Subject: Re: paper mulch is a negative
From: "Chatzie Massey" <admass@monsanto.HOUNDScom>
Organization: Monsanto Company
Date: 18 Aug 1997 13:05:00 GMT
Message-ID: <MOD$970818.42@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$970817.26038@rec.gardens.ecosystems>


Susan,

I agree to a large extent on not using your daily newspaper for mulching.
However, the plain, unprinted newsprint paper (available from your local
newsagency at "roll ends") is usually cheap and effective. The paper (at
least in Florida) is designed to be biodegradable and bleach-free.
However, you will have to shred/cut it yourself as it usually comes still
on the roll, and there can be anywhere from 25' to 100' on the roll end.
My local newspaper agency sells them for $10 US a roll end. It comes in
two widths, with the shorter width being a "softer" paper. I don't know
about acid content, but it is supposed to break down when it gets wet. I
have not had any problems. I even have my soil tested once a year to check
pH so I could add the correct amount of lime and so far, (5years now) I
have had to add very little since I first started in my present locale.
--
Chatzie Massey
When life gives you the shaft, make ARROWS!
Before you respond, release the HOUNDS.

Susan K. Snow wrote in article
<MOD$970817.26038@rec.gardens.ecosystems>...
:
: According to a 1986 publication by the Environmental Research Foundation
: entitled What Chemicals Each Industry Uses and based on the state of New
: Jersey Right to Know law, there are polychlorinated biphenyls in a wide
: variety of printing inks. Whether or not PCBs are in newsprint, I know
: not.
:
: I have read, however, from EPA's own documents, that lead and cadmium
: are among the toxic metals in pigments. Printing inks are pigments, are
: they not.
:
: Another item I learned recently is that PCBs are used in the manufacture
: of paper.
:
: I would suggest using leaves, and tree instead.
:
: For what it's worth
:
: Susan Snow
:
: