams ( above-gr\nd biomass1 a plant w excrete ab\t #be grams ( root exudates1 creat+ a *emically diff]5t zone 7rhizosph]e7 close to ! root t functions mu* l ! culture m$ium 9 a laboratory4 ,c]ta9 bact]ia f9d ?is region highly favorable & multiply prolifically1 o!rs are suppress$4 ,bact]ial c\nts adjac5t to roots w be 9 hundr$s ( millions to billions p] gram ( soil4 ,a fraction ( an in* away beyond ! influ5ce ( ! exudates1 ! c\nt drops greatly4 ,:y d plants exp5d en]gy cultur+ bact]ia8 ,because !re is an ex*ange1 a quid pro quo4 ,^! same bact]ia assi/ ! plant 9 num]\s ways4 ,c]ta9 types ( microbes are pr$ators4 ,in/ead ( consum+ dead organic matt] !y attack liv+ plants4 ,h[ev]1 o!r species1 especially act9omycetes1 give (f antibiotics t suppress pa?og5s4 ,! multiplication ( act9omycetes c be enhanc$ by root exudates4 ,p]haps ! mo/ important b5efit plants receive f soil bact]ia are :at ,krasilnikov dubb$ phytam9s1 a ^w play on vitam9s plus phyta or plant 9 ,greek4 ,helpful bact]ia exude complex wat]-soluble organic molecules t plants uptake ?r\gh _! roots & use mu* l humans ne$ c]ta9 vitam9s4 ,:5 plants are depriv$ ( phytam9s !y are less ?an optimally heal?y1 h l[]$ disease resi/ance1 & may n gr[ z l>ge because "s phytam9s act z gr[? hormones4 ,keep 9 m9d t b5eficial microorganisms clu/]+ ar\nd plant roots d n prim>ily eat root exudates2 exudates m]ely optimize environm5tal conditions to enc\rage c]ta9 species4 ,! ma9 food ( ^! soil organisms is decay+ organic matt] & humus4 ,defici5cies 9 organic matt] or soil p,h outside a com=table range ( #e4ge-g4e greatly inhibit b5eficial microorganisms4 ,= a long "t x has be5 /&>d *emical ag sci5ce to d]ide ! notion t plant roots c absorb any?+ l>g] ?an simple1 inorganic molecules 9 wat] solution4 ,?is insupportable view is no long] politically correct ev5 among adh]5ts ( *emical usage4 ,h[ev]1 if y %\ld ev] enc\nt] an exp]t /ill try+ to intimidate o!rs ) ^! old argum5ts m]ely ask !m1 s9ce plant roots _c assimilate l>ge organic molecules1 :y d p succe$ us+ sy/emic *emical pe/icides8 ,sy/emics are l>ge1 complex poison\s organic molecules t plants uptake ?r\gh _! roots & t !n make ! above-gr\nd plant mat]ial toxic to pr$ators4 ,ornam5tals1 l roses1 are frequ5tly protect$ by sy/emic *emical pe/icides mix$ into *emical f]tiliz] & f$ ?r\gh ! soil4 ,root exudates h num]\s functions beyond affect+ microorganisms4 ,"o is to suppress or enc\rage ! gr[? ( surr\nd+ plants ,g>d5]s exp]i5ce ?is z plant companions & antagoni/s4 ,walnut tree root exudates are v antagoni/ic to _m o!r species4 ,& memb]s ( ! onion family prev5t beans f gr[+ well if _! root sy/ems are int]mix$4 ,_m crop rotational s*emes exi/ because ! effects ( root exudates seem to p]si/ = "o or ev5 two ye>s aft] ! orig9al plant grew ,t's :y onions gr[ v well :5 !y are plant$ :]e potatoes grew ! ye> be=e4 ,& :y f>m]s gr[ a ?ree ye> rotation ( hay1 potatoes & onions4 ,t is also :y onions don't gr[ ne>ly z well foll[+ cabbage or squa%4 ,f>m]s h a mu* easi] "t manag+ successions4 ,!y c gr[ #dj acres ( "o crop foll[$ by #dj acres ( ano!r4 ,b squa% f #ajj squ>e feet may ov]:elm ! kit*5 :ile c>rots f ! same #ajj squ>e feet ! next ye> may n be en\gh4 ,unless y keep detail$ records1 x is h>d to rememb] exactly :]e ev]y?+ grew z long z two ye>s ago 9 a vegetable g>d5 & to correlate t data ) ?is ye>'s results4 ,b :5 ,i see half a plant+ on a rais$ b$ gr[ well & ! adjac5t half gr[ poorly1 ,i assume ! difficulty 0 caus$ by exudate rema9s f :atev] grew !re "o1 or ev51 two ye>s ago4 ,9 #aiij1 half ( crop ,f grew well1 half poorly4 ?is 0 due to ! pres5ce ( crop ,d 9 #aihi4 ,! g>d5] might rememb] t ,d 0 !re la/ ye>4 ,b 9 #aiia1 half ( crop ,g grew well1 half poorly4 ,?is 0 also due to ! pres5ce ( crop ,d two ye>s ago4 ,few c make ?is association4 ,^! effects 7 "o reason t ,sir ,alb]t ,h[>d ?\ght x 0 v fooli% to gr[ a vegetable g>d5 9 "o spot = too _m ye>s4 ,he recomm5d$ gr[+ heal+ grass = ab\t five ye>s foll[+ sev]al ye>s ( vegetable g>d5+ to erase all ! exudate effects & re/ore ! soil ecology to normal4 ,mycorrhizal association is ano!r b5eficial relation%ip t %\ld exi/ betwe5 soil organisms & _m high] plants4 ,?is symbiotic relation%ip involves fungi & plant roots4 ,fungi c be pa?og5ic1 consum+ liv+ plants4 ,b mo/ ( !m are h>mless & eat only dead1 decay+ organic matt]4 ,mo/ fungi are soil dwell]s ?\gh "s eat d[n$ or ev5 /&+ trees4 ,mo/ p d n realize t plant roots adsorb wat] & wat]-soluble nutri5ts only ?r\gh ! t9y hairs & actively gr[+ tips ne> ! v end ( ! root4 ,! ability = any new root to absorb nutrition only la/s a %ort "t1 !n ! hairs sl\gh (f & ! root develops a sort ( h>d b>k4 ,if root sy/em gr[? sl[s or /ops1 ! plant's ability to obta9 n\ri%m5t is greatly r$uc$4 ,roots _c make oxyg5 out ( c>bon dioxide z d ! leaves4 ,t's :y x is s important to ma9ta9 a good supply ( soil air & = ! soil to rema9 loose en\gh to all[ rapid root expansion4 ,:5 roots are cramp$1 top gr[? sl[s or ceases1 heal? & disease resi/ance drops1 & plants may become /ress$ despite applications ( nutri5ts or wat]+4 ,o!r plants t d n seem to be compet+ = light above gr\nd may h ramifi$ 7fill$ ) roots7 f> wid] expanses soil ?an a p]son might ?9k4 ,once soil is saturat$ ) ! roots & ! exudates f "o plant1 ! same space may be clos$ (f to ! roots ( ano!r4 ,g>d5]s :o use close plant+s & int5sive rais$ b$s (t5 unkn[+ly bump up aga9/ ?is limit+ factor & are disappo9t$ at ! small size ( _! vegetables despite heavy f]tilization1 despite loos5+ ! e>? two feet deep ) d\ble digg+1 & despite regul> wat]+4 ,?\ght ab\t 9 ?is way1 x %\ld be obvi\s :y d\ble digg+ improves gr[? on cr[d$ b$s by increas+ ! dep? to :i* plants c root4 ,! roots ( plants h no way to aggressively breakd[n rock p>ticles or organic matt]1 nor to sort out "o nutri5t f ano!r4 ,!y uptake ev]y?+ t is 9 solution1 no m1 no less :ile replac+ wat] evaporat$ f _! leaves4 ,h[ev]1 soil fungi are able to aggressively attack organic matt] & ev5 m9]al rock p>ticles & extract ! nutrition !y want4 ,fungi live 9 soil z long1 complexly int]connect$ hair-l ?reads usually only "o cell ?ick4 ,! ?reads are call$ hyphae4 ,food circulates ?r\gh\t ! hyphae mu* l blood 9 a human body4 ,sometimes1 individual fungi c gr[ to enorm\s sizes2 !re are mu%room circles hundr$s ( feet 9 diamet] t ess5tially are "o s+le v old organism4 ,! mu%rooms we ?9k ( :5 we ?9k fungus are actually n ! organism1 b ! transitory fruit ( a l>ge1 bel[ gr\nd network4 ,c]ta9 types ( fungi are able to =m a symbiosis ) specific plant species4 ,!y ins]t a hyphae into ! gap betwe5 individual plant cells 9 a root hair or j beh9d ! gr[+ root tip4 ,!n ! hyphae dr9ks f ! vascul> sy/em ( ! plant1 robb+ x ( a bit ( its life's blood4 ,h[ev]1 ?is is n h>mful pr$ation because z ! root gr[s1 a b>k develops ar\nd ! hyphae4 ,! b>k p9*es (f ! hyphae & x rapidly decays inside ! plant1 mak+ a contribution ( nutri5ts t ! plant c\ldn't o!rwise obta94 ,hyphae breakd[n products may be 9 ! =m ( complex organic molecules t function z phytam9s = ! plant4 ,n all plants are capable ( =m+ mycorrhizal associations4 ,memb]s ( ! cabbage family1 = example1 d n4 ,h[ev]1 if ! species c b5efit f su* an association & does n h "o1 !n despite f]tilization ! plant w n be z heal?y z x c\ld be1 nor gr[ z well4 ,?is ph5om5on is commonly se5 9 conif] tree nurs]ies :]e se$l+ b$s are fir/ completely /]iliz$ ) h>% *emicals & !n tree se$s s[n4 ,al?\gh ?or\ghly f]tiliz$1 ! t9y trees gr[ sl[ly = a ye> or s4 ,!n1 z spores ( mycorrhizal fungi beg9 fall+ on ! b$ & _! hyphae become e/abli%$1 scatt]$ trees beg9 to develop ! necess>y symbiosis & _! gr[? takes (f4 ,on a b$ ( two-ye>-old se$l+s1 _m individual trees are head & %\ld]s above ! o!rs4 ,?is is n due to sup]ior g5etics or erratic soil f]tility4 ,^! are ! individuals ) a mycorrhizal association4 ,l o!r b5eficial microorganisms1 micorrhizal fungi d n prim>ily eat plant vascul> fluid1 _! food is decay+ organic matt]4 ,"h's yet ano!r reason to cont5d t soil productivity c be measur$ by humus cont5t4 ,,*apt] ,,eight ,ma9ta9+ ,soil ,humus ,organic matt] b5efits soil productivity n because x is pres5t1 b because all =ms ( organic matt] 9 ! soil1 includ+ its mo/ /able =m--humus--are disappe>+4 ,mycorrhizal fungi & b5eficial bact]ial colonies ar\nd plant roots c exi/ only by consum+ soil organic matt]4 ,! slimes & gums t cem5t soil p>ticles into relatively /able aggregates are =m$ by microorganisms z !y consume soil organic matt]4 ,scats & ca/s t are soil crumbs =m only because organic matt] is be+ consum$4 ,if humus decl9es1 ! entire soil ecology runs d[n & ) x1 soil til? & ! heal? & productivity ( plants4 ,if y want to manage y\r g>d5 soil wisely1 keep =emo/ 9 m9d t ! rate ( humus loss is f> m important ?an ! am\nt ( humus pres5t4 ,h[ev]1 natural processes remove humus )\t our aid or att5tion :ile ! g>d5]'s task is to add organic matt]4 ,s !re is a v und]/&able t5d5cy to focus on addition1 n subtraction4 ,b1 c we add too mu*8 ,& if s1 :at happ5s :5 we d8 ,h[ ,mu* ,humus is ,soil ,suppos$ to ,h8 ,if y measur$ ! organic matt] cont5ts ( v>i\s soils ar\nd ! ,unit$ ,/ates !re w\ld be wide diff]5ces4 ,"s v>iations on crop l& are due to great losses t h be5 caus$ by mismanagem5t4 ,b ev5 if y c\ld measure virg9 soils nev] us$ by humans !re /ill w\ld be great diff]5ces4 ,hans ,j5ny1 a soil sci5ti/ at ! ,univ]sity ( ,miss\ri dur+ ! #aidjs1 notic$ patt]ns 9 soil humus levels & expla9$ h[ & :y ?is occurs 9 a wond]fully readable book1 ,factors 9 ,soil ,=mation4 ,^! days1 academic agricultural sci5ti/s conceal ! basic simplicity ( _! k by unnecess>ily express+ _! data ) exotic v]biage & high] ma!matics4 ,9 ,j5ny's "t x 0 n consid]$ demean+ if an intellig5t layman c\ld read & und]/& ! writ+s ( a sci5ti/ or s*ol>4 ,any s]i\s g>d5] :o wants to und]/& ! wide diff]5ces 9 soil %\ld become famili> ) ,factors 9 ,soil ,=mation4 ,ab\t organic matt] 9 virg9 soils1 ,j5ny said3 ,)9 regions ( simil> moi/ure conditions1 ! organic matt] cont5t ( soil 4 4 4 decreases f nor? to s\?4 ,= ea* fall ( #aj degree ,c 7#ah degree ,f7 9 annual temp]ature ! av]age organic matt] cont5t ( soil increases two or ?ree times1 provid$ t soil moi/ure is kept con/ant4 ,moi/ soil dur+ ! gr[+ season enc\rages plant gr[? & ?us organic matt] production4 ,:]e ! soil becomes dry dur+ ! gr[+ season1 plant gr[? sl[s or /ops4 ,s1 all ?+s be+ equal1 wet soils conta9 m organic matt] ?an dry ones4 ,all organic matt] ev5tually rots1 ev5 9 soil too dry to gr[ plants4 ,! high] ! soil temp]ature ! fa/] ! decomposition4 ,b *illy 7n froz57 soils c /ill gr[ a lot ( biomass4 ,s1 all ?+s be+ equal1 hot soils h less humus 9 !m ?an cold ones4 ,cool1 wet soils w h ! highe/ levels2 hot1 dry soils w be l[e/ 9 humus4 ,?is model *ecks out 9 practice4 ,if we 7 to measure organic matt] 9 soils along ! ,mississippi ,riv] :]e soil moi/ure conditions rema9 pretty simil> f s\? to nor?1 we might f9d #b p]c5t 9 sultry ,arkansas1 #c p]c5t 9 ,miss\ri & ov] #d p]c5t 9 ,wiscons91 :]e soil temp]atures are mu* l[]4 ,9 ,arizona1 unirrigat$ des]t soils h virtually no organic matt]4 ,9 c5tral & s\!rn ,cali=nia :]e skimpy & undep5dable w9t] ra9s pet] out by ,m>*1 x is h>d to f9d an unirrigat$ soil conta9+ z mu* z #a p]c5t organic matt] :ile 9 ! cool ,m>itime nor?we/1 reliable w9t] ra9s keep ! soil damp into ,june & ! m f]tile f>m pa/ures or natural prairies may develop z mu* z #e p]c5t organic matt]4 ,o!r factors1 l ! basic m9]al cont5t ( ! soil or its texture1 also influ5ce ! am\nt ( organic matt] a spot w create & w some:at increase or decrease ! humus cont5t comp>$ to neighbor+ locations exp]i5c+ ! same climate4 ,b ! mo/ p[]fully controll+ influ5ces are moi/ure & temp]ature4 ,on all virg9 soils ! organic matt] cont5t naturally su/a9s itself at ! highe/ possible level4 ,&1 av]age annual additions exactly mat* ! av]age annual am\nt ( decomposition4 ,?9k ab\t t = a mom5t4 ,imag9e t we />t out ) a plot ( f9ely-gr\nd rock p>ticles conta9+ no life & no organic matt]4 ,z ! rock du/ is coloniz$ by life =ms t gradually build 9 numb]s x becomes soil4 ,! organic matt] creat$ !re increases nutri5t availability & accel]ates ! breakd[n ( rock p>ticles1 fur!r increas+ ! creation ( organic matt]4 ,soil humus /eadily increases4 ,ev5tually a climax is su/a9$ :]e !re is z mu* humus 9 ! soil z !re c be4 ,! peak plant & soil ecology t naturally lives on any site is usually v heal?y & is inevitably j z abundant z !re is moi/ure & soil m9]als to support x4 ,to me ?is sugge/s h[ mu* organic matt] x takes to gr[ a great vegetable g>d54 ,my !ory is t 9 t]ms ( soil organic matt]1 vegetables gr[ q well at ! humus level t w\ld peak naturally on a virg9 site4 ,9 semi-arid areas ,i'd modify ! !ory to include an increase z a result ( necess>y irrigation4 ,express$ z a r\gh rule ( ?umb1 a m]e #b p]c5t organic matt] 9 hot climates increas+ to #e p]c5t 9 cool ones w supply suffici5t biological soil activities to gr[ heal?y vegetables if ! m9]al nutri5t levels are high en\gh too4 ,recall my ass]tion t :at is mo/ important ab\t organic matt] is n h[ mu* is pres5t1 b h[ mu* is lo/ ea* ye> ?r\gh decomposition4 ,= only by decompos+ does organic matt] release ! nutri5ts x conta9s s plants c uptake !m2 only by be+ consum$ does humus support ! microecology t s m>k$ly contributes phytam9s to plant nutrition1 aggressively breaks d[n rock p>ticles & releases ! plant nutri5ts !y conta92 only by be+ eat5 does soil organic matt] support bact]ia & e>?worms t improve productivity & create bett] til?4 ,"h's some?