Subject: Re: cedar mulch
From: "Don Chapman" <don@bio-organics.com>
Organization: bio-organics supply center
Date: 10 Oct 1997 15:54:04 GMT
Message-ID: <MOD$971010.24502@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$971002.16558@rec.gardens.ecosystems> <MOD$971010.1690@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
I'd agree about the length of time it might take to decompose. The pitch
content makes for a good preservative!
But, there is no reason to worry about nitrogen draining if the material is
used as a mulch on top of the soil. This would be true for any non-humus
material that is worked into the soil, but anything on top is OK.
Along this line, a neighbor of mine worked large amounts of a local bagged
"amend" product into his vegetable garden this spring. Disaster! All the
veggies were very nitrogen-starved and stunted. I advised him to add blood
meal or some other organic source of nitrogen, but not to hit it with
fast-release sulfate of ammonia or urea (which would harm the beneficial
biolife in the soil). It will probably take until next spring for that
poorly-composted material to break down. Just an example of the best of
intentions going bad.
--
Don Chapman
Bio/Organics Supply Center
Camarillo CA (Near ocean N. of LA)
<http://www.bio-organics.com>
Michael E Ross wrote in article
<MOD$971010.1690@rec.gardens.ecosystems>...
>
> zebra@apci.net wrote:
>
> >
> >I have some fresh cut cedar mulch from the city township....is this ok
> >to use around my trees, plants, vegetable and flower gardens?
> >
> >thanks in advance,
> >zebra@apci.net
> >
>
> Generally freash sawdust is a bad idea. It can get heated up pretty
> hot from fermentation and other decay activity, if you apply it
> thickly. I have heard that it binds up nitrogen in the soill while it
> is decaying.
>
> For a while my neighbor was using cedar chips as horse bedding (Must
> have been fiercsomely expensive. It did not decay fast at all. I
> think it retarded the whole composting proocess. This is due to its
> anti decay properties, the ones that make it so good for fence posts
> and such. Eventually it will compost. Decay always wins.
>
> You could always get a bunch and try it like you would stain on
> woodwork: put some in an unobtrusive place and see if you like what
> it does. You could always pile it up and wait or mix it into your
> compost in small quantitiies...
>
> Maybe someone who really knows something will answer.
>
> Best to you,
>
> Mike
> Gardening environment: USDA Zone 7/8 (cusp). East central NC.
> Soil: Sandy and infertile w/layers of clay. Areas of rock.
> Last frost date 15APR. (18APR97 That was a dirty trick!)
>
>