permaculture

[Mark <mpludwig@facstaff.wisc.edu>]

At 04:08 AM 12/4/02 -0800, you wrote:
> Could anyone please comment on the "fertilizer" claims and pathogen
> cut-off claims, and/or point me towards some authoritative work on
> the subject (preferably by soil biologists rather than chemists)?
>
> Many thanks
>
> Keith Addison

I think you summarize the trade off well.  This kind of material not only 
has voc's of various types, but may also have  very soluable N and other 
nutrients.  What we used to tell folks spreading liquid manure, most of 
which is stored anaerobically, when I was with Midwestern Bio Ag  was to 
apply small amounts in order to minimize the disturbance of the soil biota 
and spread the nutrients out at levels which could be quickly absorbed.  I 
think we said no more than 6000 gal/acre (about 48,000 liters/Ha).  Might 
have a look at their web site
www.midwesternbioag.com
Some of these negative effects could be buffered by aerating the manure for 
a few days, of course this will stink up the neighborhood with nasty, and 
somewhat toxic emissions.  No free lunch.
M


Mark P. Ludwig
Poultry Research Lab
University of Wisconsin -Madison
608-262-1730 WK
608-846-7125 HM