+ ,i f9d v int]e/+4 ,temp]ate climates hav+ seasons & w9t]1 v>y greatly 9 av]age temp]ature4 ,comp>+ annual decomposition loss f a hot soil c>ry+ #b p]c5t humus ) annual decomposition loss f a cool] soil c>ry+ #e p]c5t1 r\ghly ! same am\nt ( organic matt] w decay out ( ea* soil dur+ ! gr[+ season4 ,?is means t 9 temp]ate regions we h to replace ab\t ! same am\nt ( organic matt] no matt] :at ! location4 ,l o!r sub/antial colleges ( agriculture1 ! ,univ]sity ( ,miss\ri ran "s v valuable long-t]m /udies 9 soil managem5t4 ,9 #ahhh1 a nev]-f>m$ field ( native prairie grasses 0 conv]t$ into te/ plots4 ,= fifty succe$+ ye>s ea* plot 0 manag$ 9 a diff]5t b consi/5t mann]4 ,! s]ies ( exp]im5ts t ,i f9d ! mo/ helpful record$ :at happ5s to soil organic matt] z a consequ5ce ( f>m+ practices4 ,! virg9 prairie _h su/a9$ an organic matt] cont5t ( ab\t #c4e p]c5t4 ,! l9es on ! graph %[ :at happ5$ to t organic matt] ov] "t4 ,timo?y grass is probably a slightly m effici5t conv]t] ( sol> en]gy into organic matt] ?an 0 ! orig9al prairie4 ,aft] fifty ye>s ( fe$+ ! hay cut f ! field & return+ all ( ! live/ock's manure1 ! organic matt] 9 ! soil increas$ ab\t #a_/b p]c5t4 ,obvi\sly1 gre5 manur+ has v limit$ ability to increase soil humus above climax levels4 ,gr[+ oats & return+ en\gh manure to repres5t ! /raw & gra9 f$ to live/ock1 ! field held its organic matt] relatively con/ant4 ,gr[+ small gra9 & remov+ ev]y?+ b ! /ubble = fifty ye>s greatly r$uc$ ! organic matt]4 ,keep 9 m9d t half ! biomass production 9 a field happ5s bel[ gr\nd z roots4 ,& keep 9 m9d t ! *>ts don't reveal ! sad appe>ance ! crops probably _h once ! organic matt] decl9$ significantly4 ,nor d !y %[ t ! se$ produc$ on ^? deg5]at$ fields probably w\ld no long] spr\t well en\gh to be us$ z se$gra91 s new se$ w\ld h be5 import$ into ! sy/em ea* season1 br++ ) x new supplies ( plant nutri5ts4 ,)\t import+ t bu%el or s ( :eat se$ on ea* acre ea* ye>1 ! curves w\ld h be5 /eep] & gone ev5 l[]4 ,corn is ! h>de/ ( ! c]eals on soil humus4 ,! reason is1 :eat is closely broadca/ 9 fall & makes a ?ick grassy ov]w9t]+ /& t =ms biomass out ( mo/ ( ! sol> en]gy /rik+ ! field f spr+ until e>ly summ] :5 ! se$ =ms4 ,leafy oats create a little m biomass ?an :eat4 ,corn1 on ! o!r h&1 is fro/ t5d] & c't be plant$ e>ly4 ,x is also n closely plant$ b is s[n 9 widely-spac$ r[s4 ,corn takes q a :ile be=e x =ms a leaf canopy t uses all available sol> en]gy4 ,9 f>m+ l+o1 corn is a r[ crop4 ,vegetables are also r[ crops4 ,_m types don't =m d5se canopies t soak up all sol> en]gy = ! entire gr[+ season l a virg9 prairie4 ,z ) corn1 ! gr\nd is till$ b>e1 s = mu* ( ! be/ "p ( ! gr[+ season little or no organic matt] is produc$4 ,( all ! crops t a p]son c gr[1 vegetables are ! h>de/ on soil organic matt]4 ,!re is no way t vegetables c ma9ta9 soil humus1 ev5 if all _! residues are religi\sly compo/$ & return$4 ,soil organic matt] w\ld decl9e m>k$ly ev5 9 an exp]im5t 9 :i* we rais$ "s small animals exclusively on ! vegetables & return$ all ( _! manure & ur9e too4 ,:5 gr[+ vegetables we h to re/ore organic matt] beyond ! am\nt ! g>d5 itself produces4 ,! curves %[+ humus decl9e at ! ,univ]sity ( ,miss\ri give u a good h9t z to h[ mu* organic matt] we are go+ to lose f vegetable g>d5+4 ,let's make ! mo/ pessimi/ic possible e/imate & suppose t vegetable g>d5+ is twice z h>d on soil z 0 gr[+ corn & remov+ ev]y?+ b ! /ubble & root sy/ems4 ,) corn1 ab\t #dj p]c5t ( ! entire organic matt] res]ve is deplet$ 9 ! fir/ t5 ye>s4 ,let's suppose t vegetables might remove almo/ all soil humus 9 t5 ye>s1 or #aj p]c5t ea* ye> = ! fir/ few ye>s4 ,?is numb] is a crude4 & = mo/ places 9 ,am]ica1 a wildly pessimi/ic guess4 ,h[ev]1 #aj p]c5t loss p] ye> may und]/ate losses 9 "s places4 ,i h se5 old r[ crop soils 9 ,cali=nia's c5tral valley t look l :ite-color$ bl[+ du/4 ,nor does a #aj p]c5t p] ye> e/imate q all[ = ! surpris+ durability ,i obs]ve 9 ! /ill black & ri*-look+ old vegetable se$ fields ( we/]n ,wa%+ton ,/ate's ,skaget ,valley4 ,^! cool-climate fields h suff]$ *emical f>m+ = decades )\t hav+ be5 completely de/roy$--yet4 ,h[ mu* loss is #aj p]c5t p] ye>8 ,let's take my own g>d5 = example4 ,x />t$ out z an old hay pa/ure t hadn't se5 a pl[ = tw5ty-five or m ye>s & :]e1 = ! five ye>s ,i've own$ ! prop]ty1 ! annual grass production is n cut1 bal$1 & sold b is cut & all[$ to lie 9 place4 ,ea* ye>'s accumulation ( m9]als & humus contributes to ! bett] gr[? ( ! next ye>'s grass4 ,initially1 my grass _h gr[n a little high] & a little ?ick] ea* ye>4 ,b ! /eady increase 9 biomass production seems to h tap]$ (f 9 ! la/ c\ple ( ye>s4 ,i suppose by n[ ! soil's organic matt] cont5t probably has be5 re/or$ & is ab\t #e p]c5t4 ,i allocate ab\t "o acre ( t old pa/ure to g>d5 l&4 ,9 any giv5 ye> my %ift+ g>d5s occupy "o-?ird ( t acre4 ,! o!r two-?irds are be+ reg5]at$ 9 heal+ grass4 ,i measure my g>d5 9 fractions ( acres4 ,mo/ city folks h little concept ( an acre2 its ab\t #dj1jjj squ>e feet1 or a plot #bjj' x #bjj'4 ,give or take "s1 ! pl[ pan ( an acre weighs ab\t two million p\nds4 ,! pl[ pan is t sev5 in*es ( topsoil t is flipp$ ov] by a moldbo>d pl[1 ! sev5 in*es :]e mo/ biological activity occurs1 :]e virtually all ( ! soil's organic matt] resides4 ,two million p\nds equals "o ?\s& tons ( topsoil 9 ! fir/ sev5 in*es ( an acre4 ,five p]c5t ( t "o ?\s& tons c be organic matt]1 up to fifty priceless tons ( life t *anges #iej tons ( dead du/ into a f]tile1 productive acre4 ,if #aj p]c5t ( t fifty tons is lo/ z a consequ5ce ( "o ye>'s vegetable g>d5+1 t am\nts to five tons p] acre p] ye> lo/ or ab\t #be p\nds lo/ p] #ajj squ>e feet4 ,pati5ce1 read]4 ,!re is a v blunt & soon to be a v obvi\s po9t to all ( ?is ari?metic4 ,visualize ?is6 ,lime is spread at rates up to f\r tons p] acre4 ,h y ev] spread #a ,t_/,a or #ej p\nds ( lime ov] a g>d5 #cc x #cc feet8 ,mighty h>d to accompli%6 ,ev5 #bjj p\nds ( lime w\ld b>ely :it5 ! gr\nd ( a #a1jjj squ>e-foot g>d54 ,x is ev5 h>d] to spread a m]e #e tons ( compo/ ov] an acre or only #be p\nds on a #ajj-squ>e-foot b$4 ,x seems z ?\gh no?+ has be5 accompli%$1 mo/ ( ! soil /ill %[s1 !re is no lay] ( compo/1 only a ?9 scatt]+4 ,b = ! purpose ( ma9ta9+ humus cont5t ( vegetable gr\nd at a heal?y level1 a ?9 scatt]+ once a ye> is a graci\s pl5ty4 ,ev5 if ,i 7 />t+ ) a totally deplet$1 du/y1 absolutely humusless1 ru9$ old f>m field t _h no organic matt] :atsoev] & ,i want$ to conv]t x to a heal?y vegetable g>d51 ,i w\ld only h to make a "o-"t am5dm5t ( #ej tons ( ripe compo/ p] acre or #b1ejj p\nds p] #a1jjj squ>e feet4 ,n[ #b1ejj p\nds ( humus is a groan+1 spr+-sagg+1 long-b$ pickup load ( compo/ heap$ up above ! cab & dripp+ (f ! sides4 ,spread on a small g>d51 t's en\gh to feel a s5se ( accompli%m5t ab\t4 ,be=e ,i knew bett] ,i us$ to incorporate t mu* compo/$ horse manure once or twice a ye> & :5 ,i did add a half-in* ?ick lay] t's ab\t :at ,i 0 apply+4 ,f]tiliz+ ,vegetables ) ,compo/ ,w a five ton p] acre addition ( compo/ provide en\gh nutrition to gr[ great vegetables8 ,un=tunately1 ! answ] usually is no4 ,9 mo/ g>d5s1 9 mo/ climates1 ) mo/ ( :at passes = compo/1 x probably won't4 ,t mu* compo/ might well gr[ dec5t :eat4 ,! factors involv$ 9 mak+ ?is /atem5t are num]\s & too complex to fully analyze 9 a little book l ?is "o4 ,!y include ! intr9sic m9]alization ( ! soil itself1 ! temp]ature ( ! soil dur+ ! gr[+ season1 & ! high nutritional ne$s ( ! vegetables !mselves4 ,9 my exp]i5ce1 a few alluvial soils t get regul>1 small additions ( organic matt] c gr[ good vegetable crops )\t additional help4 ,h[ev]1 ^! sites are regul>ly flood$ & repl5i%$ ) highly m9]aliz$ rock p>ticles4 ,additionally1 !y mu/ become v w>m dur+ ! gr[+ season4 ,b n all rock p>ticles conta9 high levels ( plant nutri5ts & n all soils get hot en\gh to rapidly break d[n soil p>ticles4 ,soil temp]ature has a great deal to d ) h[ effectively compo/ c act z f]tiliz]4 ,s&y soils w>m up mu* fa/] 9 spr+ & s& all[s = a mu* fre] movem5t ( air1 s humus decomposes mu* m rapidly 9 s&4 ,p]haps a sunny1 s&y g>d5 on a s\?-fac+ slope might gr[ pretty well ) small am\nts ( /rong compo/4 ,z a practical matt]1 if mo/ p spread ev5 ! mo/ pot5t compo/ ov] _! g>d5s at only tw5ty-five p\nds p] #ajj squ>e feet1 !y w\ld almo/ c]ta9ly be disappo9t$4 ,well !n1 if five tons ( quality compo/ to ! acre isn't adequate = mo/ vegetables1 :at ab\t us+ t5 or tw5ty tons ( ! be/4 ,w t gr[ a good g>d58 ,aga91 ! answ] mu/ all[ = a lot ( factors b is g5]ally m positive4 ,if ! compo/ has a l[ ,c_/,n & t compo/1 or ! soil itself1 isn't grossly defici5t 9 "s ess5tial nutri5t1 & if ! soil has a co>se1 airy texture t promotes decomposition1 !n some:at heavi] applications w gr[ a good-look+ g>d5 t yields a lot ( food4 ,h[ev]1 "o "q t is r>ely ask$ & ev5 m r>ely answ]$ satisfactorily 9 ! holi/ic f>m+ & g>d5+ lore is3 ,precisely h[ mu* organic matt] or humus is ne$$ to maximize plant heal? & ! nutritional qualities ( ! food we're gr[+8 ,an almo/ equally important coroll>y ( ?is is3 ,c !re be too mu* organic matt]8 ,?is second "q is n ( practical consequ5ce = biological gra9_/live/ock f>m]s because x is almo/ f9ancially impossible to raise organic matt] levels on f>m soils to extraord9>y am\nts4 ,l>ge-scale holi/ic f>m]s mu/ gr[ _! own humus on _! own f>m4 ,_! focus _c be on buy+ & br++ 9 l>ge quantities ( organic matt]2 x mu/ be on cons]v+ & maximiz+ ! value ( ! organic matt] !y produce !mselves4 ,:]e y d he> ( an organic f>m] 7n vegetable gr[] b c]eal_/live/ock f>m]7 build+ extraord9>y f]tility by spread+ l>ge quantities ( compo/1 rememb] t ?is f>m] mu/ be locat$ ne> an inexp5sive s\rce ( quality mat]ial4 ,if all ! f>m]s want$ to d ! same !re w\ld n be en\gh to g ar\nd at an economic price unless1 p]haps1 ! entire c\ntry became a clos$ sy/em l ,*9a4 ,we w\ld h to compo/ e bit ( human excrem5t & organic matt] & !re /ill w\ldn't be en\gh to meet ! dem&4 ,ev5 if we became z effici5t z ,*9a1 keep 9 m9d ! degrad$ /ate ( ,*9a's upl& soils & ! rapid des]tification go+ on 9 _! semi-arid we/4 ,*9a is robb+ ,pet] to pay ,paul & may n h a truly su/a9able agriculture ei!r4 ,i've frequ5tly enc\nt]$ a view among devotees ( ! organic g>d5+ movem5t t if a little organic matt] is a good ?