[USCC] Reducing B, pH, Salts in finished compost

[William (Bill) Carter]

Dear Reddy Ganta,
I don't have research references handy on using clay in composting
mixtures, although I've seen a few. The most likely source of help is
Compost Science & Utilization (affiliated with Biocycle). The basic
textbook principles involved are the high cation exchange capacity of
clays, which helps with retention of nutrients, and the well-known
formation of clay-humus bonds, which help delay microbial metabolization
of any humus forming in the compost. I read years ago that the addition
of clay to compost mixtures was a common practice in Europe, but have
not researched this in depth. A quick web search gave me a couple of
references for you.
http://www.p2pays.org/ref/21/20973.htm
http://www.newfarm.org/depts/NFfield_trials/2006/0413/compost_print.shtml
 
I hope this is useful.
 
        - Bill Carter
 
 
 
Bill Carter
Water Quality Monitoring & Assessment    MC 165
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 13087
Austin, TX  78711-3087
Phone:  512-239-6771
Fax:  512-239-4410
wcarter at tceq.state.tx.us

>>> "Reddy Ganta" <ganta at glorietageo.com> 8/2/2006 9:51 AM >>>

Dear Bill Carter,
Thank you for your valuable suggestions.  You mentioned clay is the
best and fine silt the next best. Do you have any back up
literature/brochures success stories pre and post soil addition data
etc. I think this is a feasible option besides adding yard trimmings.
Currently we are using wood chips and may be we need to increase the
ratio of wood chips and decrease the ratio of corral manure and
completely eliminate lagoon water.
 
Thank you
 

Reddy Ganta 
      M.S. Agriculture., M.S. Bioinformatics