On 5/26/04 8:37 AM, in article , "Ignoramus29645"
wrote:

Composition: dry brown leaves, green grass all mixed with chicken shit
and a bit of sod. The pile is about 4x4 feet wide and 2 feet
tall. Would it be realistic to expect it to rot by the next year?

I will be adding more stuff as this year goes on, and would like to
know if at some point I should stop adding to the current pile and
start a new one, to have one pile ready to top dress the lawn and add
to the garden. The pile is located in shade in the bushes (to be out
of sight).

i
Your pile sounds like mine...Is your pile hot? Mine is steaming. A hot
pile will shrink as it decomposes. This is what I do.
I keep a rubber mat on top and cover the whole pile with a black
covering originally used to cover lumber (obtained from a lumber yard). They
just throw them out and are glad to donate to a worthy cause.
My pile is in the sun and the heat from the sun (on the black cover)
helps to increase the temperature of the pile which in turn helps things
break down. Each time I cut the lawn I have to remove all the coverings. I
then use a fork to stir the upper layers by lifting out and loosening as far
down in the pile as I can. Level the surface then add the new grass cuttings
on top levelling them.
I have a drum full of dry chicken manure. I sprinkle it on top of each
full lawn mower bag of cut grass. My grass has lots of moisture in it so I
have no need to add water. You may have to depending upon where you live.
The moisture in the grass wets the chicken manure. The nitrogen from which
helps to break down the grass.
I think that keeping the rubber cover on top keeps the ammonia
(nitrogen) in (and the heat) where it can work on the grass. Stirring the
grass before adding new grass clippings allows oxygen into the mix. The
added grass seals the heat already in the pile and the new chicken manure I
add on top gives the nitrogen level a boost. I keep the top of the pile
flat...not sure why...I was told to do it!
On occasion I will put in a layer of soil but not too much...about 1 or
2 inches. Grass will mat so the soil helps reduce the matting effect
especially when I 'stir the pot'.
So, in summary: You want a hot pile; you want to hold the heat in;
rubber cover on top; added heat from the sun helps-black cover; added manure
gives more nitrogen to help in breakdown; not too wet or dry; turn or mix
the top levels; add a little soil; keep the top flat.
How long does it take? It depends upon how hot you can get the pile. The
hotter the better.
If you just piled the grass without all the above then some of it would
be ready for next year...but maybe not for the lawn. It would be too lumpy.
For a veggie garden you could use the whole pile broken down or not. You
would have to dig it in in the fall (or in the spring-about two weeks before
planting) and let the worms eat it over the winter. It will breakdown in the
soil as well.
I have never used compost on my lawn. I get chicken manure from a local
farmer (dry manure mixed with sawdust) and in the spring, when it is still
raining lots, I spread it on my lawn a shovel at a time. (throwing it in the
air with reckless abandon...to spread it out). Any lumps that are left on
the lawn the rain softens them over a week or two and I kick them into
submission with my west coast cowboy boots (rubber boots).
Sorry for the long post...and you asked such a short question...
Gary
Fort Langley BC
Canada