+1 !n m mu/ be bett] & ev5 m bett] /ill4 ,9 ,organic ,g>d5+ magaz9e & ,rodale g>d5 books we read eulogies to soils t are s high 9 humus & s lac$ ) e>?worms t "o c easily %ove _! arm into ! s(t e>? elb[ deep b mu/ yank x out fa/ be=e all ! hairs h be5 *ew$ (f by worms1 :]e "o mu/ jump away aft] plant+ corn se$s le/ ! /alk poke y 9 ! eye1 :]e ! pumpk9s av]age ov] #ajj p\nds ea*1 :]e a s+le trellis$ tomato v9e cov]s ! entire s\? side ( a h\se & yields bu%els4 ,all due to compo/4 ,i call believ]s ( ! organic fai? capital ,o organic g>d5]s4 ,^! folks almo/ inevitably h a pickup truck us$ to ga!r 9 _! neighborhood's leaves & grass clipp+s on tra% day & to haul home loads f local /ables & *ick5 ran*es4 ,_! l>ge y>ds are r+$ ) compo/ b9s & _! annual spread+s ( compo/ are measur$ 9 multiples ( in*es4 ,i 0 "o once1 myself4 ,!re are two vital & slightly disrespectful que/ions t %\ld be ask$ ab\t ?is extreme ( g>d5+ practice4 ,is ?is mu* humus ! only way to gr[ big1 high-yield+ organic vegetable g>d5s & two1 are vegetables rais$ on soils sup]-high 9 humus maximally nutriti\s4 ,if ! answ] to ! fir/ "q is no1 !n a p]son might avoid a lot ( "w by rais+ ! nutri5t level ( _! soil 9 "s o!r mann] acceptable to ! organic g>d5]4 ,if ! answ] to ! second "q is less nutriti\s1 !n s]i\s g>d5]s & home/ead]s :o are mak+ home-gr[n produce into a significant portion ( _! annual caloric intake _h bett] reconsid] _! heal? assumptions4 ,a lot ( organic g>d5]s *]i% ideas simil> to ! "* ,woody ,all5 play$ 9 8 movie1 ,sleep]4 ,d y recall t movie8 ,x is ab\t a contempor>y ,am]ican :o1 com+ unexpect$ly close to dea?1 is froz5 & !n reanimat$ & heal$ #bjj ye>s 9 ! future4 ,h[ev]1 our h]o did n expect to die or be froz5 :5 he became ill & ^u awak5+ believes ! explanation giv5 to him is a put on & t 8 fri5ds are conspir+ to make him into a fool4 ,! irritat$ doctor 9 *>ge tells ,woody to snap out ( x & be prep>$ to />t a new life4 ,?is is no joke1 says ! doctor1 all ( ,woody's fri5ds are long s9ce dead4 ,woody's response is a classic l9e t e>ns me a few *uckles f ! audi5ce e "t ,i lecture3 'all my fri5ds c't be dead6 ,i own$ a heal? food /ore & we all ate br[n rice4' ,humus & ! ,nutritional ,quality ( ,food ,i believe t ! purpose ( food is n m]ely to fill ! belly or to provide en]gy1 b to create & ma9ta9 heal?4 ,ultimately1 soil f]tility %\ld be evaluat$ n by humus cont5t1 nor microbial populations1 nor e>?worm numb]s1 b by ! long-t]m heal? consequ5ces ( eat+ ! food4 ,if physical heal? deg5]ates1 is ma9ta9$1 or is improv$ we h measur$ ! soil's true wor?4 ,! te*nical "n = ?is idea is a biological assay4 ,evaluat+ soil f]tility by biological assay is a v radical /ep1 = connect+ long-t]m *anges 9 heal? ) ! nutritional cont5t ( food & !n ) soil managem5t practices invalidates a c5tral t5et ( indu/rial f>m+3 t bulk yield is ! ultimate measure ( success or failure4 ,z ,newman ,turn]1 an ,engli% dairy f>m] & disciple ( ,sir ,alb]t ,h[>d1 put x3 ,! or?odox sci5ti/ normally measures ! f]tility ( a soil by its bulk yield1 ) no relation to effect on ! ultimate consum]4 ,i h se5 cattle sl[ly lose condition & fall 9 milk yield :5 f$ entirely on ! abundant produce ( an app>5tly f]tile soil4 ,?\gh ! soil 0 capable ( yield+ heavy crops1 ^? crops 7 n adequate 9 !mselves to ma9ta9 body weight & milk production 9 ! c[1 )\t supplem5ts4 ,t soil1 ?\gh capable ( above-av]age yields1 & by ! or?odox quantitative measure reg>d$ z f]tile1 c\ld n1 by ! m complete measure ( ultimate effect on ! consum]1 be reg>d$ b any?+ b defici5t 9 f]tility4 ,f]tility !re=e1 is ! ability to produce at ! highe/ recogniz$ level ( yield1 crops ( quality :i*1 :5 consum$ ov] long p]iods by animals or man1 enable !m to su/a9 heal?1 bodily condition & high level ( production )\t evid5ce ( disease or defici5cy ( any k9d4 ,f]tility _c be measur$ quantitatively4 ,any measure ( soil f]tility mu/ be relat$ to ! quality ( its produce4 4 4 4 ! mo/ simple measure ( soil f]tility is its ability to transmit1 ?r\gh its produce1 f]tility to ! ultimate consum]4 ,h[>d also tells ( creat+ a sup]-heal?y h]d ( "w ox5 on 8 rese>* f>m at ,indore1 ,india4 ,aft] a few ye>s ( meticul\s compo/+ & re/oration ( soil life1 ,h[>d's ox5 gl[$ ) well-be+4 ,z a demon/ration he int5tionally all[$ 8 animals to rub noses across ! f5ce ) neighbor+ ox5 kn[n to be infect$ ) ho( & m\? & o!r cattle plagues4 ,8 animals rema9$ heal?y4 ,i h read s _m simil> acc\nts 9 ! lit]ature ( ! organic f>m+ movem5t t 9 my m9d !re is no d5y+ ! relation%ip betwe5 ! nutritional quality ( plants & ! pres5ce ( organic matt] 9 soil4 ,_m o!r organic g>d5]s rea* ! same conclusion4 ,b mo/ g>d5]s d n und]/& "o critical diff]5ce betwe5 f>m+ & g>d5+3 mo/ agricultural radicals />t f>m+ on run-d[n l& grossly defici5t 9 organic matt]4 ,! plant & animal heal? improvem5ts !y describe come f re/oration ( soil balance1 f approa*+ a climax humus level mu* l ,i've done 9 my pa/ure by no long] remov+ ! grass4 ,b home g>d5]s & m>ket g>d5]s ne> cities are able to get _! h&s on virtually unlimit$ quantities ( organic matt]4 ,enc\rag$ by a mi/ak5 belief t ! m organic matt] ! heal?i]1 !y enri* _! soil f> beyond any natural capacity4 ,(t5 ?is is call$ build+ up ! soil4 ,b increas+ organic matt] 9 g>d5s well above a climax ecology level does n fur!r increase ! nutritional value ( vegetables & 9 _m circum/ances w decrease _! value m>k$ly4 ,= _m ye>s ,i h lectur$ on organic g>d5+ to ! ,ext5sion ,s]vice's ma/] g>d5] classes4 ,"p ( ! ma/] g>d5] tra9+ includes int]pret+ soil te/ results4 ,9 ! e>ly #aihjs :5 ,oregon ,/ate gov]nm5t _h m money1 all ma/] g>d5] tra9ees 7 giv5 a free soil te/ ( _! own g>d54 ,inevitably1 an old] g5tlem5 w\ld come up aft] my lecture & ask my int]pretation ( 8 puzzl+ soil te/4 ,ladies1 please excuse me4 ,lectur+ 9 ?is era ( wom5's lib ,i've brok5 my politically incorrect habit ( say+ ! g>d5]1 he 444 b 9 ?is case x 0 always a man1 an organic g>d5] :o _h be5 build+ up 8 soil = ye>s4 ,! av]age soils 9 our region te/ mod]ately-to /rongly acid2 are l[ 9 nitrog51 phosphorus1 calcium1 & magnesium2 q adequate 9 potassium2 & h #c-d p]c5t organic matt]4 ,mr4 ,organic's soil te/ %[$ an organic matt] cont5t ( #ae to #bj p]c5t ) m ?an adequate nitrog5 & a p,h ( #g4b4 ,h[ev] !re 0 virtually no phosphorus1 calcium or magnesium & f\r times ! am\nt ( potassium t any f>m ag5t w\ld ev] recomm5d4 ,on ! bottom ( ! te/1 always writt5 9 r$ ink1 und]l9$1 ) ?ree exclamation po9ts1 ,no m wood a%es = five ye>s666 ,because s _m p 9 ! ,m>itime nor?we/ heat ) firewood1 ! soil te/] _h mi/ak5ly assum$ t ! soil became alkal9e & develop$ su* a potassium imbalance f heavy applications ( wood a%es4 ,?is puzzl$ g>d5] c\ldn't grasp two ?+s ab\t 8 soil te/ report4 ,"o1 he did n use wood a%es & _h no wood /ove & two1 al?\gh he _h be5 build+ up 8 soil = six or sev5 ye>s1 ! g>d5 did n gr[ z well z he _h imag9$ x w\ld4 ,p]haps y see :y ?is que/ion] 0 always a man4 ,mr4 ,organic own$ a pickup & lov$ to haul organic matt] & to make & spread compo/4 ,8 soil 0 full ( worms & _h a rem>kably high humus level b /ill did n gr[ great crops4 ,x 0 actually worse ?an he und]/ood4 ,plants uptake z mu* potassium z !re is available 9 ! soil1 & conc5trate t potassium 9 _! top gr[?4 ,s :5 vegetation is haul$ 9 & compo/$ or :5 animal manure is import$1 l>ge quantities ( potassium come along ) !m4 ,z w be expla9$ %ortly1 vegetation f =e/$ regions l we/]n ,oregon is ev5 m potassium-ri* & conta9s less ( o!r vital nutri5ts ?an vegetation f o!r areas4 ,by cov]+ 8 soil sev]al in*es ?ick ) manure & compo/ e ye> he _h totally saturat$ ! e>? ) potassium4 ,its cation ex*ange capacity or 9 non-te*nical language1 ! soil's ability to hold o!r nutri5ts _h be5 ov]:elm$ ) potassium & all phosphorus1 calcium1 magnesium1 & o!r nutri5ts _h l>gely be5 wa%$ away by ra94 ,x 0 ev5 worse ?an t6 ,! nutritional quality ( ! vegetables gr[n on t sup]humusy soil 0 v1 v l[ & w\ld h be5 f> high] _h he us$ t9y am\nts ( compo/ &1 horror ( all horrors1 *emical f]tiliz]4 ,climate & ! ,nutritional ,quality ( ,food ,ov] geologic "t spans1 wat] pass+ ?r\gh soil lea*es or removes plant nutri5ts4 ,9 climates :]e !re is b>ely en\gh ra9 to gr[ c]eal crops1 soils reta9 _! m9]als & ! food produc$ !re t5ds to be highly nutriti\s4 ,9 v]dant1 ra9y climates ! soil is lea*$ ( plant nutri5ts & ! food gr[n !re is mu* less nutriti\s4 ,t's :y ! great heal?y h]ds ( animals 7 f\nd on scrubby1 semi-arid grassl&s l ! ,am]ican prairies2 9 comp>ison1 lu% =e/s c>ry f> l[] quantities ( animal biomass4 ,"s plant nutri5ts are mu* m easily lea*$ out ?an o!rs4 ,! fir/ valuable m9]al to g is calcium4 ,semi-arid soils usually /ill reta9 l>ge quantities ( calcium4 ,! nutri5t mo/ resi/ant to lea*+ is potassium4 ,lea*$ out =e/ soils usually /ill reta9 relatively l>ge am\nts ( potassium4 ,william ,albre*t obs]v$ ?is data & connect$ ) x a numb] ( fairly obvi\s & vital *anges 9 plant nutritional qualities t are caus$ by ^! diff]5ces 9 soil f]tility4 ,h[ev] obvi\s !y may be1 ,albre*t's "w 0 n consid]$ politically correct by 8 pe]s or ! int]e/ gr\ps t support$ agricultural rese>* dur+ ! mid-tw5tie? c5tury & 8 contributions h be5 l>gely ignor$4 ,worse1 8 ideas did n q fit ) ! ideological preconceptions ( ,j4l4 ,rodale1 s organic g>d5]s & f>m]s are also ignorant ( ,albre*t's wisdom4 ,albre*t w\ld probably h approv$ ( ! foll[+ *>t t expresses ! ess5tial qualities ( dryl& & humid soils4 ,soil ,m9]al ,cont5t by ,climate ,area ,plant ,nutri5t ,dryl& ,prairie ,soil ,humid ,=e/ ,soil nitrog5 high l[ phosphorus high l[ potassium high mod]ately high calcium v high l[ p,h neutral acid ,dryl& soils conta9 f> high] levels ( all m9]als ?an lea*$ soils4 ,b ,albre*t speculat$ t ! key diff]5ce betwe5 ^! soils is ! ratio ( calcium to potassium4 ,9 dryl& soils !re is mu* m calcium 9 ! soil ?an !re is potassium :ile 9 wett] soils !re is z mu* or m potassium ?an calcium4 ,to te/ 8 !ory he grew "s soybeans 9 pots4 ,"o pot _h soil ) a high am\nt ( calcium relative to ! am\nt ( potassium1 imitat+ dryl& prairie soil4 ,! o!r pot _h j z mu* calcium b _h m potassium1 giv+ x a ratio simil> to a high quality f>m soil 9 ! ea/]n ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,bo? soils grew good-look+ samples ( soybean plants1 b :5 !y 7 analyz$ = nutritional cont5t !y prov$ to be q diff]5t4 ,soil ,yield ,calories ,prote9 ,calcium ,phosphorus ,potassium ,humid #ag4h gm ,high #ac #j4bg #j4ad #b4ae ,dryl& #ad4g gm ,m$ium #ag #j4gd #j4be #a4ja ,! potassium-=tifi$ soil gave a #be p]c5t high] bulk yield b ! soybeans conta9$ #be p]c5t less prote94 ,! consum] ( ^? plants w\ld h to burn (f approximately #cj p]c5t m c>bohydrates to obta9 ! same am\nt ( vital am9o acids ess5tial to all bodily functions4 ,wet-soil plants also conta9 only "o-?ird z mu* calcium1 an ess5tial nutri5t1 ^: lack ov] sev]al g5]ations causes gradual r$uction ( skeletal size & d5tal det]ioration4 ,!y also conta9 only half z mu* phosphorus1 ano!r ess5tial nutri5t4 ,_! ov]supply ( potassium is n ne$$2 humans eat+ balanc$ diets usually excrete l>ge quantities ( unnecess>y potassium 9 _! ur9e4 ,albre*t !n analyz$ doz5s ( samples ( vegetation t came f bo? dryl& soils & humid soils & notic$ diff]5ces 9 !m simil> to ! soybeans gr[n "u controll$ conditions4 ,! next *>t1 %[+ ! av]age composition ( plant vegetation f ! two diff]5t regions1 is tak5 directly f ,albre*t's rese>*4 ,! figures are av]ages ( l>ge numb]s ( plant samples1 includ+ _m diff]5t food crops f ea* climate4 ,av]age ,nutritional ,cont5t by ,climate ,nutri5t ,dryl& ,soil ,humid ,soil ,potassium #b4dd #a4bg ,calcium #a4ib #j4bh ,phosphorus #j4gh #j4db ,total m9]al nutrition #e4ad #a4ig ,ratio ( ,potassium to ,calciuim #a4bj_/a #d4ej_/a ,analyz$ z a :ole1 ^! data tell u a great deal ab\t h[ we %\ld manage our soil to produce ! mo/ nutriti\s food & ab\t ! judici\s use ( compo/ 9 ! g>d5 z well4 ,i ask y to ref] back to ^! ?ree small *>ts z ,i po9t out a numb] ( conclusions t c be drawn f !m4 ,! basic nutritional problem t all animals h is n ab\t f9d+ en]gy food1 b h[ to intake en\gh vitam9s1 m9]als & usable prote9s4 ,:at limits our ability to intake nutri5ts is ! am\nt ( bulk we c process--or ! numb] ( calories 9 ! food4 ,) c[s1 = example1 bulk is ! limit]4 ,! c[ w completely fill h] dige/ive tract at all times & w process all ! vegetation %e c dige/ e day ( h] life4 ,h] heal? dep5ds on ! am\nt ( nutrition 9 t bulk4 ,) humans1 our mod]n life/yle limits mo/ ( u to consum+ #a1ejj to #a1hjj calories a day4 ,our heal? dep5ds on ! am\nt ( nutri5ts com+ along ) ^? calories4 ,s ,i write ! fundam5tal equation = human heal? z foll[s3 ,,heal? ,,nutrition ,,9 ,,food ,,divid$ ,,by ,,calories ,,9 ,,t ,,food ,if ! food t we eat conta9s all ( ! nutri5ts t food c\ld possibly conta91 & 9 ! "r ratios1 !n we w get suffici5t nutrition :ile consum+ ! calories we ne$ to supply en]gy4 ,h[ev]1 to ! degree t our diet conta9s d5atur$ food supply+ too mu* en]gy1 we w be lack+ nutrition & our bodies w suff] gradual deg5]ation4 ,?is is :y foods su* z sug> & fat are less heal?ful because !y are conc5trat$ s\rces ( en]gy t conta9 little or no nutrition4 ,nutritionless food also contributes to hidd5 hung]s s9ce ! organism craves some?