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Vermont Green MTN State

I had heard in an earlier post some information about wood chips in the soil. I can't find that post now. If you have Cow DOO mixed with sawdust or wood chips, the wood can change the composition of the soil for the worst? Correct?

3/19/2004 11:32:29 AM

In the shade - PDX, OR

Not necessiarly so.

The main problem with mixing in sawdust or wood chips in your soil is that it temporaily ties up Nitrogen when the chips break down.

If it is already mixed in with *fresh* manure there is not much you can do. I wouldn't worry too much, but supplament with a little more Nitrogen. Blood or Feather meal would be 2 good organic options.

3/19/2004 11:59:41 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

wood does need and absorbs a lot of nitrogen to compost...at some point in time when the sawdust becomes powdery and the decomposing part is done it will release the nitrogen back..So as OM in the soil it will last longer in the long run then less ligenous (sic) material. That's a big world for woody...LOL I did some internet research but can't find the articles right now. Will look tonight.
Chuck

3/19/2004 12:13:50 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

http://www.conservation.state.mo.us/forest/research/ApplyingResearchInForestry/sawdust.htm.....sorry a techno-peasant here but did find a link about sawdust...for anyone interested...
chuck

3/22/2004 6:54:25 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

quick synopsis is that composting material should be in a carbon/nitrogen range of 20 to 1....raw sawdust is as high as 500 to 1...neeeds alot of extra nitrogen just to get into composting range and extra time...but the material will stay as OM longer once ready to use. so add all your chicken manure and compost an extra year.

3/22/2004 6:59:05 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Add grass clippings too if the pile can be left to sit. Just make sure they're turned into the well aerated pile. It'll be ready by fall.

3/22/2004 8:42:25 PM