Creating Humus on the Farm: The Controlled Heat Method of Composting - Softcover

Ulrich, Roland

Softcover

ISBN 10: 147873115X ISBN 13: 9781478731153

Publisher: Outskirts Press, 2014

Synopsis

Roland Ulrich's Creating Humus on the Farm: the Controlled Heat Method of Composting, published by Outskirts Press, is thorough, technical, and a complete resource for any individual, particularly farmers, interested in how our suffering soils can be replenished and invigorated step by step in an efficient and effective manner. Control is the operative word in the Controlled Heat method of composting: Regular monitoring of the supporting elements -- warmth, water, light and air -- is most important in this time-saving process of converting organic material into humus. Regulation during every phase of this process leads to the surest, most consistent way to nurture the bacterial life that will transform dead organic substance into life-supporting humus for the earth.

Following each step of the Controlled Heat method of composting to create humus increases our awareness of this magical transformation process; it inspires enthusiasm and re-enliven determination to develop, individually and in community, our knowledge and abilities to restore life supporting humus. This age-old method, modified especially for the modern organic/biodynamic farmer, focusing primarily on farming operations with animals or access to manure, is described in this book. "Humus is more than an ingredient helping to provide our everyday food. Rather, it is a complex interaction between man, animal, plant, and mineral, a true effect of interaction of the whole world's living forces."  

Roland Ulrich's extensive knowledge and practice has resulted in modifying the controlled heat method of transforming compost for large-scale barnyard use. Although he makes no claim to the superiority of this method compared with other composting methods, the product speaks for itself in the resulting quality and quantity of foodstuff produced; it is a fast and efficient method, thus serving as a great aid to good farm management.

About this title

About the Author

In addition to his formal education, Roland Ulrich has undertaken extensive study of water and soil. Due to the influence of anthroposophy, he was given the opportunity in 1982 to add biodynamic agriculture to his training in forestry, farming, and ecological conservation. Roland's experiences acquired over the years in Europe, Africa, and the United States bear witness to his expertise and his conviction that in this small book the reader will find the way to produce the "black gold" of humus to nourish the earth.

From the Back Cover

In Creating Humus on the Farm, compost master Roland Ulrich shares practical, step-by-step methodology to transform barnyard compost to humus. The controlled heat method of composting, compared with other methods, will save time, preserve more nutrients, and ultimately create greater quantities of stable humus to add to your fields. Living humus is the best and most natural way to fertilize soil. Dead chemical fertilizers cause deterioration of the soil which in turn impacts the quality of food production. Loss of humus can lead to soil erosion, water shortages, water pollution, and land loss. Farmers are in a unique position to make invaluable contributions to the health and vitality of our soils, and consequently to the nturition we receive from our plants and animals. Whether you are already part of the organic agricultural movement or are just starting to explore the real benefits of soil conservation, you have the choice to be a mindful steward of the earth. Creating Humus on the Farm is a uniquely valuable resource. Roland's extensive experience bears witness to his expertise and his conviction that in this small booklet the reader will find the way to produce the "black gold" of humus to nourish the earth and all life.

From the Inside Flap

Within these pages the story of the controlled heat method of making compost is told. This method is fast and reliable, thus making it a good choice for efficient farm and garden production. The practitioner can learn to turn plant and animal waste into humus to nourish all of earth life: the soil, its plants, its animals, and us human beings. Humus is compost transformed, organic matter that has reached a point of stability where it will break down no further and might, if conditions do not change, remain as it is for centuries. In this book, a scientific explanation is given for every step of practical work required so that by the end, when all steps have been digested, the reader can feel satisfied that a valuable lesson has been learned. A soil rich in humus produces sweeter vegetables, animals that eat the plants are healthier, and us human beings who eat both, think and feel better.

Our ability to aid nature in the creation of humus is one of mankind's greatest achievements. We are fortunate to be able to restore to nature the vitamins and minerals we take from the earth. This is humus, a most active and spirit-filled substance, filled with abundant life. Not only can we see it happening but over time we can develop the sense for the invisible forces working on our behalf. Creating humus is a basic step in preserving our sacred agriculture. This How-To book is a joy to read.

Edition details

• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 147873115X
• ISBN 13: 9781478731153
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 56