+ t is miss+4 ,! body ov]eats1 & becomes fat & unheal?y4 ,albre*t's *>ts %[ u t food f dry climates t5ds to be high 9 prote9s & ess5tial m9]als :ile simultane\sly l[] 9 calories4 ,food f wet climates t5ds to be high] 9 calories :ile mu* l[] 9 prote9 & ess5tial m9]al nutri5ts4 ,albre*t's writ+s1 z well z ^? ( ,we/on ,price1 & ,sir ,rob]t ,mc,carrison li/$ 9 ! bibliography1 are full ( examples %[+ h[ human heal? & longevity are directly associat$ ) ^! same v>iations 9 climate1 soil1 & food nutrition4 ,albre*t po9t$ out a cle> example ( soil f]tility caus+ heal? or sickness4 ,9 #aidj1 :5 ,am]ica 0 prep>+ = ,_w ,w> ,,ii1 all eligible m5 7 call$ 9 = a physical exam9ation to det]m9e fitness = milit>y s]vice4 ,at t "t1 ,am]icans did n eat ! same way we d n[4 ,food 0 produc$ & di/ribut$ locally4 ,bread 0 mill$ f local fl\r4 ,meat & milk came f local f>m]s4 ,vegetables & potatoes did n all come f ,cali=nia4 ,regional diff]5ces 9 soil f]tility c\ld be se5 reflect$ 9 ! heal? ( p4 ,albre*t's /ate1 ,miss\ri1 is divid$ into a numb] ( di/9ct ra9fall regions4 ,! nor?we/]n "p is grassy prairie & receives mu* less moi/ure ?an ! humid1 =e/$ s\!a/]n section4 ,if soil te/s 7 comp>$ across a diagonal l9e drawn f ! nor?we/ to ! s\!a/1 !y w\ld exactly mimic ! climate-caus$ m9]al pr(ile diff]5ces ,albre*t _h id5tifi$4 ,n unexpect$ly1 #bjj "y m5 p] #a1jjj draftees 7 m$ically unfit = milit>y s]vice f ! nor?we/ "p ( ,miss\ri :ile #djj p] #a1jjj 7 unfit f ! s\!a/]n "p4 ,& #cjj p] #a1jjj 7 unfit f ! c5t] ( ! /ate4 ,ano!r int]e/+1 & r fright5+1 conclusion c be drawn f ! second *>t4 ,please notice t by increas+ ! am\nt ( potassium 9 ! pott+ soil1 ,albre*t increas$ ! ov]all yield by #be p]c5t :ile simultane\sly l[]+ all ( ! o!r significant nutritional aspects4 ,mo/ ( ?is increase ( yield 0 9 ! =m ( c>bohydrates1 t 9 a food crops equates to calories4 ,agronomi/s also "k t add+ potassium f]tiliz] greatly & inexp5sively increases yield4 ,s ,am]ican f>m soils are r\t9ely dos$ ) potassium f]tiliz]1 increas+ bulk yield & pr(its )\t consid]ation = nutrition1 or = ! ultimate co/s 9 public heal?4 ,organic f>m]s (t5 d n und]/& ?is aspect ( plant nutrition ei!r & may use organic =ms ( potassium to increase _! yields & pr(its4 ,buy+ organically gr[n food is no gu>antee t x conta9s ! ultimate 9 nutrition4 ,s1 if heal? comes f pay+ att5tion to ! ratio ( nutrition to calories 9 our food1 !n z g>d5]s :o are 9 *>ge ( creat+ a significant am\nt ( our own fodd]1 we c take t equation a /ep fur!r3 ,,heal? ,nutrition_/,calories ,calcium_/,potassium ,:5 we decide h[ to manage our g>d5s we c take /eps to imitate dryl& soils by keep+ potassium levels l[] :ile ma9ta9+ high] levels ( calcium4 ,n[ take ano!r close look at ! ?ird *>t4 ,av]age vegetation f dryl& soils conta9s slightly m potassium ?an calcium 7#a4b3a7 :ile av]age vegetation f wetl& soils conta9s _m m times m potassium ?an calcium 7#d4e3a74 ,:5 we import manure or vegetation into our g>d5 or f>m soils we are add+ l>ge quantities ( potassium4 ,^? ( u liv+ 9 ra9y climates t 7 naturally =e/$ h x mu* worse 9 ?is respect ?an ^? ( u g>d5+ on ! prairies or gr[+ irrigat$ g>d5s 9 des]t climates because ! v vegetation & manure we use to build up our g>d5s conta9s mu* m potassium :ile mo/ ( our soils already conta9 all we ne$ & !n "s4 ,x %\ld be cle> to y n[ :y "s organic g>d5]s receive ! soil te/s l ! man at my lecture4 ,ev5 ! soil te/]1 al?\gh sci5tifically tra9$ & univ]sity educat$1 did n appreciate ! actual s\rce ( ! potassium ov]dose4 ,! te/] conclud$ x mu/ h be5 wood a%es :5 actually ! potassium came f organic matt] itself4 ,i conclude t organic matt] is some:at dang]\s /uff ^: use %\ld be limit$ to ! am\nt ne$$ to ma9ta9 basic soil til? & a heal?y1 complex soil ecology4 ,f]tiliz+ ,g>d5s ,organically ,sci5ti/s analyz+ ! connections betwe5 soil f]tility & ! nutritional value ( crops h repeat$ly rem>k$ t ! be/ crops are gr[n ) compo/ & f]tiliz]4 ,n f]tiliz] alone & n compo/ alone4 ,! be/ place = g>d5]s to see ^! data is ,w]n] ,s*upan's book 7li/$ 9 ! bibliography74 ,b say ! ^w f]tiliz] to an organic g>d5] & y'll usually raise _! hackles4 ,actually !re is no direct l9kage ( ! words f]tiliz] & *emical4 ,a f]tiliz] is any conc5trat$ plant nutri5t s\rce t rapidly becomes available 9 ! soil4 ,9 my op9ion1 *emicals are ! poore/ f]tiliz]s2 organic f]tiliz]s are f> sup]ior4 ,! v fir/ f]tiliz] sold widely 9 ! indu/rial _w 0 guano4 ,x is ! naturally sun-dri$ dropp+s ( ne/+ sea birds t accumulates 9 ?ick lay]s on rocky isl&s (f ! coa/ ( ,s\? ,am]ica4 ,guano is a pot5t nutri5t s\rce simil> to dri$ *ick5 manure1 conta9+ l>ge quantities ( nitrog51 fair am\nts ( phosphorus1 & small] quantities ( potassium4 ,guano is m pot5t ?an any o!r manure because sea birds eat ocean fi%1 a v high prote9 & highly m9]aliz$ food4 ,o!r pot5t organic f]tiliz]s include se$ meals2 pure1 dri$ *ick5 manure2 slaught]h\se wa/es2 dri$ kelp & o!r seawe$s2 & fi% meal4 ,composition ( ,organic ,f]tiliz]s ,mat]ial ,nitrog5 ,phos4 ,potassium ,alfalfa meal #b4e #j4e #b4a ,bone meal 7raw7 #c4e #ba4j #j4b ,bone meal 7/eam$7 #b4j #ba4j #j4b ,*ick5 manure 7pure1 fre%7 #b4f #a4be #j4ge ,cottonse$ meal #g4j #c4j #b4j ,blood meal #ab4j #c4j -- ,fi% meal #h4j #g4j -- ,gre5s& -- #a4e #g4j ,ho( & ,horn #ab4e #b4j -- ,kelp meal #a4e #j4ge #d4i ,peanut meal #c4f #j4g #j4e ,tankage #aa4j #e4j -- ,gr[+ mo/ types ( vegetables requires build+ a level ( soil f]tility t is mu* high] ?an requir$ by field crops l c]eals1 soybeans1 cotton & sunfl[]s4 ,field crops c be acceptably productive on ord9>y soils )\t f]tilization4 ,h[ev]1 because we h manag$ our f>m soils z depreciat+ indu/rial assets r ?an z relatively immortal liv+ bodies1 _! ability to deliv] plant nutri5ts has decl9$ & ! av]age f>m] usually mu/ add additional nutri5ts 9 ! =m ( conc5trat$1 rapidly-releas+ f]tiliz]s if !y are go+ to gr[ a pr(itable crop4 ,vegetables are mu* m dem&+ ?an field crops4 ,!y h long be5 adapt$ to gr[+ on pot5t compo/s or /rong manures l fre% horse manure or *ick5 manure4 ,plant$ & n\ri%$ l :eat1 mo/ w\ld refuse to gr[ or if !y did survive 9 a :eat field1 vegetables w\ld n produce ! succul5t1 t5d] p>ts we consid] valuable4 ,build+ high] ?an normal levels ( plant nutri5ts c be done ) l>ge additions ( pot5t compo/ & manure4 ,9 semi-arid p>ts ( ! c\ntry :]e vegetation holds a b5eficial ratio ( calcium to potassium food gr[n t way w be q nutriti\s4 ,9 areas ( heavi] ra9fall1 increas+ soil f]tility to vegetable levels is accompli%$ bett] ) f]tiliz]s4 ,! data 9 ! previ\s section gives /rong reasons = _m g>d5]s to limit ! addition ( organic matt] 9 soil to a level t ma9ta9s a heal?y soil ecology & acceptable til?4 ,in/ead ( supplem5t+ compo/ ) l[ quality *emical f]tiliz]s1 ,i recomm5d mak+ & us+ a complete organic f]tiliz] mix to increase m9]al f]tility4 ,mak+ & ,us+ ,complete ,organic ,f]tiliz] ,! basic +r$i5ts us$ = mak+ balanc$ organic f]tiliz]s c v>y & :at y decide on w l>gely dep5d on :]e y live4 ,se$ meal usually =ms ! body ( ! bl5d4 ,se$ meals are high 9 nitrog5 & mod]ately ri* 9 phosphorus because plants conc5trate mo/ ( ! phosphorus !y collect dur+ _! entire gr[? cycle into _! se$s to s]ve to give ! next g5]ation a /rong />t4 ,se$ meals conta9 l[ b m ?an adequate am\nts ( potassium4 ,! fir/ m9]al to be remov$ by lea*+ is calcium4 ,add+ lime c make all ! diff]5ce 9 wet soils4 ,dolomite lime also adds magnesium & is ! pref]able =m ( lime to use 9 a f]tiliz] bl5d on mo/ soils4 ,gypsum c\ld be sub/itut$ = lime 9 arid areas :]e ! soils are naturally alkal9e b /ill may b5efit f additional calcium4 ,kelp meal conta9s valuable trace m9]als4 ,if ,i 7 %ort ( money1 fir/ ,i'd elim9ate ! kelp meal1 !n ! phosphate s\rce4 ,all +r$i5ts go+ into ?is =mula are measur$ by volume & ! measurem5ts c be v r\gh3 by sack1 by scoop1 or by c(fee c4 ,y c keep ! +r$i5ts sep>at$ & mix f]tiliz] by ! bucketful z ne$$ or y c dump ! cont5ts ( half a doz5 assort$ sacks out on a concrete sidewalk or driveway & bl5d !m ) a %ovel & !n /ore ! mixture 9 g>bage cans or ev5 9 ! orig9al sacks ! +r$i5ts came 94 ,?is is my =mula4 #d p>ts by volume3 ,any se$ meal su* z cottonse$ meal1 soybean meal1 sunfl[] meal1 canola meal1 l9se$ meal1 saffl[]1 peanut meal or coconut meal4 ,g>d5]s ) deep pocketbooks & ins5sitive noses c also fi% meal4 ,g>d5]s )\t veget>ian scruples may use meat meal1 tankage1 lea!r du/1 fea!r meal or o!r slaught]h\se wa/e4 #a "p by volume3 ,bone meal or rock phosphate #a "p by volume3 ,lime1 pref]ably dolomite on mo/ soils4 7,soils d]iv$ f s]p5t9e rock conta9 almo/ toxic levels ( magnesium & %\ld n receive dolomite4 ,alkal9e soils may /ill b5efit f additional calcium & %\ld get gypsum in/ead ( ord9>y lime47 #a_/b "p by volume3 kelp meal or o!r dri$ seawe$4 ,to use ?is f]tiliz]1 broadca/ & "w 9 ab\t "o gallon p] ea* #ajj squ>e feet ( gr[+ b$ or #ej feet ( r[4 ,?is is en\gh = all l[-dem& vegetables l c>rots1 beans & peas4 ,= m ne$y species1 bl5d an additional h&ful or two into ab\t a gallon ( soil bel[ ! transplants or 9 ! hill4 ,if plant+ 9 r[s1 cut a deep furr[1 spr9kle 9 ab\t "o p9t ( f]tiliz] p] #aj-ae r[ feet1 cov] ! f]tiliz] ) soil & !n cut ano!r furr[ to s[ ! se$s 9 ab\t two in*es away4 ,locat+ conc5trations ( nutrition close to se$s or se$l+s is call$ b&+4 ,i h a ?ick file ( lett]s ?ank+ me = sugge/+ ! use ( ?is f]tiliz] bl5d4 ,if y've be5 build+ up y\r soil = ye>s1 or if y\r vegetables nev] seem to gr[ z l>ge or lu/ily z y imag9e !y %\ld1 ,i /rongly sugge/ y exp]im5t ) a small bat* ( ?is mixture4 ,w\ldn't y l heads ( broccoli t 7 #h-ab in*es 9 diamet]8 ,or zuc*9i plants t didn't quit yield+8 ,,*apt] ,,n9e ,mak+ ,sup]ior ,compo/ ,! pot5cy ( compo/s c v>y greatly4 ,mo/ municipal solid wa/e compo/ has a high c>bon to nitrog5 ratio & :5 till$ into soil tempor>ily provokes ! opposite ( a good gr[? response until soil animals & microorganisms consume mo/ ( ! undige/$ pap]4 ,b if l[-grade compo/ is us$ z a surface mul* on ornam5tals1 ! results are usually q satisfactory ev5 if unspectacul>4 ,if ! aim ( y\r own compo/+ is to conv5i5tly dispose ( y>d wa/e & kit*5 g>bage1 ! in=mation 9 ! fir/ half ( ! book is all y ne$ to "k4 ,if y ne$ compo/ to make some?+ t dep5dably ,,gr[s plants l x 0 f]tiliz]1 !n ?is *apt] is = y4 ,a ,little ,hi/ory ,be=e ! tw5tie? c5tury1 ! f]tiliz]s m>ket g>d5]s us$ 7 pot5t manures & compo/s4 ,! vegetable g>d5s ( c\ntry folk also receiv$ ! be/ manures & compo/s available :ile ! field crops got ! re/4 ,s ,i've le>n$ a great deal f old f>m+ & m>ket g>d5+ lit]ature ab\t us+ animal manures4 ,9 previ\s c5turies1 f>m]s classifi$ manures by type & purity4 ,!re 0 long & %ort manure1 & !n1 !re 0 ! supreme plant gr[? /imulant1 *ick5 manure4 ,*ick5 manure 0 always highly priz$ b usually 9 %ort supply because pre9du/rial f[l w]5't cag$ 9 factories or p]man5tly lock$ 9 h5 h\ses & f$ sci5tifically =mulat$ mixes4 ,! *ick5 bre$ ( t era 0 usually "s type ( bantam1 half-wild1 broody1 protective ( *icks1 & capable ( =ag+4 ,a typical pre-#aijj small-scale *ick5 managem5t sy/em 0 to all[ ! flock free access to hunt _! own meals 9 ! b>ny>d & or*>d1 lur+ !m into ! coop at dusk ) a bit ( gra9 :]e !y 7 protect$ f pr$ators :ile sleep+ helplessly4 ,"s manure 0 collect$ f ! h5 h\se b mo/ ( x 0 dropp$ :]e x c\ld n be ga!r$4 ,! daily egg hunt 0 wor? x because1 be=e ! era ( pe/icides1 hav+ *ick5s range ?r\gh ! or*>d greatly r$uc$ problems ) insects 9 fruit4 ,! high pot5cy ( *ick5 manure d]ives f ! *ick5s' l[ ,c_/,n diet3 worms1 insects1 t5d] %oots ( new grass1 & o!r prote9ace\s "y gre5s & se$s4 ,tw5tie?-c5tury *ick5s liv+ 9 egg & meat factories mu/ /ill be f$ l[ ,c_/,n foods1 prim>ily gra9s1 & _! manure is /ill pot5t4 ,b anyone :o has savor$ real free-range eggs ) deep orange yokes f *ick5s on a prop] diet _c be happy ) :at passes = eggs ^! days4 ,f]tiliz+ ) pure *ick5 manure is n v diff]5t ?an us+ gr\nd c]eal gra9s or se$ meals4 ,x is s conc5trat$ t x might burn plant leaves l *emical f]tiliz] does & mu/ be appli$ sp>+ly to soil4 ,x provokes a m>k$ & vigor\s gr[? response4 ,two or ?ree gallons ( dry1 pure fre% *ick5 manure are suffici5t nutrition to ,,gr[ ab\t #ajj squ>e feet ( vegetables 9 rais$ b$s to ! maximum4 ,exclusively incorporat+ pure *ick5 manure into a vegetable g>d5 also results 9 rapid humus loss1 j z ?