I agree that tilling is generally bad for the soil in many cases. Perpetual
cropping certainly is. However, the flood-plain annuals that we like to grow
for food require us to simulate annual alluvial deposits with higher
concentrations of N and faster microbial turnover than stable climax
grasslands.
For practical purposes that means some form of tillage.
It would be really nice if we could just cut a line, stuff the opening with
compost, and plant into it, rather than turning soil over. However, the
most practical thing is probably to go back to the system of crop rotation
where every few years a plot is allowed to lie fallow and rebalance its
population of native microorganisms.
All the best,
Robert Hartman
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
"We are stardust. We are golden." --Joni Mitchell
______________________________________________________
The American Community Gardening Association listserve is only one of ACGA's
services to community gardeners. To learn more about the ACGA and to find out
how to join, please go to http://www.communitygarden.org
To post an e-mail to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription:
https://secure.mallorn.com/mailman/listinfo/community_garden
