From steved@ncatfyv.uark.edu Date: Mon, 3 Oct 1994 17:12:02 -0500 (CDT) From: Steve Diver To: sanet-mg@twosocks.ces.ncsu.edu Subject: CMC Humus-Compost Seminars Sanetters: The following seminar announcement is posted for your information. * * * * * * * * * * * * Fall 1994 Seminar Program on Composting and Humus Management based on Controlled Microbial Composting Controlled microbial composting (CMC) seminars led by the Luebke family of Austria will be held in the United States again this fall. Seminar locations are Pennsylvania and California. Seminar Schedule Speakers: Uta Luebke, Angelika Luebke, and Urs Hildebrandt from Austria Pennsylvania Location: Village of Bird-in-Hand, Lancaster County, PA California Location: Herbert Ranch/T.K.O. Complex Hollister, CA Seminar #1: BASIC SEMINAR on C.M.C. Dates: October 20th to October 22nd.......Pennsylvania November 2nd to November 4th.......California Class Fee: $400 Day 1: 9-12 and 2-5:30 * Basic concepts of CMC and humus management * CMC humus management with green manures * CMC humus management with compost Day 2: 9-12 and 2-5:30 * Introduction to chromatography and preparation of soil and compost sample * Practical applications of chromatography testing Day 3: 9-12 and 2-4 * Testing organic matter content of soil * Testing humus value of soil and compost, along with "potential" and actual pH measurements * Interpretation of the total values Note: Every participant needs to bring their own soil and compost sample. Seminar #2: C.M.C. - COMPOST SEMINAR Dates: October 24th to October 27th.......Pennsylvania November 7th to November 10th......California November 14th to November 17th.....California Class Fee: $600 Prerequisite: Basic Seminar on CMC Day 1: 9-12 and 2-5 * Lecture on basics of CMC composting with slides and overhead * Building a properly made compost windrow on-site Day 2: 9-12 and 2-5 * In-depth discussion of basic parameters of composting (i.e., raw materials, C/N ratios, moisture levels, etc. * Operation of field test instruments * Correction of dry and wet compost piles Day 3: 9-12 and 2-5 * Introduction to, and testing of nutrient cycles in a 'proper' (CMC) composting process * Evaluating and testing compost for maturity Day 4: 9-12 and 2-4 * Humus testing * pH values * Interpretation of results Note: Every participant needs to bring two to three compost samples Register with: Autrussa Compost Consulting Herbert Ranch P.O. Box 1133 P.O. Box 65 Blue Bell, PA 19422-2508 Hollister, CA 95024-0065 610-825-2973 408-637-5517 610-825-3982 Fax 408-637-0139 Fax Contact: George Leidig Contact: Patti Herbert From sustag@BETA.TRICITY.WSU.EDUFri Nov 25 00:27:22 1994 Date: Thu, 24 Nov 1994 14:24:44 -0800 From: "Tom Hodges (moderated newsgroup)" To: Multiple recipients of list SUSTAG-L Subject: SOMNET - A Global network of soil organic matter models and long term experiments (fwd) [I have invited SOMNET, centered at Rothamsted Experiment Station to use sustag-l, at least to get started. Soil organic matter is a basic component of sustainable agriculture. Anyway we will see how things go. Let me know if this seems appropriate or not. TH, moderator] ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Thu, 24 Nov 1994 11:19:05 +0000 From: JOSMITH To: Non Receipt Notification Requested Subject: SOMNET - A Global network of soil organic matter models and long term experiments SOMNET: A GLOBAL NETWORK OF SOIL ORGANIC MATTER MODELS AND LONG-TERM EXPERIMENT DATASETS SOMNET is a global network of soil organic matter models and long-term experiments and will be established during 1995. Soil organic matter (SOM) represents a major pool of carbon within the biosphere, acting as both a source and sink. When organic material decomposes, CO2 is released, but a fraction may become stable, withdrawing it from the active carbon cycle. Changes in climate are likely to influence the rates of accumulation and decomposition of SOM through changes in temperature, moisture and the rate of return of plant residues to the soil. Other changes, especially in land use and management, may have even greater effects. The ability to predict the effects of climate, atmospheric composition and land use change on SOM dynamics is essential in formulating environmental, agricultural and social/economic policies. Mathematical models of SOM dynamics are needed to predict the effects of environmental change, to test specific scenarios and to develop strategies to manage the effects of environmental change. Most models have been developed using data from a single land use type. The ability of models developed for use in one system (e.g. arable agriculture) to simulate SOM changes in another (e.g. grassland) is a major limitation when simulating the impact of land use change. There is a pressing need to systematically evaluate the suitability of SOM models in predicting the effects of environmental change. SOMNET will establish a network of researchers investigating the impacts of environmental change on SOM with particular relevance to the validation of mathematical models that can be used to evaluate management and policy options. Questionnaires will be sent to holders of datasets to establish nature of sites, type of measurements, quality control measures and the availability of data. Similarly, questionnaires will be sent to developers of models to establish type of models, nature of model inputs and outputs, quality control measures and the availability of the model. The collated information will be published as a directory and electronic database to provide information about the source and nature of experimental datasets and SOM models. A NATO Advanced Research Workshop will initate a comparison of model performance to evaluate representative SOM models using representative long-term experimental data sets. Holders of representative experimental datasets and developers of representative models will be invited to participate in the workshop to be held May 22-26, 1995, at Rothamsted, UK. This will establish robustness of simulations over a wide range of environments and expose deficiencies in understanding and/or available experimental data. Questionnaires will be sent out before the end of 1994. If you would like to participate in SOMNET, please contact... Pete Smith, Soil Science Department, IACR Rothamsted, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ UK. Telephone: (+44) 582 763133 Fax: (+44) 582 760981 Email: PESMITH@BBSRC.AC.UK To be considered for invitation to the NATO Workshop to be held May 22-26, 1995 on "Evaluation of Soil Organic Matter Models using Long Term Experimental Datasets", questionnaires must be returned by 1 February, 1995. For information about experimental datasets or models to be included in a directory to be compiled at the end of 1995, questionnaires must be returned by 1 September 1995. For information about experimental datasets or models to be included in SOMNET, questionnaires can be returned at any time. From jhibbert@acenet.auburn.edu Thu Jun 16 23:30:53 EDT 1994 Article: 35477 of rec.gardens Newsgroups: rec.gardens Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!math.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!news.duc.auburn.edu!aces17!aces20.acenet.auburn.edu!jhibbert From: jhibbert@acenet.auburn.edu (Jeffrey R. Hibbert) Subject: ag waste database Message-ID: Summary: ag waste mgmt Sender: news@acenet.auburn.edu (Usenet News) Nntp-Posting-Host: aces5 Organization: Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, Auburn University Date: Tue, 14 Jun 1994 18:55:53 GMT Lines: 30 Dear Colleagues, Demand for information on efficient and environmentally sound ways of managing and using agricultural wastes is growing. In response to this need, Auburn University College of Agriculture and the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, with support from the Tennessee Valley Authority, have developed a comprehensive, computerized Agricultural Waste Database. The Ag Waste Database system provides an up-to-date, exhaustive listing of research-based published works on the management, disposal and productive use of agricultural wastes, and on use of industrial and municipal wastes in agriculture. The service is available to anyone seeking information on scientific, economic, practical, environmental, or legal aspects of agriculture-related wastes. The database is continually updated and is unique in its focus, filling a need not covered by any other database or reference service. If you have internet access and usa a Gopher client outside the ACENET (acenet.auburn.edu) domain, use the address gopher.acenet.auburn.edu. For access by modem, call 205-844-0329, settings N-8-1, full duplex, vt102 terminal emulation, and ZMODEM file transfer protocol. Baud rates up to 57,600 are supported; default is 2400. On connecting to the ACES Gopher server, you will see a login: prompt. Type gopher and press ENTER. Messages may be displayed; then you will be presented with the ACES Gopher main menu. To end your session, press Q to log off. If you have any questions or comments, please email myself or my colleague, James Murray. Jeff Hibbert James Murray jhibbert@acenet.auburn.edu jmurray@acenet.auburn.edu From adm@ccadfa.cc.adfa.oz.au Wed Oct 26 10:56:55 EDT 1994 Article: 1245 of alt.architecture.alternative Newsgroups: alt.architecture.alternative Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!news.duke.edu!eff!news.umbc.