\gh *emical f]tiliz]s 7 us$4 ,any f]tiliz+ sub/ance ) a ,c_/,n bel[ t ( /abiliz$ humus1 be x a *emical or a natural sub/ance1 accel]ates ! decl9e 9 soil organic matt]4 ,t is because nitrate nitrog51 ! key to con/ruct+ all prote91 is usually ! ma9 factor limit+ ! population ( soil microorganisms4 ,:5 ! nitrate level ( soil is significantly increas$1 microbe populations increase proportionately & proce$s to eat organic matt] at an accel]at$ rate4 ,t is :y small am\nts ( *emical f]tiliz] appli$ to soil t /ill conta9s a reasonable am\nt ( humus has su* a p[]ful effect4 ,n only does ! f]tiliz] itself /imulate ! gr[? ( plants1 b f]tiliz] increases ! microbial population4 ,m microbes accel]ate ! breakd[n ( humus & ev5 m plant nutri5ts are releas$ z organic matt] decays4 ,& t is :y holi/ic f>m]s & g>d5]s mi/ak5ly criticize *emical f]tiliz]s z be+ directly de/ructive ( soil microbes4 ,actually1 all f]tiliz]s1 *emical or organic1 indirectly h>m soil life1 fir/ increas+ _! populations to unsu/a9able levels t drop (f m>k$ly once en\gh organic matt] has be5 eat54 ,unless1 ( c\rse1 ! organic matt] is replac$4 ,*ick5 manure compo/ is ano!r matt]4 ,mix ! pure manure ) /raw1 sawdu/1 or o!r b$d+1 compo/ x &1 dep5d+ on ! am\nt & quantity ( b$d+ us$ & ! "t all[$ = decomposition to occur1 ! resultant ,c_/,n w be ar\nd #ab3a or above4 ,any rip5$ compo/ ar\nd #ab3a /ill w ,,gr[ plants beautifully4 ,p]=mance drops (f z ! ,c_/,n increases4 ,s9ce *ick5 manure 0 sc>ce1 mo/ pre-tw5tie? c5tury m>ket g>d5]s dep5d$ on seem+ly unlimit$ supplies ( %ort manure1 g5]ally f horses4 ,! diff]5ce betwe5 ! long & ! %ort manure 0 b$d+4 ,long manure conta9$ /raw f ! /all :ile %ort manure 0 pure /reet sweep+s )\t adult]ants4 ,hopefully1 ! /raw portion ( long manure _h absorb$ a quantity ( ur9e4 ,p ( t era knew ! f9e po9ts ( hay quality z well z p today "k _! gasol9e4 ,horses expect$ to d a day's "w 7 f$ on grass or grass_/clov] mixes t _h be5 cut & dri$ :ile !y /ill _h a high prote9 cont5t4 ,leafy hay 0 highly priz$ :ile hay t ^u close inspection reveal$ lots ( /ems & se$ heads w\ld be reject$ by a sm>t buy]4 ,! work+ horse's diet 0 supplem5t$ ) a daily ration ( gra94 ,consequ5tly1 uncompo/$ fre% %ort manure probably />t$ out ) a ,c_/,n ar\nd #ae3a4 ,h[ev]1 don't c\nt on any?+ t good f horses ^! days4 ,mo/ horses ar5't work$ daily s _! fodd] is (t5 poor4 ,judg+ f ! /emmy1 cut-too-late grass hay our local horses h to try to survive on1 if ,i c\ld f9d b$d+-free horse manure x w\ld probably h a ,c_/,n m l #bj3a4 ,manure f physically fit ?or\ghbr$ race horses is probably excell5t4 ,us+ fre% horse manure 9 soil gave _m vegetables a h>% flavor s x 0 fir/ compo/$ by mix+ 9 "s soil 7a good idea because o!rwise a great deal ( ammonia w\ld escape ! heap74 ,m>ket g>d5]s rais+ highly dem&+ crops l caulifl[] & cel]y am5d$ compo/$ %ort manure by ! in*es-?ick lay]4 ,less] nutri5t-dem&+ crops l snap beans1 lettuce1 & roots foll[$ ^! int5sively f]tiliz$ vegetables )\t fur!r compo/4 ,long manures conta9+ lots ( /raw 7 consid]$ useful only = field crops or root vegetables4 ,wise f>m]s cons]v$ ! nitrog5 & promptly compo/$ long manures4 ,aft] heat+ & turn+ ! result+ ,c_/,n w\ld probably be 9 a little bel[ #bj3a4 ,aft] till+ x 91 a %ort p]iod ( "t 0 all[$ :ile ! soil dige/$ ?is compo/ be=e s[+ se$s4 ,lazy f>m]s spread raw manure load by load z x came f ! b>n & till$ x 9 once ! entire field 0 cov]$4 ,?is easy me?od all[s mu* nitrog5 to escape z ammonia :ile ! manure dries 9 ! sun4 ,comm]cial vegetable gr[]s _h little use = long manure4 ,"o po9t ( ?is brief hi/ory lesson is ,,gigo3 g>bage 91 g>bage out4 ,! f9i%$ compo/ t5ds to h a ,c_/,n t is relat$ to ! +r$i5ts t built ! heap4 ,gr[]s ( vegetables w wisely take note4 ,anyone int]e/$ 9 le>n+ m ab\t pre9du/rial m>ket g>d5+ might ask _! libr>ian to seek out a book call$ ,fr5* ,g>d5+ by ,?omas ,smi?1 publi%$ 9 ,london ab\t #aije4 ,?is fasc9at+ little book 0 writt5 to enc\rage ,briti% m>ket g>d5]s to imitate ! ,p>isian m>ci]1 :o skillfully e>n$ top returns gr[+ out-(-season produce on int5sive1 d\ble-dug rais$ b$s1 (t5 "u glass hot or cold frames4 ,our tr5dy ,am]ican ,biodynamic ,fr5* ,int5sive gurus obta9$ _! inspiration f ,engl& ?r\gh ?is tradition4 ,cur+ ! ,heap ,! easie/ & mo/ sure-fire improv] ( compo/ quality is "t4 ,mak+ a heap ) pr$om9antly l[ ,c_/,n mat]ials inevitably results 9 pot5t compo/ if nitrate loss is kept to a m9imum4 ,b ! ,c_/,n ( almo/ any compo/ heap1 ev5 "o />t+ ) a high ,c_/,n w ev5tually l[] itself4 ,! key ^w "h is ev5tually4 ,! mo/ dramatic decomposition occurs dur+ ! fir/ few turns :5 ! heap is hot4 ,_m p1 includ+ writ]s ( g>d5 books1 mi/ak5ly ?9k t ! compo/+ ends :5 ! pile cools & ! mat]ial no long] resembles :at made up ! heap4 ,?is is n true4 ,z long z a compo/ heap is kept moi/ & is turn$ occasionally1 x w cont9ue to decompose4 ,cur+ or rip5+ are t]ms us$ to describe :at occurs once heat+ is ov]4 ,a diff]5t ecology ( microorganisms pr$om9ates :ile a heap is rip5+4 ,if ! heap conta9s #e to #aj p]c5t soil1 is kept moi/1 is turn$ occasionally s x /ays a]obic1 & has a complete m9]al balance1 consid]able bact]ial nitrog5 fixation may occur4 ,mo/ g>d5]s are famili> ) ! microbes t nodulate ! roots ( legumes4 ,call$ rhizobia1 ^! bact]ia are capable ( fix+ l>ge quantities ( nitrate nitrog5 9 a %ort am\nt ( "t4 ,rhizobia t5d to be inactive dur+ hot wea!r because ! soil itself is supply+ nitrates f ! breakd[n ( organic matt]4 ,summ] legume crops1 l c[peas & snap beans1 t5d to be net consum]s ( nitrates1 n mak]s ( m nitrates ?an !y c use4 ,consid] ?is :5 y read 9 c>elessly rese>*$ g>d5 books & articles ab\t ! advantages ( int]plant+ legumes ) o!r crops because !y suppos$ly g5]ate nitrates t help _! companions4 ,b dur+ spr+ or fall :5 l[]$ soil temp]atures ret>d decomposition1 rhizobia c manufacture f #hj to #bjj p\nds ( nitrates p] acre4 ,peas1 clov]s1 alfalfa1 vet*es1 & fava beans c all make significant contributions ( nitrate nitrog5 & sm>t f>m]s pref] to gr[ _! nitrog5 by gre5 manur+ legumes4 ,wise f>m]s also "k t ?is nitrate1 ?\gh produc$ 9 root nodules1 is us$ by legumes to gr[ leaf & /em4 ,s ! entire legume mu/ be till$ 9 if any net nitrog5 ga9 is to be realiz$4 ,?is wise practice simultane\sly increases organic matt]4 ,rhizobia are n capable ( be+ active 9 compo/ piles1 b ano!r class ( microbes is4 ,call$ azobact]ia1 ^! free-liv+ soil dwell]s also make nitrate nitrog54 ,_! contribution is n pot5tially z great z rhizobia1 b no special provision mu/ be made to enc\rage azobact]ia o!r ?an ma9ta9+ a dec5t level ( humus = !m to eat1 a balanc$ m9]al supply t includes adequate calcium1 & a soil p,h betwe5 #e4ge & #g4be4 ,a high-yield+ crop ( :eat ne$s #fj-hj p\nds ( nitrates p] acre4 ,corn & mo/ vegetables c use twice t am\nt4 ,azobact]ia c make en\gh = :eat1 ?\gh an av]age nitrate contribution "u good soil conditions might be m l #cj-ej p\nds p] ye>4 ,once a compo/ heap has cool$1 azobact]ia w prolif]ate & beg9 to manufacture significant am\nts ( nitrates1 /eadily l[]+ ! ,c_/,n4 ,& c>bon nev] /ops be+ dige/$1 fur!r dropp+ ! ,c_/,n4 ,! rapid phase ( compo/+ may be ov] 9 a few mon?s1 b rip5+ c be all[$ to g on = _m m mon?s if necess>y4 ,fe$+ unrip5$ compo/ to worms is p]haps ! quicke/ way to l[] ,c_/,n & make a pot5t soil am5dm5t4 ,once ! high heat ( decomposition has pass$ & ! heap is cool+1 x is commonly invad$ by r$worms1 ! same species us$ = v]micompo/+ kit*5 g>bage4 ,^! worms w\ld n be able to eat ! high ,c_/,n mat]ial t w5t into a heap1 b aft] heat+1 ! av]age ,c_/,n has probably dropp$ en\gh to be suitable = !m4 ,! municipal compo/+ op]ation at ,fallbrook1 ,cali=nia makes clev] use ( ?is me?od to produce a small] am\nt ( high-grade product out ( a l>g] quantity ( l[-grade +r$i5ts4 ,mixtures ( sewage sludge & municipal solid wa/e are fir/ compo/$ & aft] cool+1 ! half-done high ,c_/,n compo/ is %all[ly spread out ov] crude worm b$s & kept moi/4 ,m crude compo/ is add$ z ! worms consume ! wa/e1 mu* l a h\sehold worm box4 ,! worm b$s gradually rise4 ,! l[] portion ( ^! m\nds is pure ca/+s :ile ! worm activity /ays clos] to ! surface :]e food is available4 ,:5 ! b$s h gr[n to ab\t ?ree feet tall1 ! surface few in*es conta9+ worms & undige/$ food are scrap$ (f & us$ to =m new v]micompo/+ b$s4 ,! ca/+s bel[ are consid]$ f9i%$ compo/4 ,by laboratory analysis1 ! ca/+s conta9 ?ree or f\r times z mu* nitrog5 z ! crude compo/ be+ f$ to ! worms4 ,! m>ketplace gives an excell5t indicator ( ! diff]5ce betwe5 _! crude compo/ & ! worm ca/s4 ,ev5 ?\gh ,fallbrook is surr\nd$ by l>ge acreages devot$ to citrus or*>ds & r[ crop vegetables1 ! municipality has a difficult "t dispos+ ( ! crude product4 ,b _! v]micompo/ is 9 /rong dem&4 ,sir ,alb]t ,h[>d's ,indore ,me?od ,n9ete5?-c5tury f>m]s & m>ket g>d5]s _h mu* practical k ab\t us+ manures & mak+ compo/s t work$ l f]tiliz]s1 b little 0 kn[n ab\t ! actual microbial process ( compo/+ until our c5tury4 ,z in=mation became available ab\t compo/ ecology1 "o brilliant individual1 ,sir ,alb]t ,h[>d1 incorporat$ ! new sci5ce ( soil microbiology into 8 compo/+ & by pati5t exp]im5t le>n$ h[ to make sup]ior compo/ ,dur+ ! #aibjs1 ,alb]t ,h[>d 0 9 *>ge ( a gov]nm5t rese>* f>m at ,indore1 ,india4 ,at he>t a ,peace ,corps volunte]1 he made ,indore op]ate l a v repres5tative ,indian f>m1 gr[+ all ! ma9 /aples ( ! local agriculture3 cotton1 sug> cane1 & c]eals4 ,! f>m 0 p[]$ by ! same "w ox5 us$ by ! surr\nd+ f>m]s4 ,x w\ld h be5 easy = ,h[>d to demon/rate bett] yields ?r\gh high te*nology by buy+ *emical f]tiliz]s or us+ se$ meal wa/es f oil extraction1 us+ tractors1 & gr[+ new1 high-yield+ v>ieties t c\ld make use ( m int5se soil nutrition4 ,b ^! inputs 7 n af=dable to ! av]age ,indian f>m] & ,h[>d's purpose 0 to (f] g5u9e help to 8 neighbors by demon/rat+ me?ods !y c\ld easily af=d & use4 ,9 ! beg9n+ ( 8 "w at ,indore1 ,h[>d obs]v$ t ! di/rict's soils 7 basically f]tile b l[ 9 organic matt] & nitrog54 ,?is defici5cy seem$ to be due to traditionally wa/eful practices conc]n+ manures & agricultural residues4 ,s ,h[>d began develop+ me?ods to compo/ ! wa/e products ( agriculture1 mak+ en\gh high-quality f]tiliz] to supply ! entire f>m4 ,soon1 ,indore rese>* f>m 0 enjoy+ record yields )\t hav+ insect or disease problems1 & )\t buy+ f]tiliz] or comm]cial se$4 ,m significantly1 ! "w animals1 f$ exclusively on fodd] f ,indore's humus-ri* soil1 become invuln]able to cattle diseases4 ,_! %9+ heal? & f9e condition became ! envy ( ! di/rict4 ,mo/ significant1 ,h[>d cont5d$ t 8 me?od n only cons]v$ ! nitrog5 9 cattle manure & crop wa/e1 n only cons]v$ ! organic matt] ! l& produc$1 b also rais$ ! processes ( ! entire op]ation to an ecological climax ( maximiz$ heal? & production4 ,cons]v+ ! manure & compo/+ ! crop wa/e all[$ him to increase ! soil's organic matt] :i* increas$ ! soil's release ( nutri5ts f rock p>ticles t fur!r increas$ ! production ( biomass :i* all[$ him to make ev5 m compo/ & s on4 ,:at ,i h j describ$ is n surpris+1 x is m]ely a v>iation on good f>m+ t "s humans h kn[n ab\t = mill5nia4 ,:at 0 truly revolution>y 0 ,h[>d's cont5tion ab\t increas+ net nitrates4 ,) g5tle und]/atem5t1 ,h[>d ass]t$ t 8 compo/ 0 g5u9ely sup]ior to any?+ ev] kn[n be=e4 ,indore compo/ _h ^! advantages3 no nitrog5 or organic matt] 0 lo/ f ! f>m ?r\gh mi%&l+ ( agricultural wa/es2 ! humus level ( ! f>m's soils increas$ to a maximum su/a9able level2 &1 ! am\nt ( nitrate nitrog5 9 ! f9i%$ compo/ 0 high] ?an ! total am\nt ( nitrog5 conta9$ 9 ! mat]ials t =m$ ! heap4 ,indore compo/ result$ 9 a net ga9 ( nitrate nitrog54 ,! compo/ factory 0 also a biological nitrate factory4 ,h[>d publi%$ details ( ! ,indore me?od 9 #aica 9 a slim book call$ ,! ,wa/e ,products ( ,agriculture4 ,! widely read book br\ght him invitations to visit plantations ?r\gh\t ! ,briti% ,empire4 ,x prompt$ f>m]s _w-wide to make compo/ by ! ,indore me?od4 ,travel1 contacts1 & new aw>5ess ( ! problems ( ,european agriculture 7 responsible = ,h[>d's decision to create an organic f>m+ & g>d5+ movem5t4 ,h[>d repeat$ly w>n$ 9 ,! ,wa/e ,products ( ,agriculture t if ! und]ly+ fundam5tals ( 8 process 7 alt]$1 sup]ior results w\ld n occur4 ,t 0 8 viewpo9t 9 #aica4 ,h[ev]1 humans be+ :at we are1 x does n seem possible = good te*nology to be broadca/ )\t ea* us] try+ to improve & adapt x to _! own situation & und]/&+4 ,by #aidj1 ! t]m lndore compo/ _h become a g5]ic t]m = any k9d ( compo/ made 9 a heap )\t ! use ( *emicals1 mu* z ,rototill] has come to mean any motor-driv5 rot>ytill]4 ,h[>d's #aica conc]ns 7 correct--almo/ all alt]ations ( ! orig9al ,indore sy/em less5$ its value--b ,h[>d ( #aida did n resi/ ?is dilutive tr5d because 9 an era ( *emical f>m+ any compo/ 0 bett] ?an no compo/1 any return ( humus bett] ?an none4 ,/ill1 ,i ?9k x is useful to g back to ! ,indore rese>* f>m ( ! #aibjs & to /udy closely h[ ,alb]t ,h[>d once made ! _w's f9e/ compo/1 & to enc\nt] ?is great man's ?\ghts be=e he became a crusad+ ideologue1 dead set aga9/ any use ( agricultural *emicals4 ,a great _m valuable lessons are /ill conta9$ 9 ,! ,wa/e ,products ( ,agriculture4 ,un=tunately1 ev5 ?\gh _m organic g>d5]s are famili> ) ! lat] works ( ,sir ,alb]t ,h[>d ! re=m]1 ,alb]t ,h[>d ! sci5ti/ & rese>*]1 :o wrote ?is book1 is virtually unkn[n today4 ,at ,indore1 all available vegetable mat]ial 0 compo/$1 includ+ manure & b$d+ /raw f ! cattle %$1 unconsum$ crop residues1 fall5 leaves & o!r =e/ wa/es1 we$s1 & gre5 manures gr[n specifically = compo/ mak+4 ,all ( ! ur9e f ! cattle %$-9 ! =m ( ur9e e>?