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composting v. soil application



(please exuse this cross-posting to  CSA members -- any comments?)

someone on bdnow said:
"But many farmers recognize the benefits of leaving the residues
on the soil surface (aerobic conditions) rather than plowing them in or
burning them."

i have read (in a composting book, i'm sure) that leaving things to
decompose on the surface robs the soil of nutrients. i believe it was due to
the minerals leaving the soil to decompose the item on the surface or some
being lost when exposed to the air. is there a special way to prepare and
apply organic residues that avoids this? or do proponents of this residue
surface application just disagree?

 i'd like to know what some farmers first-hand experiences are with this, on
either side of the issue.
bless you all
olivia


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