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!news.moneng.mei.com!uwm.edu!caen!msuinfo!harbinger.cc.monash.edu.au!newshost.anu.edu.au!sserve!ccadfa.cc.adfa.oz.au!adm From: adm@ccadfa.cc.adfa.oz.au (David Moss) Subject: Re: Alternative to Septic Systems Message-ID: <1994Oct24.040914.22524@sserve.cc.adfa.oz.au> Sender: news@sserve.cc.adfa.oz.au Organization: Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra, Australia References: <3896ph$mt7@ixnews1.ix.netcom.com> Date: Mon, 24 Oct 1994 04:09:14 GMT Lines: 16 The Australian Army have successfully trialed a composting system utilising worms to break down waste matter. The system is self-regulating, the worms reproduce or become dormant depending on the amount of waste material available for consumption. During peak load conditions (about 1000 people using the facilities) air is forced through the worm bed to maintain aerobic conditions but under light loads (<20 users) natural convection is sufficient. The system is installed at a camp inside a Training Area which has a high conservation value, and the method was chosen for it's minimal effect on the environment. Feedback from the users of the system was all positive. (Information remembered from a radio interview) David Moss. lZ .ª¥ .. lcompost-making.faq l‚Ìcompost-using.faqFrom jbgFC@hamp.hampshire.edu Thu Nov 3 10:40:11 EST 1994 Article: 4302 of alt.sustainable.agriculture Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!oit-mail2news-gateway From: jbgFC@hamp.hampshire.edu (Joel B Gruver) Newsgroups: alt.sustainable.agriculture Subject: info request Date: 3 Nov 1994 04:11:02 -0000 Organization: sustag-public mailing list Lines: 11 Sender: daemon@bigblue.oit.unc.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: bigblue.oit.unc.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Thanks to everyone that sent me info concerning hog composting. I am familiar with Joel Salatin's system and the Nordell system. If anyone knows of any other farmers using hog composting systems, I would like to hear about them. I am interested in hearing about mechanical and cultural cover crop suppression techniques. Grazing, mowing, flaming, scalding with hot water, undercutting, strip tilling... are some exaamples. Joel Gruver jgruver@hamp.hampshire.edu From kkelleher@ucdavis.edu Tue Nov 8 09:57:59 EST 1994 Article: 4390 of alt.sustainable.agriculture Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!oit-mail2news-gateway From: kkelleher@ucdavis.edu (Kristen Kelleher) Newsgroups: alt.sustainable.agriculture Subject: Animals in Ag Systems: Hogs Date: 8 Nov 1994 01:21:31 -0000 Organization: sustag-public mailing list Lines: 24 Sender: daemon@bigblue.oit.unc.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: <199411080007.QAA25441@ucdavis.ucdavis.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: bigblue.oit.unc.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Joel Gruver: In response to your question about integrating animals into agricultural systems, specifically hogs, the Western region USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, SARE, supported a research project by Kent Fleming of the University of Hawaii at Manoa on hog farming integrated with market gardening and orchard production. The climate was obviously tropical. Contact Dr. Fleming for specific information about his research. His phone number is (808) 322-9136. If you have any additional questions, or would like more information about Western SARE-funded research and education projects, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Kristen Kelleher Public Information, Western U.S. USDA SARE/ACE c/o University of California (916) 752-5987 kkelleher@ucdavis.edu From d.richardson@MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU Wed Nov 2 21:25:50 EST 1994 Article: 4286 of alt.sustainable.agriculture Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!oit-mail2news-gateway From: d.richardson@MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU (Dick Richardson) Newsgroups: alt.sustainable.agriculture Subject: Re: hogs in composting Date: 2 Nov 1994 17:36:41 -0000 Organization: sustag-public mailing list Lines: 27 Sender: daemon@bigblue.oit.unc.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: <199411021610.KAA15330@mail.utexas.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: bigblue.oit.unc.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Joel, you asked about >Specifically, I am now looking for information concerning the use of hogs in >composting systems. I would appreciate any information concerning >alternative integrations of animals into ag. systems. Have you made contact with Joel Salatin near Staunton, Virginia? He's not on the Internet, but has written a series of six articles in the The Stockman Grassfarmer, beginning in September 1993. Their phone is 601-981-4805. In addition, Joel Salatin's address can be obtained from The Stockman Grassfarmer. In a nutshell, he's had the hogs doing essentially all the work turning the compost while they grew and got fat. He's got a win-win combination, unless you ask the pig in the end. He also uses chickens in portable pens for pasture maintenance, and has people traveling over 100 miles to buy meat and produce from him at the farm. ========================================================================= R. H. (Dick) Richardson * (512) 471-4128 (w) Zoology Department * (512) 471-9651 (FAX) University of Texas * (512) 476-5131 (h) Austin, TX 78712 * d.richardson@mail.utexas.edu From jbgFC@hamp.hampshire.edu Wed Nov 2 21:29:12 EST 1994 Article: 4285 of alt.sustainable.agriculture Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!oit-mail2news-gateway From: jbgFC@hamp.hampshire.edu (Joel B Gruver) Newsgroups: alt.sustainable.agriculture Subject: (none) Date: 2 Nov 1994 14:14:35 -0000 Organization: sustag-public mailing list Lines: 8 Sender: daemon@bigblue.oit.unc.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: bigblue.oit.unc.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII I am investigating alternative uses of animals in agricultural systems. For example, weeder geese, grazing management of covercrops, fly control... Specifically, I am now looking for information concerning the use of hogs in composting systems. I would appreciate any information concerning alternative integrations of animals into ag. systems. Joel Gruver (413) 582-5348 jgruver@hamp.hampshire.edu From jnmeade@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu Wed Nov 2 21:29:39 EST 1994 Article: 4299 of alt.sustainable.agriculture Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!oit-mail2news-gateway From: jnmeade@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu (James Meade) Newsgroups: alt.sustainable.agriculture Subject: Re: your mail Date: 3 Nov 1994 01:54:13 -0000 Organization: sustag-public mailing list Lines: 19 Sender: daemon@bigblue.oit.unc.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: References: NNTP-Posting-Host: bigblue.oit.unc.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Joel, Joel Salatin has some good ideas on using hogs in composting systems. Are you familiar with his work? He feeds his cattle at a hay bunker, and buries some grain in the bedding. When the bedding is several feet thick, he turns in hogs who root and turn the bedding thoroughly to get at the grain. You received a reference to Salatin in another post, so I won't repeat his address here. Good luck. Jim - Farmer - Iowa City, IA, jnmeade@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu From pivotmac@aol.com Mon Nov 28 15:17:44 EST 1994 Article: 2263 of sci.agriculture Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!uunet!newstf01.news.aol.com!newsbf01.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: pivotmac@aol.com (PivotMac) Newsgroups: sci.agriculture Subject: Re: Land application of waste Date: 27 Nov 1994 23:05:23 -0500 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 7 Sender: news@newsbf01.news.aol.com Message-ID: <3bbku3$im3@newsbf01.news.aol.com> References: <37e968$rtl@nermal.cs.uoguelph.ca> NNTP-Posting-Host: newsbf01.news.aol.com In article <37e968$rtl@nermal.cs.uoguelph.ca>, aplante@uoguelph.ca (Alain F Plante) writes: We have done some work with food processors and the application of waste products through center pivot irrigation systems. Drop me a note and give me an idea of what your project covers and I will see if I can put you in contact with some more clever than I. From bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!gatech!pirates!news-feed-2.peachnet.edu!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!library.ucla.edu!news.mic.ucla.edu!unixg.ubc.ca!nntp.cs.ubc.ca!alberta!quartz.ucs.ualberta.ca!acs.ucalgary.ca!snorth Fri Apr 15 23:27:55 EDT 1994 Article: 29743 of rec.gardens Newsgroups: rec.gardens Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!gatech!pirates!news-feed-2.peachnet.edu!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!library.ucla.edu!news.mic.ucla.edu!unixg.ubc.ca!nntp.cs.ubc.ca!alberta!quartz.ucs.ualberta.ca!acs.ucalgary.ca!snorth From: snorth@acs.ucalgary.ca (Sheldon North) Subject: Re: Getting rid of Diatomacious Earth Message-ID: Date: Tue, 12 Apr 1994 05:47:23 GMT Distribution: usa References: <9404111709.PN14247@LL.MIT.EDU> Organization: The University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Lines: 23 Mike Killoran (killoran@ll.mit.edu) wrote: : I read somewhere that it is just crushed shells of some ancient : crustacean but I'm not sure about this. If it is just crushed Yes, just the endoskeltons of diatoms. It is primarily silicon dioxide (aka glass, sand) and was also used to stabilize nitroglycerine (Nobel dynamite). : shells, I would think it would be OK to dump it in the compost : pile or sprinkle it around in the woods. I'd rather not have : it hauled away to a landfill if it is benign enough for the : backyard. I would expect that it would be great for soil/compost because it has a lot of surface area and thus should help drainage and gas-exchange. I doubt it would help nutrient holding capacity, but it isn't likely to hurt it either. Sheldon From bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!gatech!pirates!news-feed-2.peachnet.edu!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!library.ucla.edu!news.mic.ucla.edu!unixg.ubc.ca!nntp.cs.ubc.ca!alberta!quartz.ucs.ualberta.ca!acs.ucalgary.ca!snorth Fri Apr 15 23:27:55 EDT 1994 Article: 29743 of rec.gardens Newsgroups: rec.gardens Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!gatech!pirates!news-feed-2.peachnet.edu!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!library.ucla.edu!news.mic.ucla.edu!unixg.ubc.ca!nntp.cs.ubc.ca!alberta!quartz.ucs.ualberta.ca!acs.ucalgary.ca!snorth From: snorth@acs.ucalgary.ca (Sheldon North) Subject: Re: Getting rid of Diatomacious Earth Message-ID: Date: Tue, 12 Apr 1994 05:47:23 GMT Distribution: usa References: <9404111709.PN14247@LL.MIT.EDU> Organization: The University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Lines: 23 Mike Killoran (killoran@ll.mit.edu) wrote: : I read somewhere that it is just crushed shells of some ancient : crustacean but I'm not sure about this. If it is just crushed Yes, just the endoskeltons of diatoms. It is primarily silicon dioxide (aka glass, sand) and was also used to stabilize nitroglycerine (Nobel dynamite). : shells, I would think it would be OK to dump it in the compost : pile or sprinkle it around in the woods. I'd rather not have : it hauled away to a landfill if it is benign enough for the : backyard. I would expect that it would be great for soil/compost because it has a lot of surface area and thus should help drainage and gas-exchange. I doubt it would help nutrient holding capacity, but it isn't likely to hurt it either. Sheldon From jenab@sunshine.ps.atl.sita.int Wed Nov 9 00:00:36 EST 1994 Article: 47251 of rec.gardens Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!hookup!news.kei.com!yeshua.marcam.com!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!olivea!uunet!nntp.sita.int!sunshine.ps.atl.sita.int!jenab From: jenab@sunshine.ps.atl.sita.int (Jena B) Newsgroups: rec.gardens Subject: Vermicomposting Date: 3 Nov 1994 19:34:25 GMT Organization: SITA Lines: 19 Message-ID: <39be01$mt6@ash.es.atl.sita.int> NNTP-Posting-Host: sunshine.es.atl.sita.int X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL1] Hello all, I was the lucky MG chosen to become the 'worm expert' in the Atlanta area. I have already printed two post from a week or two ago, and have even started a little 'worm box'. Now, I would really appreciate any help, comments, funny stories, success stories, etc. that any of you would be willing to share with me. I will have to compile all information into a pamplet for the extension service, and will give credit where credit is due. I am also scheduled to speak at our Gwinnett County Master Gardners meeting in March '95. And some schools have expressed an interest in having me come and speak about vermicomposting, and perhaps getting the children started on their own project. (won't their parents love that!) Thanks in advance! Post it here, or e-mail me and I will keep everyone up to date on the progress. -- Jena Buttimer jenab@es.atl.sita.int From esact@selway.umt.edu Sun Nov 27 22:03:51 EST 1994 Article: 4624 of alt.sustainable.agriculture Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!oit-mail2news-gateway From: esact@selway.umt.edu (Tony Tweedale) Newsgroups: alt.sustainable.agriculture Subject: Re: wood chip-digesting fungi and ground nuts Date: 28 Nov 1994 01:56:53 -0000 Organization: sustag-public mailing list Lines: 12 Sender: daemon@bigblue.oit.unc.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: References: NNTP-Posting-Host: bigblue.oit.unc.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII the usfs wood science lab in madison, wi (1 gifford pinchot drive) puts out a lot of papers on fungal degradation (applications include paper pulping, wood protection and toxics degrafation). the stars seem to be the white rot family, tho the brown rot family is also studied. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ tony tweedale |TEMPERATE BUT ENDANGERED PLANET. recycle missoula, inc. |ENJOYS WEATHER, NORTHERN LIGHTS, 224 e. pine st (2) |CONTINENTAL DRIFT. SEEKS CARING missoula mt 59802-4541 |RELATIONSHIP WITH INTELLIGENT LIFE tel.: 406-542-1709 |FORM. (Friends of the Earth) internet: esact@selway.umt.edu From kluson@chuma.cas.usf.edu Wed Dec 7 00:01:53 EST 1994 Article: 4718 of alt.sustainable.agriculture Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!oit-mail2news-gateway From: kluson@chuma.cas.usf.edu (Robert Kluson BIO) Newsgroups: alt.sustainable.agriculture Subject: Re: wood chip-digesting fungi and ground nuts Date: 6 Dec 1994 16:10:05 -0000 Organization: sustag-public mailing list Lines: 66 Sender: daemon@bigblue.oit.unc.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: References: NNTP-Posting-Host: bigblue.oit.unc.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Greetings, Joel. Sorry for the delay in sharing my information on your request below. Nevertheless, I think that you would be very interested in the following references: 1) Solbraa, K., M.D. Sant, A.R. Selmer-Olsen, and H.R. Gislerod. 1983. Composting soft and hardwood barks. BioCycle, Vol. July/August:44-48,59. 2) Hoitink, H.A.J., E.B. Nelson, and D.T. Gordon. 1982. Composted bark controls soil pathogens of plants. Ohio Report 67(1):7-10. 3) Wood Products for Fertilizer. 1945. Bulletine No. 7, NE Wood Utilization Council, New Haven, Conn. 4) Composting section of the Appropriate Technology Microfiche Library, Volunteers in Asia, Stanford, CA, 1-800-648-8043. Their information describes some very interesting successes in East Africa with applying sawdust to field soils as a fertilizer! I too had questions of possible nitrogen immobilization but I suppose their successess can partially be explained by research such as the following: 5) Hill, N.M, and D.G. Patriquin. 1990. Evidence for the involvement of Azospirillum brasilense and Helicomyces roseus in the aerobic nitrogen-fixing/celluloytic system from sugarcane litter. Soil Biol. Biochem. 22(3):313-319. Joel, I noticed that someone did suggest using the references from Paul Staments for specific fungal inoculants, and I agree wholeheartedly on that. He probably is one of our most kowledgeable resources persons on this subject. If you are interested too in more ideas about results from microbial screening trials on woody substrates, check out the following reference: 6) Kirk, T.K., T. Higuchi, H.M. Chang (eds.). 1980. Lignin Biodegradation: Microbiology, Chemistry and Potential Applications. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. Good luck on your trials. I too feel that wood-based compost is an under-utilized resource. I would be very interested in hearing about your experiences. Later... On Sun, 27 Nov 1994, Joel B Gruver wrote: > I have 2 info requests. > First, I have access to large volumes of roughly > chipped hardwood limbs with a small amount of foliage and coniferous > limbs mixed in. (These materials were chipped by a road maintenance crew.) > Black cherry is probably the dominant hardwood constituent. > I am looking for a method of accelerating the decomposition of > these materials so that I can use them as a soil amendment. I am > wondering if there is a species of fungi that I can innoculate or > encourage to accelerate the break down of such high lignin materials. > Where can I find good information on the biochemistry of fungal digestion of > high ligno-cellulosic materials ? Is there an edible species of mushroom > that I can culture on this material ? > > Where can I find information on the cultivation of the wild edible > plant (Apios americana, common name: ground nut) ? Who is researching the > economic potential of this plant ? Where can I obtain seeds, cuttings... of > groundnuts selected for desirable traits ? > > Joel Gruver > Hampshire College Farm Center > (413) 582-5348 > jgruver@hamp.hampshire.edu >