permaculture

[William E Dellinger <hunger@hunger.org>]

Hello all,

I have questions regarding a plan for rebuilding or even creating soil.

My farm is of the Ozarks type, in central Missouri. In some areas there 
is no topsoil, and the remainder has very little. The place was probably 
wore out by the time of the American Civil War (1861) and was cleared of 
timber to sell to the steamboat lines goingup and down the Missouri 
River. Thereafter it was farmed and for the last 20 years it was leased 
out and had corn planted every year.

Efforts to rebuild have been tough and usually unsuccessful. A thick 
coat of common fescue covers everything. The soil is so poor that clover 
will not grow, and the fescue takes the water.

So, inputs may be needed to jump start a legume, etc. I am vegan and we 
don't raise livestock. The only organic material available (20 miles ) 
is sawdust from Amish mills, including oak and walnut in the sawing 
operation.

I've made money in years past by using two large greenhouses for raising 
tomato, pepper and herb starts for farmer's markets.

Suggestions?

Thanks,

Bill in Missouri, and yes I do read these emails!

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