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Composting lawn, garden trimmingsBy Tara McKnight Texas AgriLife Extension Service, horticulture, Wichita County Autumn is here; the leaves are beginning to fall from the trees and with it comes the yearly chore of keeping the lawn free of fallen leaves. These leaves should be removed from the lawn, since a heavy blanket of leaves can smother a lawn if allowed to remain. Maybe now is the time to take on that home-composting project you've been thinking about. Not a bad idea given the large quantity of leaves we will soon be dealing with. Here are some suggestions on how to get started. Leaves present less of a challenge in both collection and composting than do other organic yard wastes. In most cases compost is built from a variety of landscape trimmings and rakings. Starting with leaves and grass clippings and adding some brush or wood chips for aeration is an excellent mix to begin the composting process. In looking at compostable materials consider the amount of time each material requires for breakdown. High nitrogen materials, like grass, will break down very quickly while wood chips may take up to two years to reach the humus stage. The wider the carbon: nitrogen ratio (C: N), the longer it will take for breakdown to occur. Coarse materials, such as straw, nut shells, corncobs and stalks, also take longer to breakdown. However, the greener and more succulent the material, the more quickly breakdown occurs. All materials that are high in carbon should be cut or shredded into small pieces before mixing them with high nitrogen materials, such as manure or fresh grass clippings. In looking at compostable materials consider the amount of time each material requires for breakdown. High nitrogen materials, like grass, will break down very quickly while wood chips may take up to two years to reach the humus stage. The wider the carbon: nitrogen ratio (C: N), the longer it will take for breakdown to occur. Coarse materials, such as straw, nut shells, corncobs and stalks, also take longer to breakdown. However, the greener and more succulent the material, the more quickly breakdown occurs. All materials that are high in carbon should be cut or shredded into small pieces before mixing them with high nitrogen materials, such as manure or fresh grass clippings. Microorganisms need nutrients, primarily carbon and nitrogen, for both energy and growth. The ideal carbon: nitrogen (C: N) ratio is not found in any one organic source. Due to their high carbon content, leaves may take 5 months to 2 years to compost by themselves. However, leaves will compost and turn out a good finished product if moisture is adequate and if the pile is turned frequently, ensuring a good supply of oxygen. Mixing other organic wastes with leaves is an important step in optimizing the decomposition process. High nitrogen materials, such as grass clippings or other plant wastes, animal manures, food scraps etc. can speed up the decomposition process and increase the nitrogen content of the end product, making it more suitable for use as a soil amendment. The high nitrogen component must be carefully controlled because the addition of too much nitrogen can result in the formation of ammonia, creating an odor problem. The rapid decomposition also uses up oxygen, causing further problems as the aerobic microorganisms are replaced by anaerobic microorganisms. Be sure to read next week when we will discuss more about composting your fallen leaves. Your garden and landscape questions are always welcome. You may either contact me at our County Extension office, 940-716-8610, or by e-mail, tcmcknight@ag.tamu.edu. You are always encouraged to visit the Wichita County Master Gardner website at www.overthegardengate.org. Another great website to visit for very useful garden hints and answers is http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/. This article, along with every article, will also be featured on www.joetomwhite.com 24 hours a day under county agents. 1/12/09 Date: 1/2/09 Advertisement
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