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Novosoil

NovoSoil is a product as well as the enterprise that produces it. It is a mixture of horse, forest, and human food waste. It is a composted mixture that along with any organic matter from the area (sawdust, bark chips, pulp chips), and other sources not harmful but potentially contributing to an improved environment and enhanced mineral cycles is processed. The resulting substance is to be used around the region for reducing erosion and land reclamation, and when the amount is sufficient, sold to specialty markets or shipped to people who have visited the area and who recognize the special value of the unusual mix of materials.

Laboratory tests help sustain a strong decomposition mix. Human and animal wastes are specially captured to maximize organic matter conservation and to utilize nitrogen wherever possible.

Specialty combinations of wastes for select purposes may be designed in the future. Some of the wastes may be used for heating. Ash and mine wastes, tested, may become part of the new soil for select areas.

A specialty product useful in getting an index to the rate of decomposition and nutrient cycling in ecosystems is in the design stage. It has potential for a variety of sales in the future and these will enhance the Foundation.

NovoSoil will grow to provide computer-based soil analyses, county level soil maps, and a series of soils for in-place gardens. Advice will become available for difficult restoration areas. Special programs will become available for mined-land restoration but initial work is concentrated on the grounds, gardens, and roadsides.

An energy production component for geothermal heat pumps may be offered, one that utilized Earth-heat as well as the heat from decomposing products...and maintains the heat of decomposing beds at a desired level throughout the year.

Composting may be encouraged with purchased supplements. Composting results in a soil-like material. Composting is easier and cheaper than bagging. When added to soil it provides essential nutrients, helps retain water in sandy soil and breaks up heavy clay soils. A compost pile is a microbial farm, teeming with the bacterial and earthworm herds. Bacteria with moisture start the decaying process along with breakage and surface area exposure by beetles, centipedes and others creatures, then fungi and protozoa join in.

Anything growing is potential food for decomposers. Carbon an nitrogen in plant cells provide fuel for microbes. Nitrogen provides the building blocks for proteins. Everything organic has a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 550:1 with 15:1 in table scraps. Overcomming problems with composting:

• Bad odor - not enough air, too wet; turn the pile and add straw
• Center too dry - add water, turn the pile; add green materials
• Damp and sweet but not heating up - mix in nitrogen sources such as grass clippings
• Damp and warm only in the middle - too small, add material
• Rodents present - do not include meat scraps or bones in additions

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This Web site is maintained by R. H. Giles, Jr.
Last revision January 17, 2000.