[USCC] Compost and tree planting

[Michael Nevin]

Hi - just intuitively, what happens when the finite supply of organics in the original compost runs out? Then, would not the tree roots have to go searching?
  The initial compost is a "get the tree off to a good start" feeding. Unless the SoilFoodWeb approach would see the added soil organics as a self-generating and regenerating never-run-out organics maker. In which case, there would be enough nutients.What I've read from tree-planting screeds say, "add compost to the hole" to give the tree -already stressed from being moved - a bit of healthy kick-start nutrition.
Cheers, Mike in Toronto
Donald Lewis <LewisDV at mda.state.md.us> wrote:
  I remember reading a bulletin from one of the extension services that had references to studies showing that if the soil in the hole is appreciably better than the surrounding soil the plant doesn't send roots out beyond the original hole. The original work may have been done @ Cornell

Don Lewis

>>> "Young, Michele" 3/27/2008 4:06 PM >>>
Greetings to all,

In doing a presentation to our local urban forestry group, I was told that
they never recommend putting compost into the backfill hole when planting a
tree. This is because they feel that roots will not search outside of the
root ball area if there is "food" placed there. I talked to them about
trenching and augering as a way of putting food into other zones, but they
were steadfast about no compost in the planting hole.

All of the planting guides that I have seen and used from the soil
perspective show a compost soil-blend at planting. I would love to hear
from professionals out there about their experiences, and advice. Please
check with your urban forestry folks to see if no compost is a common
recommendation, or just a local practice here in San Jose.

Conflicted in San Jose

Turn Over an Old Leaf - Compost!

Michele Young 
City of San Jose
Environmental Services Department
200 E. Santa Clara St. Tower 10
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 975-2519
FAX: (408) 292-6212 

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Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors.

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_______________________________________
Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show
January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX.
The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry.
Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 
______________________________________________________________________________
Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost
_______________________________________
This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC).
(c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved

Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors.

Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm

Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their posting privileges suspended. For discussion list policies and information regarding subscribing, unsubscribing, digest or other options, go to: http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost

For additional help in unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org


       
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