Healthy soil and sustainable growing

["jim allAn" <jallan6977@earthlink.net>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "TradingPostPaul" <tradingpost@riseup.net>
To: <livingontheland@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2006 12:00 AM
Subject: Re: [Livingontheland] Humus: Still a Mystery


> I have no doubt humus levels can be raised above the original levels of
> local soil, and I think Albrecht was way out in left field when he (and
> Steve Solomon) claimed otherwise. Whether it's practical on a large scale
> in a certain soil may be a different matter, but in general, of course you
> can. I've read that about 5% humus level is ideal.  Prairie grasslands are
> noted for root mass and high humus levels.
>
> paul, tradingpost@riseup.net

  I have a question about this portion of your recent post.  If 5% is ideal 
then are higher percentages less than ideal?

  <<<background>>>> do a considerable amount of composting.  My bins have a 
capacity of about 16 yds.  I seldom get that much though because I am 
constantly sifting it while adding more ingredients.  I use a gas powered 
home made tumbler with 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch pitch screens.  The coarser 
grades get recycled.  The finest gets processed twice then is left to finish 
with a higher moisture level.  If I had the proper moisture level all 
through the process it would plug up the screens.  I fill my beds or top 
them off with only the finest grade.  There are goodly levels of critters in 
the compost which usually has a temp. of 125 to 150f degrees.  The only 
problems with the finished product are soil salts which is why it gets 
plenty of water while finishing.
  I grow plenty of weeds, yuck, and 4 to 5 dozen ears of corn in one 16 
sqft. bed.