[tomato] Mr. Yarnell and Margarit

Paul Reynolds (Tomato@GlobalGarden.com)
Thu, 11 Mar 1999 09:12:07 -0600 

I wish to apologize to the two of you for my "terseness" in my responses
on the virii issues.  I wish to apologize to all those on the list as
well.  Although I'm a firm believer in what I said and what I do, I
realize that I was a bit stiff on dealing with it.

As far as you folks on the list, I hope that you listen to all the
comments and make the judgement that you think and feel is right.
That's what the list is for.  I for one am an expert in waste
management, for Texas only, and an expert about plant and soil science
and root zone hydrology pertaining to beneficial use of wastes.  These
are my primary qualifications as an Environmental Agronomist.

Please understand that as a regulator in the area of waste management
for beneficial use, I hear all kinds of scare tactics that are fed to
the public on the subject of viruses, protozoa and bacterial counts.
And these folks can't seem to produce data to prove it up when we get
them cornered on the subject.  I am currently dealing with some of this
before a judge right now and it's grown ugly with short tempers and
lawyers attacking folks personally, such as myself.  I feel that I had
probably let some of these feelings get in the way when it shouldn't
have.  I just get so tired of the mis-information that is fed to the
public by the radical environmental consciencious groups, radical
liberals and the ultra conservatives, they are all scare mongers in one
form or the other.

Also, you both are right in that folks should be careful when adding
stuff to their compost piles.  Especially if they are just beginning and
have no idea what temperatures they need to be utilizing for the type of
product that they wish to produce.  There is a wealth of literature out
there and a good portion of it contradicts.

I for one go for complete break down.  My material is much finer than
any potting soil that you'd be able to buy at a local outlet.  In fact,
80-90% of mine will probably pass through a 200 mesh seive when dried.

Again, I wish to apologize for the way I reacted and do realize that it
was uncalled for.  *wink*  I hope you accept and lets have some fun
discussing tomatos and associated topics.

Also, most of my information on composting is trial by error.  I'm not
afraid to try things and I'm not afraid to admit if it don't work and
I'm not afraid to admit when I'm wrong.  My primary reason for adding
kitty litter was for the NH3 content due to the lack of greenstuffs in
my heap.  I've started mulching my grass instead of bagging it for my
compost.  Most of the solid material in the litter is off to the side
and dries out very nicely.

Thanks

Paul Reynolds
Environmental Agronomist
Austin Texas