Okay guys here ya go. First experiment is a pic of the house that is already seasoned and lookin' good. But TW the only thing I saw was "" on your post. I have no idea what bpgreen saw. And since I don't know where to paste it I am pasting here and the Optional Link URL and the Name of Link. Hope you guys can see this.... http://nfinit.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Landscaping/518159_jubCB#21331199_f7o5C Here is a link that might be useful: http://nfinit.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Landscaping/518159_jubCB#21331199_f7o5C

Ya, but it's more fun! I guess that my main arguement about that would be that first- composting is aimed at decomposition of OM. Cultivating fungi in the soil is aimed at a variety of other goals which do include use of nutrient in OM, but also include water retention (for the sake of water retention rather than continuing decomp alone), mining minerals from incorporated soil (a much different process than decomp of OM), establishment of symbiotic relationship with plants, and a number of other things that we're still just discovering. While I agree that tilling is not a "nuclear option" that ultimately destroys all fungi never to be seen again, I also think that tilling is not exactly conducive to establishing the myc fungi necessary. An example- I have clover and other more interesting legumes growing in my yard. The myc fungi have formed strong associations with the roots of these plants. This makes these fungi stronger and dominant. Tilling in certain other OM, as well as the clover etc. would create an opportunity for bacterial domination as well as for other fungi to get a foothold. I like MY myc fungi. Bacteria and fungi are thought to impact the pH level of the soil very differently. Not only do I want to manage a fungal dominant soil, but I have specific fungal species that took years to really flourish.

The dry weight analysis of horse manure is often listed in the 0.7-0.3-0.6 range. While not near what a 10-10-10 synthetic fertilizer is it is known to be a "hot" source of Nitrogen because that N is pretty readily available. Almost every soil test report I have seen over the last 45 years has suggested adding 2 pounds of Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, whether the lab tested for N or not. That is not very much and in a good healthy soil probably not really needed. Perhaps these simple soil tests will be of some help, 1) Soil test for organic matter. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24 hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight. For example, a good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top. 2) Drainage. Dig a hole 1 foot square and 1 foot deep and fill that with water. After that water drains away refill the hole with more water and time how long it takes that to drain away. Anything less than 2 hours and your soil drains� too quickly and needs more organic matter to slow that drainage down. Anything over 6 hours and the soil drains too slowly and needs lots of organic matter to speed it up. 3) Tilth. Take a handful of your slightly damp soil and squeeze it tightly. When the pressure is released the soil should hold together in that clump, but when poked with a finger that clump should fall apart. 4) Smell. What does your soil smell like? A pleasant, rich earthy odor? Putrid, offensive, repugnant odor? The more organic matter in your soil the more active the soil bacteria will be and the nicer your soil will smell. 5) Life. How many earthworms per shovel full were there? 5 or more indicates a pretty healthy soil. Fewer than 5, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, indicates a soil that is not healthy.

Almost scares me to DO a list of my TBM plans!! The ones I can think of right off: 2 BB's watering can that's in the mail birdhouse lamp 3 baseballs metal table top (mosaic pieces are already done out of polyclay, just need to get them all together with the table) 3 clay pots for a mosaic tipsy pot totem (got a couple of them glued up, but nothing is grouted or finished) ceramic vase for a bird/butterfly bath pedestal 2 pair cowboy boots 3 TX shaped stepping stones to go with the 3 already done (confession: did the first three about 5 years ago!!) toilet tank (broke the corner off it 2 yrs ago, but kept it and the various larger pieces for then-unknown reason!) toilet (had it in the front yard with a pot of airplane plants in it for 2 yrs - drives DD nuts, DH just sorta ignores it) That's all that come to mind at the moment, but there's probably several more lurking in hiding that I've forgotten!! Pat