--& all wood a%es f any s\rce on ! f>m 7 also includ$4 ,be+ 9 ! tropics1 compo/ mak+ w5t on ye>-r\nd4 ,( ! result1 ,h[>d /at$ t ,! product is a f9ely divid$ leafm\ld1 ( high nitrify+ p[]1 ready = imm$iate use )\t tempor>ily inhibit+ plant gr[?4 ,! f9e /ate ( division enables ! compo/ to be rapidly incorporat$ & to ex]t its maximum influ5ce on a v l>ge area ( ! int]nal surface ( ! soil4 ,h[>d /ress$ t = ! ,indore me?od to "w reliably ! c>bon to nitrog5 ratio ( ! mat]ial go+ into ! heap mu/ always be 9 ! same range4 ,e "t a heap 0 built ! same assortm5t ( crop wa/es 7 mix$ ) ! same quantities ( fre% manure & ur9e e>?4 ,z ) my bread-bak+ analogy1 ,h[>d insur$ repeatability ( +r$i5ts4 ,any h>d1 woody mat]ials--,h[>d call$ !m refractory--mu/ be ?or\ghly brok5 up be=e compo/+1 o!rwise ! f]m5tation w\ld n be vigor\s1 rapid1 & uni=m ?r\gh\t ! process4 ,?is me*anical s(t5+ up 0 clev]ly accompli%$ )\t p[] equipm5t by spread+ t\gh crop wa/es l c]eal /raw or pigeon pea & cotton /alks out ov] ! f>m roads1 all[+ c>t:eels1 ! ox5s' hooves1 & foot traffic to break !m up4 ,decomposition mu/ be rapid & a]obic1 b n too a]obic4 ,& n too hot4 ,q int5tionally1 ,indore compo/ piles 7 n all[$ to rea* ! highe/ temp]atures t are possible4 ,dur+ ! fir/ heat+ cycle1 peak temp]atures 7 ab\t #adj degree4 ,aft] two weeks1 :5 ! fir/ turn 0 made1 temp]atures _h dropp$ to ab\t #abe degree1 & gradually decl9$ f !re4 ,h[>d clev]ly re/rict$ ! air supply & !rmal mass s z to bank ! fires ( decomposition4 ,?is mod]ation 0 8 key to prev5t+ loss ( nitrog54 ,provisions 7 made to wat] ! heaps z necess>y1 to turn !m sev]al times1 & to use a novel sy/em ( mass inoculation ) ! prop] fungi & bact]ia4 ,i'll %ortly discuss ea* ( ^! subjects 9 detail4 ,h[>d 0 pleas$ t !re 0 no ne$ to accept nitrog5 loss at any /age & t ! rev]se %\ld happ54 ,once ! ,c_/,n _h dropp$ suffici5tly1 ! mat]ial 0 promptly incorporat$ into ! soil :]e nitrate nitrog5 w be be/ pres]v$4 ,b ! soil is n capable ( do+ two jobs at once4 ,x c't dige/ crude organic matt] & simultane\sly nitrify humus4 ,s compo/ mu/ be f9i%$ & completely ripe :5 x 0 till$ 9 s t3 4 4 4 !re mu/ be no s]i\s competition betwe5 ! la/ /ages ( decay ( ! compo/ & ! "w ( ! soil 9 gr[+ ! crop4 ,?is is accompli%$ by c>ry+ ! manufacture ( humus up to ! po9t :5 nitrification is ab\t to beg94 ,9 ?is way ! ,*9ese pr9ciple ( divid+ ! gr[+ ( a crop into two sep>ate processes--7#a7 ! prep>ation ( ! food mat]ials outside ! field1 & 7#b7 ! actual gr[+ ( ! crop-c be introduc$ into g5]al agricultural practice4 ,& because he actually liv$ on a f>m1 ,h[>d especially emphasiz$ t compo/+ mu/ be sanit>y & odorless & t flies mu/ n be all[$ to bre$ 9 ! compo/ or ar\nd ! "w cattle4 ,c\ntry life c be q idyllic--)\t flies4 ,! ,indore ,compo/ ,factory ,at ,indore1 ,h[>d built a cov]$1 op5-sid$1 compo/-mak+ factory t %elt]$ %all[ pits1 ea* #cj feet long by #ad feet wide by #b feet deep ) slop+ sides4 ,! pits 7 suffici5tly spac$ to all[ load$ c>ts to h access to all sides ( any ( !m & a sy/em ( pipes br\ght wat] ne> e "o4 ,! mat]ials to be compo/$ 7 all /or$ adjac5t to ! factory4 ,h[>d's "w ox5 7 conv5i5tly h\s$ 9 ! next build+4 ,soil & ,ur9e ,e>? ,h[>d _h be5 rais$ on an ,engli% f>m & f *ildhood he _h le>n$ ! ways ( "w animals & h[ to make !m com=table4 ,s1 = ! ease ( _! feet1 ! cattle %$ & its atta*$1 ro($ loaf+ p5 _h e>? floors4 ,all soil remov$ f ! silage pits1 du/y sweep+s f ! ?re%+ floors1 & silt f ! irrigation dit*es 7 /or$ ne> ! cattle %$ & us$ to absorb ur9e f ! "w cattle4 ,?is soil 0 spread ab\t six in*es deep 9 ! cattle /alls & loaf+ p54 ,ab\t ?ree times a ye> x 0 scrap$ up & replac$ ) fre% soil1 ! ur9e-saturat$ e>? !n 0 dri$ & /or$ 9 a special cov]$ enclosure to be us$ = mak+ compo/4 ,! pres5ce ( ?is soil 9 ! heap 0 ess5tial4 ,fir/1 ! black soil ( ,indore 0 well-suppli$ ) calcium1 magnesium1 & o!r plant nutri5ts4 ,^! basic elem5ts prev5t$ ! heaps f becom+ ov]ly acid4 ,additionally1 ! clay 9 ! soil 0 uniquely incorporat$ into ! heap s t x coat$ ev]y?+4 ,clay has a /rong ability to absorb ammonia1 prev5t+ nitrog5 loss4 ,a clay coat+ also holds moi/ure4 ,)\t soil1 an ev5 & vigor\s mycelial gr[? is nev] quickly obta9$4 ,h[>d said ! fungi are ! /orm troops ( ! compo/+ process1 & mu/ be furni%$ ) all ! armam5t !y ne$4 ,crop ,wa/es ,crop wa/es 7 protect$ f moi/ure1 /or$ dry "u cov] ne> ! compo/ factory4 ,gre5 mat]ials 7 fir/ )]$ 9 ! sun = a few days be=e /orage4 ,refractory mat]ials 7 spread on ! f>m's roads & cru%$ by foot traffic & c>t :eels be=e /ack+4 ,all ^! =ms ( vegetation 7 ?9ly lay]$ z !y 7 receiv$ s t ! dry /orage /acks became ?or\ghly mix$4 ,c>e 0 tak5 to pres]ve ! mix+ by cutt+ v]tical slices out ( ! /acks :5 vegetation 0 tak5 to ! compo/ pits4 ,h[>d said ! av]age ,c_/,n ( ?is mix$ vegetation 0 ab\t #cc3a4 ,e compo/ heap made ye>-r\nd 0 built ) ?is complex assortm5t ( vegetation hav+ ! same prop]ties & ! same ,c_/,n4 ,special prelim9>y treatm5t 0 giv5 to h>d1 woody mat]ials l sug>cane1 millet /umps1 wood %av+s & wa/e pap]4 ,^! 7 fir/ dump$ into an empty compo/ pit1 mix$ ) a little soil1 & kept moi/ until !y s(t5$4 ,or !y might be soak$ 9 wat] = a few days & !n add$ to ! b$d+ "u ! "w cattle4 ,great c>e 0 tak5 :5 h&l+ ! cattle's b$d+ to insure t no flies w\ld bre$ 9 x4 ,manure ,?\gh crop wa/es & ur9e-e>? c\ld be /or$ dry = lat] use1 manure1 ! key +r$i5t ( ,indore compo/1 _h to be us$ fre%4 ,fre% c[ dung conta9s bact]ia f ! c['s rum5 t is ess5tial to ! rapid decomposition ( cellulose & o!r dry vegetation4 ,)\t _! abundant pres5ce compo/+ w\ld n beg9 z rapidly nor proce$ z surely4 ,*>g+ ! ,compo/ ,pits ,e ef=t 0 made to fill a pit to ! brim )9 "o week4 ,if !re wasn't en\gh mat]ial to fill an entire pit )9 "o week1 !n a portion ( "o pit w\ld be fill$ to ! top4 ,to pres]ve good a]ation1 e ef=t 0 made to avoid /epp+ on ! mat]ial :ile fill+ ! pit4 ,z mixtures ( manure & b$d+ 7 br\ght out f ! cattle %$ !y 7 ?9ly lay]$ atop ?9 lay]s ( mix$ vegetation br\ght 9 f ! dri$ res]ves heap$ up adjac5t to ! compo/ factory4 ,ea* lay] 0 ?or\ghly wet d[n ) a clay slurry made ( ?ree +r$i5ts3 wat]1 ur9e-e>?1 & actively decompos+ mat]ial f an adjac5t compo/ pit t _h be5 fill$ ab\t two weeks e>li]4 ,?is insur$ t e p>ticle )9 ! heap 0 moi/ & 0 coat$ ) nitrog5-ri* soil & ! microorganisms ( decomposition4 ,today1 we w\ld call ?is practice mass inoculation4 ,pits ,v]sus ,heaps ,india has two prim>y seasons4 ,mo/ ( ! ye> is hot & dry :ile ! monsoon ra9s come f dune ?r\gh ,septemb]4 ,dur+ ! monsoon1 s mu* wat] falls s cont9u\sly t ! e>? becomes completely saturat$4 ,ev5 ?\gh ! pits 7 "u a ro(1 !y w\ld fill ) wat] dur+ ?is p]iod4 ,s 9 ! monsoon1 compo/ 0 made 9 l[ heaps atop ! gr\nd4 ,comp>$ to ! huge pits1 _! dim5sions 7 small] ?an y w\ld expect3 #g x #g feet at ! top1 #h x #h feet at ! base & no m ?an #b feet high4 ,:5 ! ra9s />t$1 any compo/ be+ complet$ 9 pits 0 transf]r$ to above-gr\nd heaps :5 x 0 turn$4 ,h[>d 0 accompli%+ sev]al ?+s by us+ %all[ pits or l[ b v broad heaps4 ,"o1 !rmal masses 7 r$uc$ s temp]atures c\ld n rea* ! ultimate extremes possible :ile compo/+4 ,! pits 7 bett] ?an heaps because air fl[ 0 fur!r r$uc$1 sl[+ d[n ! f]m5tation1 :ile _! %all[ness /ill p]mitt$ suffici5t a]ation4 ,!re 7 en\gh cov]$ pits to />t a new heap e week4 ,temp]ature ,range 9 ,normal ,pit ,age 9 days ,temp]ature 9 degree ,c #c #fc #d #fj #f #eh #aa #ee #ab #ec #ac #di #ad #di ,fir/ ,turn #ah #di #bj #ea #bb #dh #bd #dg #bi #df ,second ,turn #cg #di #ch #de #dj #dj #dc #ci #eg #ci ,?ird ,turn #fa #da #ff #ci #gf #ch #hb #cf #ij #cc ,p]iod 9 days = ea* fall ( #e;i ,c ,temp]ature ,range ,no4 ( ,days #fe degree-#fj degree #d #fj degree-#ee degree #g #ee degree-#ej degree #a #ej degree-#de degree #be #de degree-#dj degree #b #dj degree-#ce degree #dd #ce degree-#cj degree #ad ,total #ig days ,turn+ ,turn+ ! compo/ 0 done ?ree times3 ,to insure uni=m decomposition1 to re/ore moi/ure & air1 & to supply massive quantities ( ^? types ( microbes ne$$ to take ! compo/+ process to its next /age4 ,! fir/ turn 0 at ab\t sixte5 days4 ,a second mass inoculation equival5t to a few :eelb>r[s full ( #cj day old compo/+ mat]ial 0 tak5 f an adjac5t pit & spread ?9ly ov] ! surface ( ! pit be+ turn$4 ,!n1 "o half ( ! pit 0 dug out ) a manure =k & plac$ atop ! fir/ half4 ,a small quantity ( wat] 0 add$1 if ne$$ to ma9ta9 moi/ure4 ,n[ ! compo/ occupi$ half ! pit1 a space ab\t #ae x #ad & 0 ab\t ?ree feet high1 ris+ out ( ! e>? ab\t "o foot4 ,dur+ ! monsoons :5 heaps 7 us$1 ! above-gr\nd piles 7 also mass inoculat$ & !n turn$ s z to completely mix ! mat]ial1 & z we d today1 plac+ ! outside mat]ial 9 ! core & vice-v]sa4 ,"o mon? aft] />t+1 or ab\t two weeks aft] ! fir/ turn1 ! pit or heap w\ld be turn$ aga94 ,m wat] w\ld be add$4 ,?is "t ! entire mass w\ld be =k$ f "o half ! pit to ! o!r & e ef=t w\ld be made to fluff up ! mat]ial :ile ?or\ghly mix+ x4 ,& a few loads ( mat]ial 7 remov$ to inoculate a #ae-;day-old pit4 ,ano!r mon? w\ld pass1 or ab\t two mon?s aft] />t+1 & = ! ?ird "t ! compo/ w\ld be turn$ & !n all[$ to rip54 ,?is "t ! mat]ial is br\ght out ( ! pit & pil$ atop ! e>? s z to increase a]ation4 ,at ?is late /age !re w\ld be no dang] ( enc\rag+ high temp]atures b ! increas$ oxyg5 facilitat$ nitrog5 fixation4 ,! cont5ts ( sev]al pits might be comb9$ to =m a heap no l>g] ?an #aj x #aj at ! base1 #i x #i on top1 & no m ?an #c-a_/b feet high4 ,aga91 m wat] might be add$4 ,rip5+ w\ld take ab\t "o mon?4 ,h[>d's measurem5ts %[$ t aft] a mon?'s maturation ! f9i%$ compo/ %\ld be us$ )\t delay or preci\s nitrog5 w\ld be lo/4 ,h[ev]1 keep 9 m9d :5 consid]+ ?is brief rip5+ p]iod t ! heap 0 already z pot5t z x c\ld become4 ,h[>d's problem 0 n fur!r improv+ ! ,c_/,n1 x 0 cons]vation ( nitrog54 ,! ,sup]ior ,value ( ,indore ,compo/4 ,h[>d said t f9i%$ ,indore compo/ 0 twice z ri* 9 nitrog5 z ord9>y f>my>d manure & t 8 t>get 0 compo/ ) a ,c_/,n ( #aj3a4 ,s9ce x 0 long manure he 0 ref]r+ to1 let's assume t ! ,c_/,n ( a new heap />t$ at #be3a4 ,! ,c_/,n ( vegetation collect$ dur+ ! ye> is highly v>iable4 ,"y grasses & legumes are v high 9 nitrog51 :ile dri$ /raw f mature plants has a v high ,c_/,n4 ,if compo/ is made cat*-z-cat*-c by us+ mat]ials z !y come available1 !n results w be highly erratic4 ,h[>d _h attempt$ to make compo/s ( s+le vegetable mat]ials l cotton residues1 cane tra%1 we$s1 fre% gre5 sweet clov]1 or ! wa/e ( field peas4 ,^! exp]im5ts 7 always unsatisfactory4 ,s ,h[>d wisely mix$ 8 vegetation1 fir/ )]+ & dry+ gre5 mat]ials by spread+ !m ?9ly 9 ! sun to prev5t _! premature decomposition1 & !n tak+ great c>e to pres]ve a uni=m mixture ( vegetation types :5 *>g+ 8 compo/ pits4 ,?is /rategy c be duplicat$ by ! home g>d5]4 ,h[>d 0 surpris$ to discov] t he c\ld compo/ all ! crop wa/e he _h available ) only half ! ur9e e>? & ab\t "o-qu>t] ( ! ox5 manure he _h available4 ,b fre% manure & ur9e e>? 7 ess5tial4 ,dur+ ! #aibjs a pat5t$ process = mak+ compo/ ) a *emical f]tiliz] call$ ,adco 0 9 vogue & ,h[>d tri$ x4 ,( us+ *emicals he said3 ,! weak po9t ( ,adco is t x does no?+ to ov]come "o ( ! great difficulties 9 compo/+1 namely ! absorption ( moi/ure 9 ! e>ly /ages4 ,9 hot wea!r 9 ,india1 ! ,adco pits lose moi/ure s rapidly t ! f]m5tation /ops1 ! temp]ature becomes unev5 & !n falls4 ,:51 h[ev]1 ur9e e>? & c[-dung are us$1 ! residues become cov]$ ) a ?9 colloidal film1 :i* n only reta9s moi/ure b conta9s comb9$ nitrog5 & m9]als requir$ by ! fungi4 ,?is film enables ! moi/ure to p5etrate ! mass & helps ! fungi to e/abli% !mselves4 ,ano!r disadvantage ( ,adco is t :5 ?is mat]ial is us$ accord+ to ! directions1 ! c>bon-nitrog5 ratio ( ! f9al product is n>r[] ?an ! ideal #aj3a4 ,nitrog5 is almo/ c]ta9 to be lo/ be=e ! crop c make use ( x ,fre% c[ manure conta9s dige/ive enzymes & liv+ bact]ia t specialize 9 cellulose decomposition4 ,hav+ a regul> supply ( ?is mat]ial help$ initiate decomposition )\t delay4 ,contribut+ l>ge quantities ( actively gr[+ microorganisms ?r\gh mass inoculation ) mat]ial f a two-week-old pile also help$4 ,! second mass inoculation at two weeks1 ) mat]ial f a mon?