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As part of the 2005 soil biology analysis program we
tested some of the home-made products that were used by members as soil
improvers or composts. In general they were found to be of a reasonable
quality, with a few modifications they could be upgraded to ‘good
quality compost’. Using locally available materials would not only
breed bugs more suited to our climate, it would also be a lot cheaper. Here are the results: |
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AC Garden Improver – this consisted of vegetable and garden scraps, mulched in a domestic mulcher. Biology foods such as liquid fish, kelp, humic acid and molasses were added (in small quantities) and was turned a few times over a number of weeks. |
 [45kb]
Soil Foodweb Report
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| EU Compost Pile – A pile (over six foot high) of garden clippings (mulched), cow manure and hay combined using a front loader. The pile was turned 'when needed'; the heat dissipated after a few months. We tested an ‘old’ pile (around 6 months old). |
[45kb] Soil Foodweb Report |
| WB Soil Improver – Sawdust (bedding) and pig manure were removed from the piggery and stockpiled in large (several tones) piles to mature. We sampled one of the older piles, that was still hot under the surface. |
[45kb]
Soil Foodweb Report
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| Compare the above with a commercial Compost/Vermicast. NB the bag had been stored in a shed for a few months before the sample was taken. |
[42kb] Soil Foodweb Report |
| And a 'naturally' composted tree root, two feet below ground. |
[42kb]
Soil Foodweb Report |
Comparison of the biological organisms present in each of the composts.
 [819kb] |
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