Healthy soil and sustainable growing

["Tradingpost" <tradingpost@lobo.net>]

Problem there being the fact that material on the outside of the heap isn't 
going to heat up much at all, and secondly it's not going to kill all the 
pathogens inside no matter how hot it gets. And if you've got a year to wait 
then you don't need the compost in the first place. Further, with healthy 
compost and soil there's no scientific reason to kill all the pathogens and 
all the other microbial population necessary for healthy plant growth. 
Healthy soil balances what it needs. Composting has its uses and I've used 
some of the Rodale methods over the years, but now just compost in place in 
the growing beds at normal outside temperatures. I balance greens and browns 
by combining aged manure and smaller amounts of alfalfa meal and other 
ingredients.

paul tradingpost@lobo.net

*********** REPLY SEPARATOR  ***********

On 5/24/2008 at 2:56 PM Kathleen wrote:

>I just read an article that said to NOT turn your compost.  You want it
>to
>build up heat so as to kill all the pathogens.  He's been composting
>humanure, all kitchen waste (including meats and fats) for over 25 years
>and
>has had no problems or diseases.
>After it sits for a year (he's filling another bin) he uses it in his
>garden
>as it is all compost at this point.  Worms will gravitate towards it also
>which also aids in the breakdown.  However, sometimes it can get too hot
>for
>the worms.
>