What have you found in compost recently?

[glallotments]

The vegan society says small branch chippings can be used without depleting nitrogen, apparently it is the larger branches that deplete nitrogen, it is also an excellent additive to improve long terrm fertility and to encourage natural soil balance of bacteria and fungi.

http://www.goveganic.net/article17.html

Have I misread this, the article seems to be about using chipped branch wood as a mulch not to add to compost (it does mention adding to the surface of soil instead of using compost or manure) and it doesn't mentioned anything about nitogen depletion or lack of it when incorporated into compost.

[Nature's Babe]

Hi Gallotments, yes it is added to the top of the soil usually, broken down by fungi - but I'm guessing could break down in compost too - I have seen threads of fungi in compost
Another article here they suggest autumn is the best time to small branch mulch followed by a leguminous green mulch pre planting -

http://www.ediblenature.com/healthlibra ... hipped.pdf

[Johnboy]

Hi NB,
I would like you to explain this to me.
Several years back I felled a large amount of Leylandii and with coniferous waste I stack in pile until the foliage has turned brown and then I kind of thresh the foliage off to be composted and simply left the residue, namely small branches. These small branches began to deteriorate and were moved and used as kindling by all and sundry of the village.
The interesting bit is that since they have been moved absolutely nothing has grown on the area and that is now at least three and may be four years ago. It is simply an area of some 20' x 12' which is devoid of any foliage of any kind.
JB.