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Compost science for gardeners : simple methods for nutrient rich soil

2023

Format:	Book
Author:	Pavlis, Robert, author.
Title:	Compost science for gardeners : simple methods for nutrient rich soil / Robert Pavlis.
Publisher, Date:	Gabriola, BC : New Society Publishers, [2023]
Description:	x, 205 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm
Summary:	"Compost Science for Gardeners demystifies the full range of composting methods and helps readers determine or select the best technique for their situation. This comprehensive, plain-language, science-based book covers everything from the inputs required to the beneficial impacts on the environment and soil health."-- Provided by publisher.
Subjects:	Compost -- Handbooks, manuals, etc. Garden soils. Gardening -- Handbooks, manuals, etc.
Genre:	Handbooks and manuals.
Notes:	Includes bibliographical references (pages 191-193) and index. Issued also in electronic formats.
Contents:	The role of compost in soil -- The science of composting -- Compostable material -- Managing the composting process -- Piles, bins, and tumblers -- Easy composting -- Vermicomposting -- Bokashi composting -- Eco-enzyme (garbage enzyme) -- buying compost -- Compost tea -- Selecting the best composting method -- Using compost -- Epilogue: beware of garden myths.
ISBN:	9780865719767 0865719764
System Availability:	1
# Local items:	1
Call Number:	631.875 Pavlis Compost
# Local items in:	1
# System items in:	1
Current Holds:	0

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Using a scientific method to guide his gardening style, Master Gardener Pavlis (Soil Science for Gardeners) educates gardeners of all skill levels on the ins and outs of composting. In this informative book, the author defines compost and its benefits, debunks myths about it, and explains its phases. Pavlis also details the differences and pros and cons of each type--hot, cold, easy, vermicompost, bokashi, and eco-enzyme. The book also shows how these can be replicated indoors and outdoors. All the information is reinforced with diagrams, which makes this a great supplement for readers and collectors of Pavlis's other works. VERDICT A no-frills book that both newbies and experts will find useful when planning or replenishing their gardens.--Aspasia Luster

Summary

Create your own compost and grow better plants.

With breathtaking clarity, Compost Science for Gardeners demystifies composting practices and helps readers determine the best technique for their unique situation. This comprehensive science-based book is your key to building healthier soil and growing better plants.

Using plain language and easy-to-follow instructions, this essential resource distills and blends the latest scientific research with the author's many decades of knowledge and experience into manageable form, debunking a host of common gardening myths along the way. Learn about:

The role of composting in the ecological cycle Compostable materials to incorporate and those to avoid Browns and greens vs the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio The full range of composting methods, including cold and hot composting; composting in piles, bins, and tumblers; and pit and trench composting Keyhole gardening, food digesters, vermicomposting, bokashi, eco-enzyme fermentation, and more The relative merits and impact on the environment of each composting technique Using finished compost to improve soil health

Anyone can compost. Whether you are a balcony or backyard gardener, market gardener, small-scale farmer, or homesteader, or even if you are simply looking for a way to keep organic matter out of the landfill, this book will show you how to do it simply, safely, and sensibly.

Table of Contents

1	Introduction	1
	What Is Compost?	3
	Why Should Everyone Compost	4
	Myths About Composting	4
	Definitions	5
2	The Role of Compost in Soil	9
	Benefits of Composting	10
	The Microorganism Myth	12
	What Is Soil Health?	13
	What Is Soil?	14
	Plant Nutrients	18
	Tilling	22
	Mulching	23
3	The Science of Composting	27
	The Reality of Composting	28
	The Hot Composting Process	29
	Understanding Microbes	32
	The Role of Macroorganisms	36
	What Role Do Worms Play?	37
	Heat Kills Pathogens	37
	Heat Kills Weed Seeds	38
	How Long Does It Take?	39
	The Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio	39
	Cold vs Medium vs Hot	45
	Chemical Properties of Compost	46
	Loss of Plant Nutrients	47
	Humus	48
	When Is Compost Ready?	49
4	Compostable Material	53
	Good Composting Material	53
	Controversial Composting Material	62
	Bad Composting Material	68
5	Managing the Composting Process	71
	Location	71
	Storing Input Ingredients	72
	Air	73
	Water	74
	Turning	75
	Shred Input Material	76
	The Curing Stage	77
	Using Activators	77
	Nitrogen Sources	78
	Winter Time	79
	Two Is Better than One	79
	Speeding Up the Process	79
	Keep Animals Out	80
	Keep Out Insects	80
	Troubleshooting	80
	Selecting the Right Composting System	81
6	Piles, Bins, and Tumblers	83
	Simple Piles	83
	Bins and Boxes	84
	Wire Cage	86
	Plastic Garden Composter	87
	Tumblers and Rotating Drums (Barrels)	89
	Food Waste Digester	90
	Windrow Composting	92
	Sheet Composting	92
7	Easy Composting	95
	Cut and Drop Method	95
	Leaf Mold	97
	Pit and Trench Composting	97
	Keyhole Composting	98
	Electric Composters (Food Digesters)	101
8	Vermicomposting	105
	Understanding Worms	106
	What Is Vermicompost?	108
	Selecting the Right Worms	109
	Worm Bins	110
	Worm Food	114
	Bedding Material	115
	Caring for Your Pets	117
	Troubleshooting	119
	Harvest Castings	121
	Using Vermicompost	123
	Vermicompost Tea	127
	Is Vermicompost Special?	127
9	Bokashi Composting	129
	The Fermentation Process	130
	Fermentation vs Composting	131
	The Bokashi Method	132
	The Power of Effective Microbes (EM)	136
	Brew Your Own EM Microbes	138
	Making Bokashi Bran	138
	Using Bokashi Leachate (Tea)	139
	Using Bokashi Ferment	143
	Soil Factory Using Bokashi Ferment	143
	Pros and Cons of Bokashi	144
10	Eco-enzyme (Garbage Enzymes)	147
	What is Eco-enzyme?	147
	Making Eco-enzyme	148
	Using Eco-enzyme Tea	149
	Using Eco-enzyme Ferment	150
11	Buying Compost	151
	Municipal Compost	151
	Biosolids (Sewage Sludge)	154
	Mushroom Compost	155
12	Compost Tea	159
	Types of Compost	160
	Claimed Benefits of Compost Tea	160
	What Does the Science Say	163
13	Selecting the Best Composting Method	167
	Environmental Concerns	169
	Mixing Composting Methods	173
14	Using Compost	175
	When Is Compost Finished?	175
	Should You Sift Compost?	176
	Mulching vs Burying	176
	Beware of High Carbon Compost	178
	Is Compost Safe for Vegetables?	178
	Amending Potting Soil	179
	Can You Use Too Much Compost?	180
	Storing Compost	181
	When Is the Best Time to Use Compost?	182
	Can Compost Make You Sick?	183
	Epilogue: Beware of Garden Myths	187
	Endnotes	191
	Index	195
	About the Author	201
	Also by the Author	202
	About New Society Publishers	206

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