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livingontheland - Re: [Livingontheland] Humus: Still a Mystery

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Subject: Healthy soil and sustainable growing

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  • From: "jim allAn" <jallan6977@earthlink.net>
  • To: "Healthy soil and sustainable growing" <livingontheland@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Livingontheland] Humus: Still a Mystery
  • Date: Wed, 14 Jun 2006 06:08:16 -0400


----- 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.





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