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Pine Bark Mulch

-- [ From: for-pac * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --

In regards to using pine bark or other "fresh" woody materials as a mulch,
it is a good idea to add some nitrogen fertilizer. It is not necessary, but
would be helpful. The reason is simply that the bacteria that breaks down
the woody materials in the soil will draw on nitrogen firstly to get the
process of decomposistion started. The idea of using a mulch is for water
retention, shade, and weed control, but the soil bacteria just see more
compost in the making. Soil nitrogen is the key element is starting
decomposistion, and if there is not enough available, the bacteria will pull
it from the soil. If your soils are relatively fertile, then the nitrogen
loss (for plant availability) will be small. With this in mind, you decide
whether you need to add any or not.

This is very true to get those compost piles "cooking". Add nitrogen. Lawn
clippings added to a compost pile is like adding the best of the best. It
quickly breaks down, and being full of nitrogen, feeds the bacteria, which
in turn releases more nitrogen and other nutrients, and increases the soil
bacteria population which increases the decomposition. Of course, with
composting a little water and turning the pile help a great deal. 

So much for theory, try it and watch what happens.
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