Well now we are doing things on a different level. We used a modified system of deep pack in the barn this winter. We bedded with a mix of layers, shavings, straw and waste hay when we cleaned the mangers. We cleaned out the wettest patches and added them to the gardens, the drier areas got new layers as needed.
The livestock stayed clean and confortable and added their layers. The result is a wealth of wonderful organic matter to add to the gardens. We are laying this mixture between the crop rows as a weed barrier that will compost into the garden as we walk on it and tend the crops. It adds nutrients and we look forward to seeing how it works out.
Today though Ralph had an idea. He fired up the Grillo which has the Power Harrow attachment on it. Using this garden equiptment in the barn is a bit of a challenge but it worked incredibly well. It tore up and mixed a new layer of the manure pack about 3 inches deep in no time at all. The rotary harrow tines or spikes turn horizontally like egg beaters and it is going to be perfect as we work our way through the barn.
We sprinkled corn on the newly loosened debris to let the chickens do their part as this fresh mix needs to dry a bit. Tomorrow we will haul it out and continue to mulch between our garden rows.
We continue to be impressed with the Grillo walk behind tractor and the implements we have for it.
We also love the fact we have livestock that is providing us with do many things. Grass control, physical activity, entertainment, food and marvelous fertilizer to build our soil with.
Now I had better get back to work.
God Bless You and keep safe.
I love it when you're able to experiment your way to a system that really works well for you. This one is great!
ReplyDeleteDan and I have a Grillo on our wish list, but sadly it never seems to get any closer to the top of the list. :(
We were so blessed to be able to get the Grillo. This is the G110 which is too big for me to really handle well. The G85D is my personal favorite...if we win the lottery😁.
ReplyDeleteIts so interesting to see how systems can be adjusted to situations. I think people sometimes have to take the parts of things that work for them or that they like and then adjust to suit their operation.
I think Salatin uses pigs to turn his deep bedding... but short of pigs, I like it! :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see how your garden did at seasons' end. And the benefits won't stop there, I'm sure.
We are seeing a difference of texture and color in the herb garden, just from winter manure. It is the very poorest soil on the farm. This mixed bedding should help even more. As to pigs...after a lot of observation of this property we think we will just buy finished hogs from our Amish neighbor. He has Berkshire x Old Spot and runs them in his woods. He uses some grain but its non GMO. We think the sheep are more suitable for us. Their manure is more useful😁
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