Re: Using Newspaper keeps ground damp??
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG] Using Newspaper keeps ground damp??
- From: G* O*
- Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2000 09:22:33 -0500
At 12:03 PM 1/16/00 -0600, you wrote:
>Hello - Does enough water go through the newspaper to keep the ground damp
>underneath? It takes many years for a thick stack of newspaper to degrade in
>a dump. I saw this on TV.
>Cheers = Cajun Joe
Joe,
You need to start with wet ground (like after a good rain) and wet the
newspaper throoughly before putting the mulch on top. Yes, water will pass
through (ever try to keep your head dry during a rain by holding a
newspaper above?).
Packed newspapers in landfills are a problem because anaerobic conditions
exist (anaerobic decomposition is much slower and stinkier than aerobic)
and because the buried layers dry up and never wet back up. As
decomposition occurs, air and water are consumed by bacteria and fungi.
That's why a compost pile decomposes faster if turned and watered
occasionally.
If you make sure your newspapers stay moist, they will decompose very
quickly. That's one reason to keep mulch on top of the papers...
Gerry
