jeff9366
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2011
- Messages
- 12,388
- Tractor
- Kubota Tractor Loader L3560 HST+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3,700 pounds bare tractor, 5,400 pounds operating weight, 37 horsepower
In our development we have a community burn pile.
Eighty per cent of wood burned is hardwoods --- tree trimmings and trees cleared when lots are prepared for new houses; mostly Oaks; some Myrtles.
Ten per cent is softwoods, many species, mostly small trees removed during de-brushing.
Ten per cent is yard debris.
Our sandy-loam high pH due to lime rock content. (Lime rock is mined nearby.)
The "dirt" I have been scooping up with FEL is probably 50% sandy-loam, 50% ashes. We have not had a good rain in Fanning Springs, North-Central Florida, for 7-8 weeks. Soil/ash mixture is fine as talc. I assume the ashes are acting as a desiccant.
I have been screening this dirt into my wheelbarrow then using it to fill low spots in my lawn. The dirt flows right through the rough screen without me having to rub it much. I toss out the larger chunks of lime rock and unburned wood (5%) and spread the balance (95%).
Will some of you ag experienced readers tell me if I am doing the right thing?
Any guess on N-P-K?
Do the ashes improved water holding capability? Certainly the small amount of unburned wood with help hold water as it decays.
I know ashes are "sweet" but is it possible this dirt could further raise the pH? Or possibly lower the pH because of all the lime rock?
Should I amend with peat moss or cotton seed meal to increase acidity before spreading? (Cotton Seed Meal is $17/50 pounds at the Feed Store.)
What about adding traditional expanded clay cat litter? Out of the factory 25 pound bag NOT the cat litter box.
My yard is in Saint Augustine grass, a Florida native, which likes high pH soil. Though native, Saint Augustine is not particularly easy to grow well as a lawn.
I have not had the fill tested. I think it varies widely depending on what part of the burn pile fill is removed from and what wood has been recently burned.
You help will be appreciated.
Tractor is a Kubota B3300SU tractor/loader package; 33-hp/1800 pounds.
Eighty per cent of wood burned is hardwoods --- tree trimmings and trees cleared when lots are prepared for new houses; mostly Oaks; some Myrtles.
Ten per cent is softwoods, many species, mostly small trees removed during de-brushing.
Ten per cent is yard debris.
Our sandy-loam high pH due to lime rock content. (Lime rock is mined nearby.)
The "dirt" I have been scooping up with FEL is probably 50% sandy-loam, 50% ashes. We have not had a good rain in Fanning Springs, North-Central Florida, for 7-8 weeks. Soil/ash mixture is fine as talc. I assume the ashes are acting as a desiccant.
I have been screening this dirt into my wheelbarrow then using it to fill low spots in my lawn. The dirt flows right through the rough screen without me having to rub it much. I toss out the larger chunks of lime rock and unburned wood (5%) and spread the balance (95%).
Will some of you ag experienced readers tell me if I am doing the right thing?
Any guess on N-P-K?
Do the ashes improved water holding capability? Certainly the small amount of unburned wood with help hold water as it decays.
I know ashes are "sweet" but is it possible this dirt could further raise the pH? Or possibly lower the pH because of all the lime rock?
Should I amend with peat moss or cotton seed meal to increase acidity before spreading? (Cotton Seed Meal is $17/50 pounds at the Feed Store.)
What about adding traditional expanded clay cat litter? Out of the factory 25 pound bag NOT the cat litter box.
My yard is in Saint Augustine grass, a Florida native, which likes high pH soil. Though native, Saint Augustine is not particularly easy to grow well as a lawn.
I have not had the fill tested. I think it varies widely depending on what part of the burn pile fill is removed from and what wood has been recently burned.
You help will be appreciated.
Tractor is a Kubota B3300SU tractor/loader package; 33-hp/1800 pounds.