-old heap provid$ a l>ge supply ( ! type ( organisms requir$ :5 ! heap began cool+4 ,city g>d5]s )\t access to fre% manure may comp5sate = ?is lack by imitat+ ,h[>d's mass inoculation te*nique1 />t+ small] am\nts ( compo/ 9 a s]ies ( b9s & mix+ into ea* b9 a bit ( mat]ial f ! "o fur!r along at ea* turn+4 ,! passive backy>d compo/+ conta9] automatically duplicates ?is advantage4 ,x simultane\sly conta9s all decomposition /ages & inoculates ! mat]ial above by contact ) m decompos$ mat]ial bel[4 ,us+ prep>$ inoculants 9 a cont9u\s compo/+ b9 is unnecess>y4 ,city g>d5]s _c readily obta9 ur9e e>?4 ,nor are ,am]ican c\ntry g>d5]s ) live/ock likely to be will+ to d s mu* "w4 ,rememb] t ,h[>d us$ ur9e e>? = ?ree reasons4 ,"o1 x conta9$ a great deal ( nitrog5 & improv$ ! />t+ ,c_/,n ( ! heap4 ,second1 x is ?rifty4 ,ov] half ! nutri5t cont5t ( ! food pass+ ?r\gh cattle is dis*>g$ 9 ! ur9e4 ,b1 equally important1 soil itself 0 b5eficial to ! process4 ,( ?is ,h[>d said1 :]e !re may be insuffici5t dung & ur9e e>? = conv]t+ l>ge quantities ( vegetable wa/es :i* are available1 ! %ortage may be made up by ! use ( nitrate ( soda 4 4 4 ,if su* artificials are employ$1 x w be a great advantage to make use ( soil4 ,i am sure he w\ld h made v simil> comm5ts ab\t add+ soil :5 us+ *ick5 manure1 or organic conc5trates l se$ meals1 z cattle manure sub/itutes4 ,control ( ! air supply is ! mo/ difficult "p ( compo/+4 ,fir/1 ! process mu/ /ay a]obic4 ,t is "o reason t s+le-mat]ial heaps fail because !y t5d to pack too tightly4 ,to facilitate air ex*ange1 ! pits or heaps 7 nev] m ?an two feet deep4 ,:]e air 0 insuffici5t 7?\gh /ill a]obic7 decay is ret>d$ b worse1 a process call$ d5itrification occurs 9 :i* nitrates & ammonia are biologically brok5 d[n into gasses & p]man5tly lo/4 ,too mu* manure & ur9e-e>? c also int]f]e ) a]ation by mak+ ! heap too heavy1 e/abli%+ ana]obic conditions4 ,! *>t illu/rates d5itrification caus$ by insuffici5t a]ation comp>$ to turn+ ! compo/+ process into a biological nitrate factory ) optimum a]ation4 ,mak+ ,indore ,compo/ 9 ,deep & ,%all[ ,pits ,pit #d feet deep ,pit #b feet deep ,am\nt ( mat]ial 7lb4 wet7 9 pit at />t #d1ejj #d1ead ,total nitrog5 7lb7 at />t #ca4be #bi4ab ,total nitrog5 at end #bi4di #cb4cf ,loss or ga9 ( nitrog5 7lb7 -#a4gf #c4bd ,p]c5tage loss or ga9 ( nitrog5 -#f4a #aa4a ,f9ally1 mod]n g>d5]s might reconsid] limit+ temp]ature dur+ compo/+4 ,india is a v w>m climate ) balmy nights mo/ ( ! ye>4 ,heaps two or ?ree feet high w a*ieve an initial temp]ature ( ab\t #ade degree4 ,! pur*ase ( a !rmomet] ) a long probe & a little exp]im5tation w %[ y ! dim5sions t w m-or-less duplicate ,h[>d's temp]ature regimes 9 y\r climate ) y\r mat]ials4 ,inoculants ,h[>d's te*nique ( mass inoculation ) l>ge am\nts ( biologically active mat]ial f old] compo/ heaps spe$s & directs decomposition4 ,x supplies l>ge numb]s ( ! mo/ useful types ( microorganisms s !y dom9ate ! heap's ecology be=e o!r less desirable types c e/abli% significant populations4 ,i c't imag9e h[ sell+ mass inoculants c\ld be turn$ into a bus9ess4 ,b j imag9e t se$+ a new heap ) t9y am\nts ( sup]ior microorganisms c\ld spe$ initial decomposition & result 9 a mu* bett] product4 ,t c\ld be a bus9ess4 ,su* an approa* is n )\t prec$5t4 ,brew]s1 v9tn]s1 & bread mak]s all d t4 ,& ev] s9ce compo/+ became int]e/+ to tw5tie?-c5tury f>m]s & g>d5]s1 entrepr5eurs h be5 concoct+ compo/ />t]s t are int5d$ to be add$ by ! ounce7s7 to ! cubic y>d4 ,unlike ! mass inoculation us$ at ,indore1 ^! inoculants are a t9y population comp>$ to ! microorganisms already pres5t 9 any heap4 ,9 t respect1 inoculat+ compo/ is v diff]5t ?an be]1 w9e1 or bread4 ,) ^! food products !re are few or no microorganisms at ! />t4 ,! inoculant1 small z x might be1 /ill introduces millions ( times m desirable organisms ?an ^? wild types t might already be pres5t4 ,b ! mat]ials be+ assembl$ into a new compo/ heap are already load$ ) microorganism4 ,z :5 mak+ sau]kraut1 :at is ne$$ is pres5t at ! />t4 ,a small packet ( inoculant is n likely to introduce :at is n pres5t anyway4 ,& ! complex ecology ( decomposition w g ?r\gh its inevitable *anges z ! microorganisms respond to v>iations 9 temp]ature1 a]ation1 p,h1 etc4 ,?is is "o area ( controv]sy :]e ,i am com=table seek+ ! advice ( an exp]t4 ,9 ?is case1 ! au?ority is ,cl>5ce ,golueke1 :o p]sonally rese>*$ & develop$ ,u4,c4 fa/ compo/+ 9 ! e>ly #aiejs1 & :o has be5 develop+ municipal compo/+ sy/ems ev] s9ce4 ,! bibliography ( ?is book li/s two useful works by ,golueke4 ,golueke has run comp>ison te/s ( compo/ />t]s ( all sorts because1 9 8 bus9ess1 entrepr5eurs are con/antly attempt+ to sell inoculants to municipal compo/+ op]ations4 ,( ^! v5dors1 ,golueke says ) ?9ly disguis$ contempt3 ,mo/ />t] entrepr5eurs include enzymes :5 li/+ ! +r$i5ts ( _! products4 ,! backgr\nd = ?is inclusion p>allels ! introduction ( purport$ly advanc$ v]sions ( />t]s-i4e41 advanc$ 9 t]ms ( increas$ capacity1 utility & v]satility4 ,?us 9 ! e>ly #aiej's 7:5 ,i made my appe>ance on ! compo/ sc5e71 />t]s 7 prim>ily microbial & ref]5ces to id5tities ( con/itu5t microbes 7 v vague4 ,ref]5ces to enzymes 7 extremely few & f> betwe54 ,z e>ly 7pione]7 rese>*]s began to issue =mal & in=mal reports on microbial gr\ps 7e4g41 act9omycetes7 obs]v$ by !m1 !y also began to conjecture on ! roles ( ^? microbial gr\ps 9 ! compo/ process4 ,! conjectures frequ5tly 7 accompani$ by surmises ab\t ! "p play$ by enzymes4 ,co9cid5tally1 v5dors ( />t]s 9 vogue at ! "t began to claim t _! products includ$ ! newly report$ microbial gr\ps z well z an array ( enzymes4 ,= "s reason1 hormones 7 attract+ att5tion at ! "t1 & s mo/ />t]s 7 suppos$ly lac$ ) hormones4 ,9 "t1 hormones began to disappe> f ! picture1 :]eas enzymes 7 giv5 a bill+ p>allel to t accord$ to ! microbial compon5t4 ,golueke has work$ out me?ods ( te/+ />t]s t elim9ates any r&om effects & conclusively demon/rates _! result4 ,inevitably1 & repeat$ly1 he f\nd t !re 0 no diff]5ce betwe5 us+ a />t] & n us+ "o4 ,& he says1 ,al?\gh anecdotal acc\nts ( success due to ! use ( p>ticul> inoculum are n unusual 9 ! popul> m$ia1 we h yet to come across unqualifi$ acc\nts ( successes 9 ! ref]e$ sci5tific & te*nical lit]ature4 ,i use a v>iation ( mass inoculation :5 mak+ compo/4 ,:ile build+ a new heap1 ,i p]iodically scrape up & toss 9 a few %ovels ( compo/ & soil f :]e ! previ\s pile 0 made4 ,frankly1 if ,i did n d ?is ,i don't ?9k ! result w\ld be any worse4 ,bibliography ,on compo/+ & soil organic matt] ,work%op on ! ,role ( ,e>?worms 9 ! ,/abilization ( ,organic ,residues1 ,vol4 ,i & ,,ii4 ,edit$ by ,m>y ,appelh(4 ,kalamazoo1 ,mi*igan3 ,bee* ,leaf ,press ( ! ,kalamazoo ,nature ,c5t]1 #aiha4 ,if ev] !re 0 a s]i\s inve/igation into ! full range ( ! e>?worm's pot5tial to help ,homo ,sapi5s1 ?is conf]5ce explor$ x4 ,volume ,,ii is ! mo/ complete bibliography ev] assembl$ on ! e>?worm4 ,appelh(1 ,m>y4 ,worms ,eat ,my ,g>bage4 ,kalamazoo1 ,mi*igan3 ,fl[] ,press1 #aihb4 ,a delightful1 slim1 easy read+1 totally positive book t (f]s en?usia/ic enc\ragem5t to take advantage ( v]micompo/+4 ,b>rett1 ,dr4 ,?omas ,j4 ,h>ness+ ! ,e>?worm4 ,bo/on3 ,w$gewood ,press1 #aiei4 ,! ,biocycle ,guide to ! ,art ,sci5ce ( ,compo/+4 ,edit$ by ! ,/aff ( ,biocycle3 ,j\rnal ( ,wa/e ,recycl+4 ,emmaus1 ,p5nsylvania3 ,j4,g4 ,press1 #aiia4 ,! focus ( ?is book is on municipal compo/+ & o!r indu/rial sy/ems4 ,?\gh impr9t$ ,emmaus ?is is n ! ,rodale organization1 b a gr\p t sep>at$ f ,rodale ,press ov] t5 ye>s ago4 includ$ on ! /aff are "s old ,organic ,g>d5+ & ,f>m+ /aff]s f ! #aigjs1 includ+ ,g5e ,logdson & ,j]ome ,gold/e94 ,a major section discuss+ ! biology & ecology ( compo/+ is writt5 by ,cl>5ce ,golueke4 ,!re are articles ab\t v]micompo/+1 ana]obic dige/ion & biogasification1 & num]\s descriptions ( exi/+ facilities4 ,campbell1 ,/u4 ,let ,x ,rot6 ,p[nal1 ,v]mont3 ,/orey ,communications1 ,inc41 #aige4 ,next to my book1 ! be/ 9-pr9t at-home compo/ mak+ guide4 ,d>w91 ,*>les ,r4 ,! ,=mation ( ,vegetable ,m\ld ?r\gh ! ,action ( ,worms ) ,obs]vations on _! ,habits4 ,london3 ,john ,murray ,co41 #ahha4 ,d9dal1 ,daniel ,l4 ,ecology ( ,compo/4 ,syracuse1 ,new ,york3 ,n4,y4 ,/ate ,c\ncil ( ,environm5tal ,advisors & ,,suny ,college ( ,environm5tal ,sci5ce & ,=e/ry1 #aigb4 ,actually1 a little booklet b v useful4 ,golueke1 ,cl>5ce ,g41 ,ph4,d4 ,compo/+3 ,a ,/udy ( ! ,process & its ,pr9ciples4 ,emmaus3 ,rodale ,press1 #aigb4 ,golueke1 writ+ 9 sci5tific says mu* ( :at my book does 9 "o-?ird z _m words t are ?ree times z long4 ,he is ,am]ica's undisput$ au?ority on compo/+4 ,hopk9s1 ,donald ,p4 ,*emicals1 ,humus & ! ,soil4 ,brooklyn3 ,*emical ,publi%+ ,company1 #aidh4 ,any s]i\s organic g>d5] %\ld confront ,donald ,hopk9s' ?\ghtful critique ( ,alb]t ,h[>d's belief sy/em4 ,?is book demoli%es ! notion t *emical f]tiliz]s are intr9sically h>mful to soil life :ile correctly /ress+ ! vital importance ( humus4 ,hopp1 ,h5ry4 ,:at ,e ,g>d5] ,%\ld ,"k ,ab\t ,e>?worms4 ,*>lotte1 ,v]mont3 ,g>d5 ,way ,publi%+ ,company1 #aigc4 ,hopp 0 a _w-recogniz$ exp]t on ! e>?worm4 ,h[>d1 ,alb]t & ,ye%want ,d4 ,wad4 ,! ,wa/e ,products ( ,agriculture3 ,_! ,utilization z ,humus4 ,london3 ,ox=d ,univ]sity ,press1 #aica4 ,_m organic g>d5]s h read ,h[>d's ,an ,agricultural ,te/am5t1 b almo/ none h he>d ( ?is book4 ,x is ! s\rce ( my in=mation ab\t ! orig9al ,indore compo/+ sy/em4 ,an ,agricultural ,te/am5t4 ,london ,new ,york3 ,ox=d ,univ]sity ,press1 #aidj4 ,describes ,h[>d's e>ly crusade to re/ore humus to indu/rial f>m+4 ,! ,soil & ,heal?4 ,new ,york3 ,dev9 ,adair1 #aidg4 ,also publi%$ 9 ,london by ,fab] ,fab]1 titl$ ,f>m+ & ,g>d5+ = ,heal? or ,disease4 ,a full developm5t ( ,h[>d's !me t humus is heal? = plants1 animals & p4 ,h[>d1 ,l\ise ,e4 ,! ,e>?'s ,gre5 ,c>pet4 ,emmaus3 ,rodale ,press1 #aidg4 ,an (t-ov]look$ book by ,h[>d's second wife4 ,?is "o1 slim volume expresses ) elegant & passionate simplicity all ( ! basic beliefs ( ! organic g>d5+ & f>m+ movem5t4 ,see also h] ,alb]t ,h[>d 9 ,india4 ,kevan1 ,d4 ,kei?4 ,soil ,animals4 ,london3 ,h4 ,f4 ,g4 ,)]by ,ltd41 #aifb4 ,soil zoology = o!rwise well-s*ool$ layread]s4 ,k+1 ,f4,h4 ,f>m]s ( ,=ty ,c5turies or ,p]man5t ,agriculture 9 ,*9a1 ,korea & ,japan4 ,emmaus3 ,rodale ,press1 fir/ publi%$ #aiaa4 ,treasur$ by ! organic g>d5+ movem5t = its description ( a long-/&+ & successful agricultural sy/em bas$ completely on compo/+4 ,x is a great travel_/adv5ture book4 ,koepf1 ,h4,h41 ,b4,d4 ,pett]son1 & ,w4 ,%aumann4 ,bio-,dynamic ,agriculture3 ,an ,introduction4 ,spr+ ,valley1 ,new ,york3 ,an?roposophic ,press1 #aigf4 ,a good introduction to ?is philosophical_/my/ical sy/em ( f>m+ & g>d5+ t uses magical compo/ inoculants4 ,krasilnikov1 ,n ,a4 ,soil ,microorganisms & ,high] ,plants4 ,translat$ by ,y4,a4 ,halp]94 ,j]usalem3 ,israel ,program = ,sci5tific ,translations1 #aifa4 ,organic g>d5]s h _m vague beliefs ab\t h[ humus makes plants heal?y4 ,?is book sci5tifically expla9s :y organic matt] 9 soil makes plants heal?y4 ,unlike mo/ translations ( ,russian1 ?is "o is an easy read4 ,kuhnelt1 ,wilhelm4 ,soil ,biology3 ) special ref]5ce to ! animal k+dom4 ,ea/ ,lans+3 ,mi*igan ,/ate ,univ]sity ,press1 #aigf4 ,soil zoology at a level assum+ read]s h univ]sity-level biology1 zoology & microbiology4 ,/ill1 v int]e/+ to well-read lay p]sons :o are n intimidat$ by ,lat9 taxonomy4 ,m9ni*1 ,j]ry4 ,! ,e>?worm ,book3 ,h[ to ,raise & ,use ,e>?worms = ,y\r ,f>m & ,g>d54 ,emmaus3 ,rodale ,press1 #aigg4 ,?is book is a ?or\gh & encyclop$ic survey ( ! subject ,m9ni*1 ,j]ry & ,m>jorie ,hunt4 ,! ,rodale ,guide to ,compo/+4 ,emmaus1 ,p5nsylvania3 ,rodale ,press1 #aigi4 ,a v complete survey ( compo/+ at home1 on ! f>m1 & 9 municipalities4 ,! book has be5 ?r\gh num]\s rewrit+s s9ce ! fir/ edition2 ?is v]sion is ! be/4 ,x is m cohesive & less seem+ l x 0 writt5 by a committee ?an ! v]sion 9 pr9t n[4 ,organic ,g>d5+ & ,f>m+ magaz9e may h be5 at its be/ :5 ,m9ni* 0 a s5ior editor4 ,oliv]1 ,george ,%effield4 ,our ,fri5d ! ,e>?worm4 ,libr>y no4 #bf4 ,emmaus3 ,rodale ,press1 #aide4 ,dur+ ! #aidjs ,rodale ,press issu$ an inexp5sive pamphlet libr>y2 ?is is "o ( ! s]ies4 ,pfeiff]1 ,e4,e4 ,biodynamic ,f>m+ & ,g>d5+4 ,spr+ ,valley1 ,new ,york3 ,an?roposophic ,press1 #aich4 ,po9celot1 ,r4,p4 ,! ,bio*emi/ry & ,me?odology ( ,compo/+4 ,vol4 ,bull4 #gbg4 ,conn4 ,agric4 ,expt4 ,/a41 #aigb4 ,a rigor\s b readable review ( sci5tific lit]ature & kn[n data on compo/+ ?r\gh #aigb includ+ a complete bibliography4 ,russell1 ,sir ,e4 ,john4 ,soil ,conditions & ,plant ,gr[?4 ,eigh? ,ed41 ,new ,york3 ,longmans1 ,gre5 ,co41 #aiej4 ,! be/ soil sci5ce text ,i "k (4 ,avoid ! rec5t 9-pr9t edition t has be5 revis$ by a committee ( curr5t ,briti% agronomi/s4 ,!y enl>g$ ,russell's book & made m cr$ible to academics by mak+ x less compreh5sible to ord9>y p ) good education & intellig5ce ?r\gh ! introduction ( unnecess>y ma!matical models & /ilt$ prose4 x lacks ! human t\* & simpl] explanations ( ,russell's orig9al /atem5ts4 ,s*all]1 ,fri$ri*4 ,soil ,animals4 ,ann ,arbor3 ,univ]sity ( ,mi*igan1 #aifh4 ,soil zoology = ,am]ican read]s )\t ext5sive sci5tific backgr\nd4 ,%al] 0 ,kuhnelt's /ud5t4 ,/\t1 ,ru?4 ,g>d5+ ,)\t ,"w3 ,= ! ,ag+1 ! ,busy & ! ,indol5t4 ,old ,gre5wi*1 ,connecticut3 ,dev9 ,adair1 #aifa4 ,! orig9al /atem5t ( mul* g>d5+4 ,fun to read4 ,h] disciple1 ,ri*>d ,clem5ce1 wrote sev]al books 9 ! late #aigjs t develop ! me?od fur!r4 ,( int]e/ to ! s]i\s food g>d5] ,i h le>n$ f> m f my own self-direct$ /udies ?an my =mal education4 ,f "t to "t ,i get en?usia/ic ab\t "s topic & voraci\sly read ab\t x4 ,:5 ,i />t$ g>d5+ 9 ! e>ly #aigjs l quickly dev\r$ ev]y?