[compost_tea] Re: Inclusion of clay in compost
Hi Ted -
For clarity, Luebke compost is a typical windrow
compost that goes through a thermophilic
stage. It is mixed with a compost turner --
either tractor-pulled or self-propelled -- to
ensure aerobic conditions.
It is distinguished by amendments of 10% clay,
10% finished compost, rock dusts, microbial
inoculation, compost fleece, frequent compost
turning for mixing and aeration, monitoring
for termperature and CO2 during the composting
process, an 8-week goal for finished compost,
and finally, compost quality analsis using
an on-farm kit.
It can also be made by hand in the backyard,
if a person has time to turn it and manage
the pile as appropriate. The pile will just
be smaller than a tractor-turned compost pile.
Thus, it is an aerobic, thermophilic compost that
meets PFRP's for EPA standards on pathogen reduction.
Of course there are many ways to make compost
and achieve good quality in terms of pile
size, equipment, turning frequency, and so forth...
but the principles and factors affecting the
composting process remain similar.
It just so happens that the Luebke method is well
established as a compost system using clay amendments.
Bear in mind that a lot of organic farmers in the
U.S. have shifted to "modified Luebke compost."
The use of 5% clay by volume instead of 10% clay
by volume is an example.
Steve Diver
--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "Ted Peterson" <ted.peterson@t...>
wrote:
>
> Folks:
>
> First, don't take anybody's speculation. The Luebke's have
investigated this thoroughly and it is an essential part of their
program. Don't underestimate the value of adding granite or clay to
your compost.
>
> The Luebke composting program is different than EPA standards for
composts. In my experience, using biology to compost materials and
control pathogens instead of pasturization works. The problem is that
because of EPA and other regulatory agencies, this type of cold
compost cannot be certified and sold in the US. If you want to use it
for making compost for CT, don't expect certification. Steve Diver
has a better handle on this than I do and questions should be
addressed to him.
>
> One of the requirements for cold composting is the inclusion of
granite dust or certain forms of clay. The person I learned
composting from did this all the time and I didn't know exactly why
until I started investigating. I would suggest the same to others on
this list.
>
> I add a small portion of granite dust to most batches of tea and I
use it consistently in all the compost I make including the specialty
compost for California Native Plants.
>
> But do some investigation on your own and find out why this is
important. By the way, Rodale composting methods also mention clays
and granite dust.
>
> Ted Peterson
> SOE
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Received on Sun Feb 06 2005 - 18:48:22 EST
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