Dear Editor,
Morgan County is currently designated as being in extreme drought. Indicators supporting that designation include drying rivers, livestock ponds, and wells; cracked ground; the loss of much hay and grazing ground; early leaf drop in trees; outdoor burn bans; and overall economic impacts on agriculture.
Those of us trying to maintain green lawns and healthy landscapes are hoping for rain. As of this writing, the immediate forecast for North Central Georgia calls for warmer weather with only a slight chance of precipitation. Local farmers report that, prior to April 23, the area had only experienced one rainy day in the month. Rainfall in Madison is approximately eight inches below normal.
While we cannot control the rainfall we desperately need, we can take steps to reduce the impact of drought. One simple and effective option is composting.
Compost improves soil structure and tilth, creating more porous soil that promotes stronger root growth through improved aeration and increased moisture retention. Composting is a natural process that recycles organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. It increases the soil’s water-holding capacity, reducing irrigation needs while gradually increasing the proportion of organic matter over time. Because compost releases nutrients slowly, it also supports beneficial soil microorganisms that contribute to overall plant and soil health.
Successful composting requires a proper balance of air, moisture, and organic materials. A proportional balance of the organic materials is also important. Compost piles should include both nitrogen-rich “green” materials and carbon-rich “brown” materials. Ideally, the mixture should contain roughly two parts browns such as leaf litter, straw, wood chips, cardboard - to one part greens, including grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds. This ratio contributes to the pile heating naturally and sustaining the microorganisms that break down materials into rich compost.
More information on composting — a practical way to convert waste into a valuable resource — will follow.
Peter Wibell Rutledge