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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] Wood Chip Mulch

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  • From: "Bill Shoemaker" <wshoemak AT inil.com>
  • To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Wood Chip Mulch
  • Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2004 10:15:45 -0500

I think where people get into trouble with wood mulch is that some of it
inevitably gets incorporated. It is often applied around transplants that
have shallow root systems for the first 10 days or so. And the microbe
populations build quickly. As their populations build, their demand for N
builds as well. It isn't too long befor they impact the availability of N to
the young transplant. I think it's pretty easy to imagine situations where
the wood mulch wouldn't have a major impact (existing plants, plants with
deep roots, perennial plants, etc.) but it's probably o good practice to
remember that drawback with high C mulches and supplement them with some
nitrogenous fertilizer when using them. Besides, it'll help them break down
and contribute to soil tilth.

Don't worry about arguing with me. I don't mind. In fact, I appreciate
hearing different views and often learn from them. I don't get too caught up
with worrying about whether someone's upset with my views. I came by them
honestly, and even if I'm wrong, I'll learn from my mistakes. I sound like a
"bleeding heart liberal" now don't I. Maybe I am. I'll shut up now.

Bill Shoemaker
Sr Research Specialist, Food Crops
Univ of Illinois - St Charles Hort Research Center

>Isn't it still a question of how much would is exposed to the soil?
>The actual surface are of wood to soil is so much less with a mulch
>that it is if it were incorporated into the top 6 inches of the soil
>as an organic input. Am I off base here? is it the biology in that
>top fraction of the soil that means 'everything' to the plant?
>Myself, I can't really see how the wood on the surface will bring
>inbalance to the root zone, several inches lower.
>
>Not arguing. Just thinking outloud -Allan
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