Is there an effective pine needle composting activity in the Klamath Basin that I can visit? - Ask Extension
At Train Mountain in Chiloquin we gather several tons of pine needles every year from over 30 miles of our model track. We no longer burn the needles ...
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Is there an effective pine needle composting activity in the Klamath Basin that I can visit? #842424
Asked July 24, 2023, 6:48 PM EDT
At Train Mountain in Chiloquin we gather several tons of pine needles every year from over 30 miles of our model track. We no longer burn the needles and they are really piling up. We are looking at composting as a way to make the material useful as well as disposal. It is felt that talking to other local folks would give us guidance on how to proceed. I would be willing to travel a reasonable distance to visit. In addition the prospect of being able to add compost to our soil which is essentially pure volcanic ash might improve our water budget.
Klamath County Oregon
Expert Response
HI Jeff, thanks for your question. Here's an article on a pine needle composting study from Washington State Extension: https://www.wnps.org/blog/ponderosa-pine-needles-composting
You'll note that a considerable amount of other material was mixed in- they did not use straight pine needles.
I noticed that even in the humid and wet southeast US, straight pine needles take a long time to break down into compost. Many sites sourced mentioned the waxy coating on the outside of the needles, and how shredding the needles to break through the waxy coat was reccommended.
There's a composting project at the prison in Lakeview, I have put our an inquiry to see if that includes pine needles, but I have not heard back yet. I'll respond again if I learn anything helpful,
Nicole
You'll note that a considerable amount of other material was mixed in- they did not use straight pine needles.
I noticed that even in the humid and wet southeast US, straight pine needles take a long time to break down into compost. Many sites sourced mentioned the waxy coating on the outside of the needles, and how shredding the needles to break through the waxy coat was reccommended.
There's a composting project at the prison in Lakeview, I have put our an inquiry to see if that includes pine needles, but I have not heard back yet. I'll respond again if I learn anything helpful,
Nicole
For Nicole,
Thanks for the article on composting pine needles. It is informative. I need to show our leadership a local effective composting activity in order to establish a composting program at Train Mountain. They do not want to engage in what seems to be an experiment but they might give support if a somewhat local activity can be shown to them.
Thanks again, Jeff Pape <personal data hidden>
In a message dated 7/31/2023 12:42:03 PM Pacific Daylight Time, <personal data hidden> writes:
I've heard back that the prison in Lake Co. is composting only food waste- and also struggling to get a good turnaround time.
I can't find any instances of composting pine needles being effective unless they are mixed with a high percentage of other items. I'm sorry this is not the response you'd prefer, Nicole
I can't find any instances of composting pine needles being effective unless they are mixed with a high percentage of other items. I'm sorry this is not the response you'd prefer, Nicole
Nicole, thanks for the additional information. It is what it is I guess. Our bottom line is that the president and the board do not want to do experiments apart from our primary mission which is to create and maintain the best ride-on miniature train experience anywhere.
If you know nothing about us try Googling Train Mountain. In addition on Saturdays the public experience group, Klamath and Western Railroad hosts rides. It is popular with parents.
Thanks again, Jeff Pape
In a message dated 8/3/2023 2:20:44 PM Pacific Daylight Time, <personal data hidden> writes:
