Page 23 - ALG Issue 1 2023

book review
The Science
of Compost: Life, Death and Decay in the Garden
Gardeners are familiar with the magic of compost, and it is easy to see what goes in – organic waste – and what comes out
– wonderful, friable and fertile compost – but what magic causes that to happen?
Doberski explains what kind
of ‘mysterious’ and complex
chemical, physical and biological
processes contribute to make
composting effective. He covers the structural nature of decaying and dead plant material, the micro-organisms and invertebrates contributing to decomposition, and the combination of chemical, physical and biological factors which determine rates of decay.
Although not a practical manual of composting, by explaining the science of what goes on in composting, Doberski provides pointers to gardeners for getting composting right.
OBITUARY
John Kidger
Life member John Kidger has sadly passed away
John has been involved in growing vegetables on his allotments at Merevale Allotments in Clifton, Nottingham since the early 1970s
Mr Kidger had a long-time involvement with Nottingham City Council and the allotments in the area. He worked with and supported the NAS, and will be missed by those who worked alongside him.
John’s daughter has continued to dig the plot and unearthed an enormous potato – testament to his growing abilities!
Waterless toilets for off-mains sites
www.natsol.co.uk
Allotment and Leisure Gardener 23