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Re: Rototilling - What is the alternative

Bill,

Look in my book, WEEDLESS GARDENING (Workman Publishing, 2001), for a thorough (I think) discussion of what TO do if you do
NOT rototill or otherwise turn over the soil. I also talk about all the downsides of rototilling, besides having to do it.
What I present in the book is more than just idle musings from my backyard; it reflects my talking with a lot of gardeners
and farmers, as well as my plant and soil research experience with the USDA, the Soil Conservation Service, and Cornell
University. And my own backyard expeeriences -- I haven't tilled my soil in almost 20 years.

Lee Reich, PhD

Bill Shear wrote:

> On 4/3/02 5:54 PM, "Jim Kennard" <jim@growfood.com> wrote:
>
> > Can someone tell me what the recommended alternative is to rototilling?  I
> > must have missed that in the exchange somewhere.  My interest is primarily the
> > family-based garden of 1,000-10,000 square feet.
> >
> So far, I haven't gotten any "science" about not rototilling.  How about it,
> some of you "scientific" gardeners?
>
> My vegetable garden beds have been rototilled 2-3 times annually for the
> last 25 years and the soil remains light, loose and fluffy.  I till mainly
> to incorporate soil amnedments like old mulch,  compost, rock dust, lime,
> etc.
>
> As a scientist myself, I know that a big part of the scientific method is
> going with your own experience rather than what appears in books or on the
> internet.  So if it works for you, carry on.  Let the latest fad just roll
> over you!
>
> Bill Shear
> Department of Biology
> Hampden-Sydney College
> Hampden-Sydney VA 23943
> (434)223-6172
> FAX (434)223-6374
> email<wshear@email.hsc.edu>
> Moderating e-lists:
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> ml
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>
> "It is only when we forget all our learning that we begin to know.  I do not
> get nearer by a hair's breadth to any natural object so long as I presume
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> with total apprehension I must for the thousandth time approach it as
> something totally strange.  If you would make acquaintance with the ferns
> you must forget your botany."
> Henry David Thoreau, Journals, Oct. 4, 1859.
>
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============================================================
Norton System Works Pro 2001for only $14.95
or get the 2002 edition for only 24.95 for a limited time!! 
Get free bonus National Geographics Maps with every order
FREE!
http://click.topica.com/caaajP4bUrGSSbVSZwBf/MyFreeSoftware
============================================================

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