Yes we can, agree.
Great pontification, dear readers reader! Decomposable compost is great for the soil, beyond just soil structure improvements. It does more than provide food for the soil microorganisms that help aid in aggregating soil. Let us draw our attention to the mother of all soil amendments (please think out loud in a bellowing voice), Compost!
- It increases cation exchange capacity,
- improves structure,
- helps retain moisture,
- and provides nutrients!
- It can almost do no wrong!
As an aside, you can use manure to make your garden compost. I am trying to help a friend learn about the nutrient profile of elephant and donkey poop manure for her bipartisan victory garden. Ideas on where to find that info?
Here are some interesting links I found during my, so far unfruitful, search.
- Land application of Animal Manure by Clemson University Extension;
- Considerations in Using Livestock Manure as Fertilizer by Alabama Cooperative Extension System; and
- Using Dog & Cat Manure on Home Gardens (hint, probably not the best idea) by University of Minnesota Extension Service.
Amen to the wonders of compost! Why bother with bark dust or other pretty soil "covers" when compost looks good and is great for your soil?
ReplyDeleteYes we can! Compost is the best for the garden.
ReplyDeleteCompost helps gardening in a great deal. ~bangchik
ReplyDeleteAdding biochar makes compost more better.
ReplyDeleteThanks Phillip, do you know of any good online references that describe biochar?
ReplyDeleteBased on my 2 minute google search, it looks like its main appeal is carbon sequestration and "as a soil amendment in environments with low carbon sequestration capacity and previously depleted soils (bichar.org)"
I typically go "au naturel" with all my gardening, but for others out there, is it on the market, or still in the research phase?
I imagine donkey would be very similar to horse. But elephant? Where would you get that? Do you have a zoo nearby, or a pet that you haven't talked about? But again, probably similar to horse if the diet is the same.
ReplyDeleteOooh! Compost is by far my most favourite thing.
ReplyDeleteIn Australia, we have heaps of problems with soil degradation and mulches/composts are used frequently. For us, keeping nutrients low is important for native species (unless you are growing roses or vegetables). Mixing it up with grass clippings, hay or other green waste is really important before application. Also, making sure you match your compost/mulches with your soil to make sure you don't get overloads of cations and nutrients is well necessary. No one mulch/compost is the same, and it should always be tested before use.
BTW If you can't test the mulch or compost, make a waste stream (from paddock to plate to waste) to work out its likely constituents. This can be done for any compost and waste product.
ReplyDelete