Healthy soil and sustainable growing

[Harvey Ussery <huboxwood@earthlink.net>]

> We've been using cedar chips in our chicken coops, since it smells nice and 
> helps keep the bugs down. But I've read that it's pretty much useless as a 
> compost ingredient. Should I give up on it and go back to straw? We do have 
> access to copious fresh cow manure thanks to our new Dexter heifer, Stella. 
> Would the cedar play nice if mixed with fresh poops?
>
> --Joanna
I've read recommendations against the use of chips of aromatic woods 
like cedar for deep litter/bedding, not sure at the moment whether bec 
as you point out it resists breakdown later, or actual deleterious 
effects for the livestock.

How about using the cedar chips as mulch on permanent paths anywhere in 
the homestead? The very fact that they resist breakdown would actually 
be a plus there.

These days, I'm on the lookout for *all* org materials sources, am using 
more chips, espec as said on permanent paths, also in establ'ng "kill 
mulches" where I'm going to plant trees/shrubs.

~Harvey
www.themodernhomestead.us