Re: rock dusts

From: Steve Diver (steved@NCATARK.UARK.EDU)
Date: Thu Sep 19 2002 - 18:12:40 EDT


Clarence.... please elaborate.... what are you talking about:
 "The quote re rock dusts was taken a tad out of context. The original
usage was in reference to the efforts of one on the list to use a web
site,
pursuit and company that were associated with work of many years ago
and then to use scurrilous allegations of associations with folks I do
not even know."

You wrote the sentence ....... "Somehow I fail to see a connection
between large scale organic composting as a waste treatment
methodology (which I studied at LSU and elsewhere) and rock
dust"..... in response to a note from Mike Miller on AgriSynerygy.

By the way, I participated on AgriSynergy along with a number
of other alternative farming enthusiasts such as yourself and enjoyed
the discussions.

Steve Diver


Rainbow's End Farms & Orchards wrote:

> The quote re rock dusts was taken a tad out of context. The original
> usage was in reference to the efforts of one on the list to use a web
> site, pursuit and company that were associated with work of many years
> ago and then to use scurrilous allegations of associations with folks
> I do not even know. However, I do recall from those efforts that in
> most cases anaerobic situations in controlled composting leads to many
> negative consequences, especially when done in association with huge
> municipal/industrial environments. However, one must differentiate
> between true rock dusts and the leavings of mining operations. When I
> once had access to exactly such leavings from granite mines in Georgia
> by the ton I was assured by scientists around the country that such
> leavings would not be fine enough in nature to be of agricultural
> benefit because it would take vast numbers of years to break the
> particles down sufficiently to be utilized. When asking about their
> use as compost amendments I was told that they could very well lead to
> packing and anaerobic environments. I have no doubt that when applied
> in combination with large amount of poultry manure there would be
> considerable greening, but would be unclear of the source of the
> benefit....the rock or the manure. There is a huge difference between
> rock dusts, especially treated rock dusts and mining leavings. Even
> with the treated rock dusts I would have to question such a course as
> the most beneficial as opposed to other means of soil development of
> considerably more effectiveness. I once attended a conference that
> positioned itself as one introducing a new concept in horticulture and
> agriculture. The claim, after a day of testimonials, was that a
> tablespoon at the bottom of a planted tree would radically alter the
> tree's performance for years. Only after much questioning was it
> finally revealed that the contents of the magical powder was none
> other than Georgia granite dust. The unfortunate fact is that there
> are few miracle powders or starter formulas that substitute for hard
> work and reasoned, proven methodologies. When one is found I would
> like to be the first to know! CWW
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: David Menne
> To: SANET-MG@LISTS.IFAS.UFL.EDU
> Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2002 1:25 PM
> Subject: Re: [SANET-MG] AGRISYNERGY
> (AGRISYNERGY@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU)
>
>
> Rainbow's End Farms & Orchards writes :
> Somehow I fail to see a connection between large
> scale organic composting as a waste treatment
> methodology (which I studied at LSU and elsewhere)
> and rock dust.
>

.



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