Organic Farmer Network: Network Discussion Summary

Topic: Compost

Ellen, as her farmer profile indicates, makes lots of compost.  She says, “My compost making varies in quantity from year to year, depending on whether or not I train someone to run the turning machine. Last year, we made only 150 tons or so. I generally apply 5-10 tons per acre each year. I sell a little bit, for $55 per yard, and send some to our other farm too. When I've made lots and lots I also grew more acreage. It's a lot of work, but I don't know how else to farm nowadays.” 

Ellen says making good compost and growing cover crops is what she does for soil health and fertility.  It is the long-term answer.  You must build soil life. You add microbes through compost.  The microbes are the answer.  The plants know how to do the math every time.  Must have the microbes in the soil!  With compost you don’t have to worry about the details of fertility and don’t need to know about mineral balancing.