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Re: Organic matter's effect on soil bulk?



Michael Maas wrote:
> 
> So let me make this a practical question.
> 
> I have an area about 50'x100' that is leveled out mine tailings from
> hydraulic mining.  The soil is long gone, washed down the river in the
> late 1800s.  What is left is about 15 to 20' of rock.  Someone pushed the
> rock out into a flattened plateau in the past but little grows there.
> 
> I have been thinking of what I might start dumping on this area to build
> up an organic/soil base so that it might eventually sustain plants.  Chips
> from the local tree trimmers are available, as well as straw/hay and the
> red clay that is abundant in the locality.  Good loam or even good topsoil
> is more rare and more expensive.
> 
> Given these materials what might one do to build up a base into which
> plants could be placed and expected to survive and prosper?  What plants
> might themselves be used and what chemical amendments might be added to
> aid the decomposition process?
> 
> Ideas?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Mike Maas
> --
> Mike Maas                                               (510) 658-0487
> Masimo Consulting                                       2701 Woolsey
> specializing in Sybase DBA Issues and Data Recovery     Berkeley, CA 94705-2606
Hi Mike

Soil should also contain a huge number of micro flora and fauna to be 
fertile. Ie. bacteria, insects, fungi, worms nematodes etc.. So these 
should be encouraged by also including protein in small quantities. This 
will add the nitogen needed for good decay/composting. Look into making a 
worm farm using saw dust and protien.  Its the best fertiliser.

Regards
Wesley Trotman


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