On 27 Mar 2003 04:20:30 -0800, Joe Jamies wrote:

About 10 cubic metres of fresh fir sawdust was just delivered...

Lucky you!

Should I compost the sawdust in a pile (or several piles), or can I
spread the sawdust over my soil so it can compost "in place" (due to
the large amount of sawdust)? As a nitrogen source, I am thinking of
using urea. How long before this soil is ready for planting
vegetables?

One of the American reference books in my library, "Wyman's
Garden Encyclopedial", goes into exactly this question, but
unfortunately the book has strayed and I can't look the details
up regarding the amount of nitrogen you need to use. It's not
really critical - try a few ounces of urea per square yard for,
say, three inches of sawdust applied superficially.

If your soil is acid, a dusting of lime will also help.

Remember that when decomposition is complete, the soil will be on
the rich side as the added nitrogen is released.

You can plant directly into soil so amended. Many nurseries here
use a sawdust-based compost for potting and I assure you that
they don't let the stuff rot down before use.

--
Rodger Whitlock
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada