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| I'd like opinions or suggestions regarding the contemplated use of shredded old papers (business 8/5 x 11 with either inkjet or laserjet ink) as mulch or a soild amendment in the garden.
Is this advisable or inadvisable, and why? Will the inks cause any problems (papers are between 5 and 15 years old)? Also, how will/would adding this type of mulch or soil amendment affect the nutrient availability & content of the existing soil, particularly as relates to N-P-P and the trace minerals? |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by larry_gene z8/Sunset6 OR (My Page) on Thu, Apr 8, 10 at 0:22
| I would not try using shredded paper as a mulch because much of it would blow into my neighbor's yards. |
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| The Bottom Line • Newspaper and cardboard sheet mulches can be effective for annual beds if they are properly maintained. • Sheet mulches can prevent water movement and gas exchange if they are too wet or too dry. • Use site-appropriate mulch materials. Permanent, ornamental landscapes, non-maintained sites, and restoration areas are not appropriate locations for newspaper and cardboard sheet mulches. |
Here is a link that might be useful: The Myth of Paper-Based Sheet Mulch
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| Shredded is a different application than sheet mulching. I see no harm in the addition of shredded paper in the soil other than maybe the ink toxicity, if it exists. Whether the ink is bad or good is what the OP is asking. That, I don't know. If the ink is good I see no harm in it though. I have never used paper as a mulch or additive. It seems like a lot of work for a little organic gain. My paper goes in the recycle bin. |
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| Will still pack down like grass clippings and have other characteristics of paper. |
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- Posted by larry_gene z8/Sunset6 OR (My Page) on Fri, Apr 9, 10 at 0:29
| PDX east wind will unpack it, unless it has transformed to paper mache'. |
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- Posted by goofyisgreen Z8 PacNW (My Page) on Fri, Apr 9, 10 at 1:45
| Thanx for the responses. I will weigh them all before acting, although I'm leaning against, just was hoping I could get something beneficial after the shredding machine. Into the recycle bin, it looks like. |
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| shredded paper makes an excellent addition to a compost pile, and especially worm bins. Its a good source of carbon when leaves or straw isn't available. |
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- Posted by goodbyekitty Zone 6 Wa/Sunset 3 (My Page) on Mon, Apr 12, 10 at 9:16
| I can see it used in a compost pile. I used some shedded paper once for a banana plant. I could see something wasn't right with the plant so I dug it out. The dirt and paper it was in was so hot and saturated it freaked me out probably as much as the poor banana plant! It responded well after I changed the soil. |
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- Posted by mdvaden_of_oregon NW Oregon (My Page) on Mon, Apr 12, 10 at 11:44
| goofyisgreen ..... Google "The Dark Side of Lasagna Gardening" In regards to paper use in the garden, and what it means to recycling.
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| Bboy I said I didn't see any harm in the addition to shredded paper IN the soil, not ON it. It can be spaded in, for instance. |
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