Article 13815 of rec.gardens:
From: jimm@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM (Jim MacDonald)
Date: Thu, 18 Feb 1993 20:33:19 GMT
Subject: Re: Worm Compost bin pH adjustment
Message-ID: <9880049@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM>
Organization: Hewlett-Packard, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Path: samba!concert!gatech!swrinde!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!usc!sdd.hp.com!hpscit.sc.hp.com!hplextra!hpfcso!jimm
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
References: <44666@sdcc12.ucsd.edu>
Lines: 129

Robert,

Welcome to Ft. Fun.  I received this from a co-worker here.  I never
tried it but it sure looks good.

Jim

------------------------------ clip here ------------------------------


>2)  Does anyone have a good and SIMPLE strategy for recycling clippings.
>    Any information, or pointers to resource material would be
>    appreciated.

Try *fast* composting (although you may not find it too easy).  Included
below are some notes I've compiled from various sources:

  * _Easy Composting_, Vic Sussman, Rodale Press.
  * _How to Grow More Vegetables_, John Jeavons, Ten-Speed Press.
  * _The Rodale Guide to Composting_, Rodale Press.


SUMMARY OF FAST COMPOSTING METHOD

  1. Start with a correctly balanced C:N ratio (typical is 4 parts
     plant matter:1 part manure).  (More on C:N ratio below.)

  2. Greater variety of ingredients causes better composting.

  3. Build heap all at one time and keep protected from rain.

  4. Use a bin or enclosure for best results.

  5. Minimum pile size is 3 feet square by 4 feet high.

  6. Materials may be layered (Indore method) or mixed.

  7. "Turn" the pile no less than every 2 or 3 days; not more
     than once a day.

  8.  Break composted materials into smallest possible parts.


THE CARBON TO NITROGEN RATIO

  * The target Carbon to Nitrogen ratio (C:N) ranges between 25:1 to 30:1.

  * The correct C:N ratio is important to compost quickly and at high
    temperatures (which kill weed seeds).  Temperatures above 160F are
    not uncommon.

  * Ratios lower than 25:1 can cause excessive ammonia to be produced.

  * Ratios higher than the 30:1 cause lower pasteurizing temperatures,
    resulting in slower composting and less weed seeds killed.


        Table 1: C:N ratios of various organic substances
   ----------------------------------------------------------------
   Material  		 C:N  Material  		  C:N   
   ----------------------------------------------------------------
   Alfalfa  		13:1  Mature Sweet Clover  	 23:1  
   Alfalfa Hay  	12:1  Oat Straw  		 80:1  
   Cornstalks  		60:1  Paper  			170:1  
   Food Wastes  	15:1  Rotted Horse Manure  	 20:1  
   Fruit Wastes  	35:1  Sawdust  			500:1  
   Grass Clippings  	19:1  Sewage Sludge: Activated    6:1  
   Green Sweet Clover  	16:1  Sewage Sludge: Digested  	 16:1  
   Humus  		10:1  Straw  			 80:1  
   Leaves          80:1-40:1  Sugar Cane Residues  	 50:1  
   Legume-Grass Hay  	25:1  Wood  			700:1  
   ----------------------------------------------------------------


  * When calculating the C:N ratio of your pile, base it on the
    weight of materials.  For example, if you have 100lbs of green
    grass clippings and 200lbs of leaves, your C:N ratio would be
    calculated as:

      100 * 19 + 200 * 60
      -------------------  = 46  => you need more grass clippings
        300 (total lbs)


TURNING SCHEDULE

A reasonable turning schedule:  2nd, 4th, 7th, and 10th days.
Temperatures should be:

  110-120F by 2nd or 3rd day
  130-160F by 4th or 5th day

Pile is finished when temperature does not rise above 110F, usually
around the 10th day if you used a vigorous turning schedule.

(Usually it takes my pile two to three weeks to compost completely.
 I regularly achieve temperatures above 150 degrees F.)

WHEN AND HOW TO APPLY COMPOST

  * Use only finished compost around growing plants; unfinished compost
    is best used in parts of the garden that have already been harvested.

  * Add rough or still-fibrous compost about 1 month before planting.

  * Use compost as a mulch for heat-loving plants (such as tomatoes) only
    after the soil has warmed up in the spring or early summer.

  * Plants that like "cool feet" (e.g., lettuce, cabbage, brocolli) can
    take compost as a mulch earlier.

  * In general, the best times to apply compost are:  fall, winter, and
    early spring.

  * If soil is poor, apply organic material early in fall, working into
    the top 12 to 18 inches; leave soil rough.

  * Spread compost just before tilling in spring.

  * Summer is a good time because soil microbes are quite active.
    This is also a good time to add rock dust, bone meal, and
    greensand.

  * It's good to apply compost before a rain storm.

  * Apply 1/2- to 3-inch layer over growing areas once or twice during the
    growing season.  Unless used as a mulch, work into the top 1 to 4
    inches of soil, but be careful not to damage roots.



