The interesting thing about the research I mentioned from Argentaina and
Brazil is that they found that in situ decomposition of celulose not only
was better for improving crumb structure through the release of colloids,
but, under proper conditions, also served as a substrate for free-living
N-fixing organisms to supply enough N to sustain high crop yields. On the
other hand, high-N inputs, be it compost, raw chicken manure or synthetic
urea, inhibits such natural N-fixation.
It seems to me that the challenge to fertility managment is to get the N
from the air--cheap and energy efficient. This would suggest that we would
what compost with a high C:N ratio but perhaps with other ccharacteristics
that stimulate the soil food web.
Ronald Nigh
Dana, A.C.
Mexico, D.F. & San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas
Tel. y FAX 525-666-73-66 (DF)
529-678-72-15 (Chiapas)
danamex@mail.internet.com.mx
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