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Wood River, Nebraska

I know leaves are one of the best sources for humus, I'd like to see discussion of others. Is shredded paper a good source of humus? What paper and ink combinations are safe to use in the garden? Most of our waste paper is from laser printer/copiers. Is newsprint with soy ink ok to use? How long does it take to decompose compared to leaves? What would be the expected change to pH?
dave=stewee
dave

10/17/2003 9:04:04 AM

Oz

soy ink should be ok.
mix it with leaves.
add red wiggler worms.
i would check the ink/toner from those printers.
leaded ink was used in newspapers,,,and might still be used by some.

10/17/2003 9:10:52 AM

[email protected]

Black & white newspaper is readily consumed in our Canadian Night Crawler tubs. So how bad could it be? We layer it in with moisten Peat Moss & it lasts a few weeks at best even with fine ground Corn Meal spinkled on top.

10/17/2003 9:54:58 AM

Tipp City, Ohio

Here is a link to a pdf file from the West Virginia Univertisty.

http://www.wvu.edu/~exten/infores/pubs/crops/msw9.pdf

It is Interesting to think about doing.

Tom

10/17/2003 9:10:53 PM

Tipp City, Ohio

My typing is terrible! Should be University. I'll get it right next time. lol.

10/17/2003 9:12:22 PM

Montoursville, PA

My only dairy contact person beds with shreaded paper. Bet my paper is better than your paper. :)

10/17/2003 10:45:43 PM