+ label$ organic 9 ! local public libr>y & began :at became a t5-ye> subscription to ,organic ,g>d5+ & ,f>m+ magaz9e4 ,dur+ ! e>ly #aihjs ! g>d5 books t ,i wrote all _h ! ^w organic 9 ! title4 ,9 ! late #aihjs my int]e/ turn$ to :at academics might call '! intellectual hi/ory ( radical agriculture4' ,i r]ead ! f\nd]s ( ! organic g>d5+ & f>m+ movem5t1 only to discov] t !y1 l ,m>k ,twa9's fa!r1 _h become f> m intellig5t s9ce l la/ read !m fifte5 ye>s back4 l began to und]/& t "o reason s _m organic g>d5]s misund]/ood ,alb]t ,h[>d 0 t he wrote 9 ,engli%1 n ,am]ican4 l also notic$ t !re 7 o!r relat$ traditions ( agricultural re=m & foll[$ ^! back to _! s\rces4 ,?is rese>* took ov] eighte5 mon?s ( heavy /udy4 l really gave ! int]libr>y loan libr>ian a work\t4 ,h]e) are a few ( ! be/ titles l absorb$ dur+ t rese>*4 l nev] miss an opportunity to help my read]s discov] t old] books 7 writt5 9 an era be=e all intellectuals 7 afflict$ ) lifelong insecurity caus$ by cr++ f an imag9>y critical & natt]y college pr(essor /&+ ov] _! %\ld]4 ,old] books are (t5 f> bett] ?an new ones1 especially if y'll =give !m an occasional error 9 po9t ( fact4 ,we are n always discov]+ new]1 bett]1 & improv$4 ,(t5 we are =gett+ & obscur+ & confus+ :at 0 once kn[n1 cle> & simple4 ,_m ( ^! extraord9>y old books are n 9 pr9t & n available at y\r local libr>y4 ,h[ev]1 a simple inquiry at ! ,int]libr>y ,loan desk ( mo/ libr>ies w %[ y h[ easy x is to obta9 ^! & mo/ any o!r book y become int]e/$ 94 ,albre*t1 ,william ,a4 ,! ,albre*t ,pap]s1 ,vols #a #b4 ,kansas ,city3 ,acres1 ,,usa #aige4 ,alb]t ,h[>d1 ,we/on ,price1 ,sir ,rob]t ,mc,carrison1 & ,william ,albre*t %>e equal responsibility = creat+ ?is era's movem5t t[>d biologically s\nd agriculture4 ,h[>d is /ill well kn[n to organic g>d5]s1 ?anks to promotion by ! ,rodale organization :ile ,price1 ,mc,carrison1 & ,albre*t h fad$ into obscurity4 ,albre*t 0 *airman ( ! ,soil ,dep>tm5t at ! ,univ]sity ( ,miss\ri dur+ ! #aicjs4 ,8 unwav]+ inve/igation ( soil f]tility z ! prim>y cause ( heal? & disease 0 consid]$ politically incorrect by ! academic e/abli%m5t & ve/$ int]e/s t fund$ agricultural rese>* at t "t4 ,driv5 f academia1 he wrote prolifically = nonsci5tific magaz9es & lectur$ to f>m]s & m$ical practition]s dur+ ! #aidjs & #aiejs4 ,albre*t 0 will+ to consid] *emical f]tiliz]s z pot5tially useful ?\gh he did n ?9k *emicals 7 z s5sible z m natural me?ods4 ,?is view 0 unacceptable to ,j4l4 ,rodale1 :o ignor$ ,albre*t's pr(\nd contributions4 ,balf\r1 ,lady ,eve ,b4 ,! ,liv+ ,soil4 ,london3 ,fab] & ,fab]1 #aidc4 ,lady ,balf\r 0 "o ( ! key figures 9 creat+ ! organic g>d5+ & f>m+ movem5t4 ,%e exhibit$ a mo/ rem>kable intellig5ce & und]/&+ ( ! sci5ce ( heal? & ( ! limitations ( h] own k4 ,balf\r is someone any s]i\s g>d5] w want to meet ?r\gh h] books4 ,lady ,balf\r prov$ ,woody ,all5 "r ab\t eat+ organic br[n rice2 %e di$ only rec5tly 9 h] late #ijs1 compus m5tis to ! end4 ,borsodi1 ,ralph4 ,flight f ! ,city3 ,an ,exp]im5t 9 ,creative ,liv+ on ! ,l&4 ,new ,york3 ,h>p] & ,bro!rs1 #aicc4 ,a w>mly human back-to-!-l&] ^: pi?y critique ( indu/rial civilization /ill hits home4 ,borsodi expla9s h[ production ( life's ess5tials at home ) small-scale te*nology leads to enhanc$ p]sonal lib]ty & security4 ,homemade is inevitably m effici5t1 less co/ly1 & bett] quality ?an any?+ mass-produc$4 ,read]s :o become fond ( ?is unique individuali/'s sociology & political economy w also enjoy ,borsodi's ,?is ,ugly ,civilization & ,! ,di/ribution ,age4 ,brady1 ,nyle ,c4 ,! ,nature & ,prop]ties ( ,soils1 ,eigh? ,edition4 ,new ,york3 ,macmillan1 #aigd4 ,?r\gh num]\s editions & /ill ! /&>d soils text = ,am]ican agricultural colleges4 ,e s]i\s g>d5] %\ld attempt a read+ ( ?is encyclop$ia ( soil k e few ye>s4 ,see also ,fo?1 ,h5ry ,d4 ,fundam5tals ( ,soil ,sci5ce4 ,bromfield1 ,l\is4 ,malib> ,f>m4 ,new ,york3 ,h>p] ,bro!rs1 #aidg4 ,"h is ano!r agricultural re=m] :o did n exactly toe ! ,organic ,p>ty l9e z promulgat$ by ,j4l4 ,rodale4 ,consequ5tly 8 books are relatively unkn[n to today's g>d5+ public4 ,if y l ,w5dell ,b]ry y'll f9d ,bromfield's emotive & ,iyrical prose ev5 f9] & less academically contriv$4 ,8 exp]im5ts ) ecological f>m+ are inspir+4 ,see also ,bromfield's o!r f>m+ books3 ,pleasant ,valley1 ,9 ,my ,exp]i5ce1 & ,out ( ! ,e>?4 ,c>t]1 ,v]non ,gill & ,dale1 ,tom4 ,topsoil & ,civilization4 ,norman3 ,univ]sity ( ,oklahoma ,press1 #aigd4 7fir/ edition1 #aied7 ,?is book surveys sev5 ?\s& ye>s ( _w hi/ory to %[ h[ ea* place :]e civilization develop$ 0 turn$ into an impov]i%$1 scantily-inhabit$ semi-des]t by neglect+ soil cons]vation4 ,w ours' survive any bett]8 ,read]s :o wi% to pursue ?is area fur!r might />t ) ,wes ,jackson's ,new ,roots = ,agriculture4 ,ernle1 7,pro!ro7 ,"l4 ,engli% ,f>m+ ,pa/ & ,pres5t1 #f? edition4 ,fir/ publi%$ ,london3 ,longmans1 ,gre5 ,co41 ,ltd41 #aiab1 & _m subsequ5t editions4 ,*icago3 ,quadrangle ,books1 #aifb4 ,"s hi/ory is dry z du/4 ,ernle's writ+ lives l t ( ,francis ,p>kman or ,gibbon4 ,anyone s]i\s ab\t vegetable g>d5+ w want to "k all !y c ab\t ! developm5t ( mod]n agricultural me?ods4 ,fo?1 ,h5ry ,d4 ,fundam5tals ( ,soil ,sci5ce1 ,eigh? ,edition4 ,new ,york3 ,john ,wylie ,sons1 #aiij4 ,l ,brady's text1 ?is "o has also be5 ?r\gh num]\s editions = ! pa/ sev]al decades4 ,unlike ,brady's "w h[ev]1 ?is book is a little less te*nical1 an easi] read z ?\gh design$ = non-sci5ce majors4 ,probably ! be/ />t] text = someone :o wants to really und]/& soil4 ,hall1 ,bolton4 ,?ree ,acres & ,lib]ty4 ,new ,york3 ,macmillan1 #aiah4 ,bolton ,hall m>ks ! />t ( our mod]n back-to-!-l& movem5t4 ,he 0 ,ralph ,borsodi's m5tor & inspiration4 ,:]e ,ralph 0 smoo? & intellectual1 ,hall 0 cru/y & ,twa9esque4 ,hamak]1 ,john4 ,d4 ,! ,survival ( ,civilization4 ,annotat$ by ,donald ,a4 ,weav]4 ,mi*igan_/ ,cali=nia3 ,hamak]-,weav] ,publi%]s1 #aihb4 ,=get global w>m+1 ,hamak] believably pr$icts ! next ice age is com+4 ,glaci]s w be ^u u soon] ?an we "k unless we rev]se int5sification ( atmosph]ic c>bon dioxide by rem9]alization ( ! soil4 ,v useful = its exploration ( ! agricultural use ( rock fl\rs4 ,helps "o /& back f ! curr5t global w>m+ panic & ask if we really "k :at is com+4 ,or are we m]ely feel+ guilty = abus+ ,e>?8 ,hopk9s1 ,cyril ,g4 ,soil ,f]tility & ,p]man5t ,agriculture4 ,bo/on3 ,g9n & ,company1 #aiaj4 ,?\gh ( v5]able l9eage1 ?is book is /ill "o ( ! f9e/ ( soil manuals 9 exi/5ce4 ,hopk9s' int]e/+ objections to *emical f]tiliz]s are m economic ?an moral4 ,! ,/ory ( ! ,soil3 ,f ! ,basis ( ,absolute ,sci5ce & ,real ,life4 ,bo/on3 ,ri*>d ,g4 ,badg]1 #aiaa4 ,a romance ( soil sci5ce simil> to ,ecotopia or ,look+ ,backw>d4 ,no bett] introduction exi/s to und]/&+ f>m+ z a process ( managem5t ( ov]all soil m9]alization4 ,p :o attempt ?is book %\ld be ready to =give t ,hopk9s occasionally expresses op9ions on race & o!r social issues t 7 acceptable 9 8 era b today are consid]$ objectionable by mo/ ,am]icans4 ,j5ny1 ,hans4 ,factors ( ,soil ,=mation3 a ,sy/em ( ,quantitative ,p$ology4 ,new ,york3 ,mc,graw ,hill1 #aida4 ,don't let ! title sc>e y4 ,j5ny's ma/]piece is n h>d to read & /ill /&s 9 ! pres5t z ! be/ analysis ( h[ soil =ms f rock4 ,anyone :o is s]i\s ab\t gr[+ plants w want to "k ?is data4 ,mc,carrison1 ,sir ,rob]t4 ,! ,"w ( ,sir ,rob]t ,mc,carrison4 ed4 ,h4 ,m4 ,s9clair4 ,london ,fab] & ,fab]1 #aiec4 ,"o ( ! =gott5 discov]]s ( ! relation%ip betwe5 soil f]tility & human heal?4 ,mc,carrison1 a physician & m$ical rese>*]1 work$ 9 ,india contemporane\sly ) ,alb]t ,h[>d4 ,he sp5t ye>s trekk+ ar\nd ! ,hunza & conduct$ ! fir/ bioassays ( food nutrition by fe$+ rat populations on ! v>i\s national diets ( ,india4 ,& l ! v>i\s nations ( ,india1 "s ( ! rats became heal?y1 l>ge1 long-liv$1 & good natur$ :ile o!rs 7 small1 sickly1 irritable1 & %ort-liv$4 ,ne>+1 ,hel5 ,scott4 ,liv+ ! ,good ,life3 ,h[ to ,live ,sanely & ,simply 9 a ,tr\bl$ ,_w4 ,fir/ publi%$ 9 #aiej4 ,new ,york3 ,s*ock5 ,books1 #aigj4 ,cont9u+ 9 ,borsodi's foot/eps1 ! ,ne>+s home/ead$ 9 ! ?irties & began proselytiz+ = ! self-suffici5t life-/yle %ortly !reaft]4 ,scott 0 a v dignifi$ old political radical :5 he address$ my high s*ool 9 ,massa*usetts 9 #aifa & inspir$ me to dream ( c\ntry liv+4 ,he rema9$ active until ne>ly 8 hundr$? bir?day4 ,see also3 ,cont9u+ ! ,good ,life & ,! ,maple ,sug> ,book4 ,p>nes1 ,rob]t4 ,organic & ,inorganic ,f]tiliz]s4 ,mt4 ,v]non1 ,ma9e3 ,woods ,end ,agricultural ,in/itute1 #aihf4 ,price1 ,we/on ,a4 ,nutrition & ,physical ,deg5]ation4 ,la ,mesa1 ,cali=nia3 ,price-,pott5g] ,nutrition ,f\ndation1 repr9t$ #aigj4 7#aici7 ,sits on ! family bible %elf 9 my home along ) ,albre*t1 ,mc,carrison1 & ,h[>d4 ,price1 a d5ti/ ) /rong int]e/s 9 prev5tion1 wond]$ :y 8 cli5tele1 #aibjs midwe/ b\rgeoisie1 _h t]rible tee? :5 prehi/oric skulls ( ag$ unlett]$ savages reta9$ all _! tee? 9 p]fect condition4 ,s he travel$ to isolat$ p>ts ( ! ,e>? 9 ! e>ly #aicjs seek+ heal?y humans4 ,& he f\nd !m--belong+ to e race & on e cont95t4 ,& f\nd out :y !y liv$ long1 _h virtually no deg5]ation ( any k9d includ+ d5tal deg5]ation4 ,full ( int]e/+ photographs1 an?ropological data1 & travel details4 ,a trail-blaz+ "w t %[s ! way to greatly improv$ human heal?4 ,rodale1 ,j4,i4 ,! ,organic ,front4 ,emmaus3 ,rodale ,press1 #aidh4 ,an int5sely ideological /atem5t ( ! basic t5ets ( ! ,organic fai?4 ,rodale e/abli%$ ! organic g>d5+ & f>m+ movem5t 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates by />t+ up ,organic ,g>d5+ & ,f>m+ magaz9e 9 #aidb4 ,8 views1 limitations & pref]5ces h def9$ organic ev] s9ce4 ,see also3 ,pay ,dirt4 ,s*uphan1 ,w]n]4 ,nutritional ,values 9 ,crops & ,plants4 ,london3 ,fab] & ,fab]1 #aife4 ,a top-rate sci5ti/ asks ! "q3 ,is organically gr[n food really m nutriti\s8 ,! answ] is3 yes1 & no4 ,smi?1 ,j4 ,russell4 ,tree ,crops3 ,a ,p]man5t ,agriculture4 ,new ,york3 ,h>c\rt1 ,brace & ,company1 #aibi4 ,no bibliography ( agricultural alt]natives %\ld ov]look ?is classic critique ( f>m+ ) ! pl[4 ,delightfully orig9al6 ,solomon1 ,/eve4 ,gr[+ ,vegetables ,we/ ( ! ,cascades4 ,seattle1 ,wa%+ton3 ,sasquat* ,books1 #aihi4 ,my /rictly regional focus comb9$ ) ! reality t ! climate we/ ( ! ,cascades is radically diff]5t ?an ! re/ ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates has made ?is vegetable g>d5+ text virtually unkn[n to ,am]ican g>d5]s ea/ ( ! ,cascades4 ,x has be5 prais$ z ! be/ regional g>d5 book ev] writt54 ,its analysis ( soil managem5t1 & critique ( ,rodale's v]sion ( ! organic g>d5+ & f>m+ philosophy are also unique4 ,i f\nd$ & ran ,t]ritorial ,se$ ,company1 a major1 mail-ord] vegetable g>d5 se$ bus9ess2 no o!r g>d5 book has ev] encompass$ my exp]i5ce ) se$s & ! se$ _w4 ,wat]wise ,g>d5+4 ,seattle1 ,sasquat* ,books1 #aiib4 ,h[ to gr[ vegetables )\t dep5d5ce on irrigation4 ,make y\r vegetables able to survive long p]iods ( dr\ght & /ill be v productive4 ,my approa* is ext5sive1 old fa%ion$ & contr>ian1 ! opposite ( today's int5sive1 mod]n1 tr5dy po/age-/amp liv+4 ,turn]1 ,frank ,newman4 ,f]tility1 ,pa/ures & ,cov] ,crops ,bas$ on ,nature's ,own ,balanc$ ,organic ,pa/ure ,fe$s4 repr9t$ f3 ,fab] & ,fab]1 #aiee4 ed41 ,san ,diego3 ,rateav]1 #aige4 ,an enc\ragem5t to f>m us+ long rotations & gre5 manur+ sy/ems f a foll[] ( ,alb]t ,h[>d4 ,turn] (f]$ a rem>kably s5sible def9ition = soil f]tility1 9 ess5ce1 if my live/ock /ay heal?y1 live long1 bre$ well1 & cont9ue do+ s = at lea/ f\r g5]ations1 !n my soil 0 f]tile4 ,vois91 ,&re4 ,bett] ,grassl& ,sw>d4 ,london3 ,crosby ,lockwood & ,sons1 ,ltd41 #aifj4 ,! fir/ half is an amaz+ survey ( ! role ( ! e>?worm 9 soil f]tility4 ,! re/ is j ,vois9 cont9u+ on at 8 amaz+ be/4 ,no "o int]e/$ 9 soil & heal? %\ld rema9 unfamili> ) ,vois9's intellig5ce4 ,see also3 ,grass ,tetany1 ,grass ,productivity1 & ,soil1 ,grass & ,canc]4