Composting and Worm Farm Elements

Tagasaste, chipped and shredded makes an ideal and major compost component. When broken down, the material can be used in potting mixes and also has broad acre applications. Mixed with animal manure of some kind enriches the substance even further. But with or without manure the material encourages the investigation from, and feed for earthworms, which by their presence and habits multiply all the elements needed for healthy plant growth. There are few plants that would not grow in a compost that is created using Tagasaste as the main component. This has some pertinacity to the plant and landscaping industry. It also demonstrates another possible use for large commercial Tagasaste plantations as a renewable compost resource and possible carbon sink.

Chipped and mulched Tagasaste, spread on paddocks in a broad acre situation, without any further processing, with sufficient moisture in the soil to allow earth worms to be present and to feed upon it during the hours of darkness, creates an area rich in nutrients. This manifests itself by the vigorous, prolific and lush grass which stands out from areas where no top dressing of this material has occurred. Evidence of the presence of worms in the form of their holes and earth mounds protruding through the layer of chips to the surface, and the speed with which the mulched material is consumed by these soil enriching creatures is nothing short of amazing. Depending once more, and as always, on the prevailing conditions and the actual worm population, a layer of this material, 75mm thick, can disappear without trace in a fortnight to three weeks. The richness and desirability of pasture that grows where the worms have been active in consuming the material will be unmistakable by the deep green colour of the grasses, and the way the animals will continuously visit and graze it. Resulting in this part of the pasture sward being shorter than that elsewhere in the paddock while, or if grazing animals are in residence.

In truth, Tagasaste is probably a better source of material for soil rejuvenation and fertility depth and expansion than it is a feed for livestock. As a fertilizer it works through feeding the soil organisms that create fertile and healthy soil, though somewhat slower in action than some chemical methods, it is the safest way to incorporate water retaining vegetable matter into the ground. The creation of humus and top soil is increased at the maximum natural rate. Other fertilisers, especially those chemical compounds which are used to feed plants impoverish the soil further because they are not completely balanced and therefore not wholesome.