Shredded Paper as OM
-
- Posts: 176
- Joined: June 10th, 2018, 1:41 pm
- Location: Southeast Michigan
- Grass Type: KBG I think
- Lawn Size: 5000-10000
- Level: Some Experience
Shredded Paper as OM
I did a quick search but didnt find anything through a couple of pages...
Has anyone used shredded paper as OM? I think this is a good way to consistenlty increase OM especially due to the amount of junk mail sent these days.
There might be some considerations about ink and if theres plastic or other toxins within the paper.
I may try a small section and see how it goes, has anyone tried this ?
Has anyone used shredded paper as OM? I think this is a good way to consistenlty increase OM especially due to the amount of junk mail sent these days.
There might be some considerations about ink and if theres plastic or other toxins within the paper.
I may try a small section and see how it goes, has anyone tried this ?
-
- Posts: 3871
- Joined: January 3rd, 2009, 2:28 am
- Location: Utah (Wasatch Front)
- Grass Type: Western, Streambank, Crested wheatgrass in front (with blue grama added in the heckstrips), sheep fescue in back; strawberry clovetr in both
- Lawn Size: 3000-5000
- Level: Experienced
Re: Shredded Paper as OM
I add shredded paper to my compost, and sometimes put it on the garden (followed by watering to get it to mat and keep weeds from growing).
I'm not sure how well it would work on the lawn.
I'm not sure how well it would work on the lawn.
-
- Posts: 6837
- Joined: September 14th, 2012, 10:53 pm
- Location: CT (Zone 6B)
- Grass Type: KBG, TTTF, TTPR, and FF (various mixtures)
- Lawn Size: 10000-20000
- Level: Experienced
Re: Shredded Paper as OM
One issue is that it might blow everywhere.
-
- Posts: 176
- Joined: June 10th, 2018, 1:41 pm
- Location: Southeast Michigan
- Grass Type: KBG I think
- Lawn Size: 5000-10000
- Level: Some Experience
Re: Shredded Paper as OM
Upom more research I found such a thing as a “microcut shredder”... chops up into a 4mmx10mm pieces. Pricey but changes the game with paper.
https://www.shredcare.com/products/boxi ... 1302373436
I may give this a go... they always say for compost to mix the greens and the browns together... well the greens will come from mulched grass clippings.
I think If i get enough for 1 whole yard application 1 time a season it effectively doubles my leaf mulching count speeding up my OM.
https://www.shredcare.com/products/boxi ... 1302373436
I may give this a go... they always say for compost to mix the greens and the browns together... well the greens will come from mulched grass clippings.
I think If i get enough for 1 whole yard application 1 time a season it effectively doubles my leaf mulching count speeding up my OM.
- trussin
- Posts: 56
- Joined: February 16th, 2015, 2:10 pm
- Location: Leander (Austin, TX)
- Grass Type: Celebration Bermuda
- Lawn Size: Not Specified
- Level: Not Specified
Re: Shredded Paper as OM
I also use it in my compost, though limit it to less than 10% of volume. How would you spread shredded paper on the lawn?
-
- Posts: 34
- Joined: August 1st, 2018, 12:16 pm
- Location: Huntington Beach, CA
- Grass Type: St. Augustine
- Lawn Size: < 1000
- Level: Some Experience
Re: Shredded Paper as OM
About 3 weeks ago I had the same idea and did a test area using shredded bills/junk mail (mainly to reduce our paper waste).
So far it's still totally recognizeable as shredded computer paper. This is on a mulch mowed and organically fed lawn (coffee grounds, alfalfa pellets, milorganite, dog poop and pee, etc). I'd assume like other organics it would eventually speed up. It would also probably help if I had to water more often than once every 1.5-2 weeks currently.
At least I can only see it if I'm standing directly over it lol.
So far it's still totally recognizeable as shredded computer paper. This is on a mulch mowed and organically fed lawn (coffee grounds, alfalfa pellets, milorganite, dog poop and pee, etc). I'd assume like other organics it would eventually speed up. It would also probably help if I had to water more often than once every 1.5-2 weeks currently.
At least I can only see it if I'm standing directly over it lol.
- Dchall_San_Antonio
- Posts: 3341
- Joined: December 17th, 2008, 1:53 am
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Grass Type: St Augustine
- Lawn Size: 5000-10000
- Level: Advanced
Re: Shredded Paper as OM
Based on the reported experience of someone on another forum, a long time ago, just keep after it. The other guy was putting sawdust from his cabinet shop on the soil. He claimed that after 10 years of doing that, his clay soil was soft enough to plunge his arm into. He also said that the sawdust decomposed faster and faster as the years went on. So if you can use teensy pieces of paper and keep it up, the soil microbes will adjust to those which can decompose paper quickly.
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests