From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Alex, IN

How much manure could I add this fall and it be ready for the spring of 2008? I have a pacth that I will be preparing for the next year and a half to grow in for the 2008 season.

I have been thinking of about 2 feet but I would like to hear some others opinions for more or less.

Thanks,
Mikkal

11/2/2006 12:51:40 PM

Montoursville, PA

Four or five inches a year with following cover crops winter and summer is good for the build. A massive overload may not work nearly as well. Use buckwheat as the summer cover crop or one of the vetches, cowpeas or beans. The PH adjust may be done over a longer period of time too. Helping all adjustment is a molasses fired up biology family.

11/2/2006 5:10:57 PM

Deer Park WA

We knock down our mature cover crop in the fall and spread about 4 inches of manure over it before tilling in. In the spring the cover crop has sprouted again and the whole shebang is turned in with a plow and then a cultivator (not roto-tilled). The worms love it and the tilth is unbelievable! Good luck Mikkal, we have been following your progress and you should do very well next season.

The Gadberry's

11/2/2006 8:59:57 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Gad's...nu-B here wanting to know what a cultivator is? How does it differ from a roto-tiller? Knowledge rules...I need all the help I can get!!! Thanks in advance!!! Peace, Wayne

11/2/2006 11:16:47 PM

Alex, IN

A cultivator does not pulverize the soil, it just turns and mixes the soil.

11/3/2006 7:42:25 AM

Alex, IN

Thank you guys for the advice! It's greatly appriciated!

Mikkal

11/3/2006 7:43:39 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Thanks Mikkal, now Gad's, or anyone?...can you describe a cultivator?...what is the diff b/tween that and a tiller?...If I can make my tiller turn real slow, would it be a cultivator?...?...I just don't understand what the diff is? Just speed of tines turning? Peace, Wayne

11/4/2006 7:21:20 PM

Linwood, NC

Wayne, www.landpride.com, they sell a real nice cultivator. The left side of the page if I recall has it listed.

11/4/2006 9:40:13 PM

Lloydminster/AB

google "spading machine" Thats THE answer!

11/4/2006 11:52:22 PM

Deer Park WA

8' Cultivator = Wheeled cross cut Van-Bruan spring tooth harrow. It cuts about 6" into the soil (depending on moisture conditions). This machine is a (Gadberry) rebuilt 1933 John Deere Cultivator; if looking for a rig that dont chop your worms up this is it! Think of a spring tooth harrow and it is kinda like it....

11/5/2006 3:12:50 AM

Salmon Arm, BC

a pitchfork works too

11/16/2006 1:32:53 AM