Recycling Organic Landscape Material Flashcards
What are the current Georgia Regulations with regard to composting?
No permit is required to compost, but a Finished product must be sold with a permit
What are some of the environmental requirements for succesful composting?
Mixture of carbon to nitrogen (2 part brown to 1 part greens) and maintained moisture, but not waterlogged. Oxygen, so it helps to turn the pile.
Why don’t we lime composting materials?
Lime increases pH thus creating a basic environment, but the thermophilic bacteria active during the early stages of decomposition require an acidic environment.
When is compost ready to use?
When it has a rich earthy smell and fine texture. The original organic matter is no longer recognizable.
At what rate should compost be used as a soil amendment?
Compost should not be more than 1/3 by volume. Which is about 4” on the soil surface incorporated to an 8” depth.
Why should grass clippings not be used as a mulch?
They matt and create an anaerobic environment.
What are some browns and greens and at what proportion are they combined for best composting?
two browns to one gree.
Browns: Leaves, smal sticks, nuts, acorns etc.
Greens: Fresh cut plant material, grass clippings if incorporated succesfully.
What is grasscycling?
Mulching the grass with a mower and leaving it in place.
Does grasscycling cause thatch?
No, this has never been proven.
What are some advantages of grasscyling?
Shorter time mowing, less fertilizer applications.
