[compost_tea] carbonization

From: Ted Peterson <ted.peterson_at_tcsn.net>
Date: Sun, 26 Dec 2004 15:41:52 -0800

By carbonization I mean that the organic matter turns to carbon from the he=
at. Bascially, too much heat and it burns the material. I have looked at =
compost from three different large-scale composting operations locally and =
each produced compost that was overcooked. It doesn't usually serve purpos=
es we need for compost tea. These guys are getting $23 - $35CuYd for this =
stuff.

Here's where I am on composting:

I learned composting from a person I consider the most knowledgeable and mo=
st informed and most original composter I have ever met. Then I started re=
ading and making phone calls and making a lot of compost. The compost I ma=
ke, I have had tested and it A/B test far better than any commercial compos=
t I send along as a control. I have figured out how to make CA native plan=
t compost that doesn't destroy native plant species with too much Nitrogen.=
  I have figured out how to cultivate specific fungi relative to native spe=
cies and have even used this to combat certain Oak root rots (NO, I CANNOT =
COMBAT OR CURE SOD. I am on the task force but since we don't have it here,=
 it's hard to test. I will not import infected species into my county.) an=
d other native blights. I have a few different contracts but have not had m=
y methods confirmed by anyone duplicating what I am doing in a completely s=
eparate environment. That will come this coming year.

I have learned by failing and retrying and experimenting and reading. Now,=
 I can compost almost anything within reason. However, I have not ever run=
 nor do I ever want to run a large commercial composting facility. Sitting=
 behind a compost turner 8 - 10 hours per day is not in my future. I can, =
however, show people how to compost and how to build a windrow or pile and =
how to be successful very early on rather than fight through months or year=
s of failure. I can show them good compost compared to so-so compost compa=
red to mulch compared to garbage and how to get to good, highly diverse com=
post quicker. I have never composted large amounts of food wastes although=
 I know how to do it, I have no practical experience.

I have composted biosolids. The first contract I had was with a partner. =
The three I have now are my own.

Ted
SOE






Received on Sun Dec 26 2004 - 20:28:03 EST

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