Adam Ambrus

Thanks for the replies everyone, this is some really good information.

Thanks Miles, the ranch is in Athens, TX. Rainfall sporadic in warmer months, but when it does it pours.

More details on the sheet mulching system I have in mind. I'd like to try no till and go right on top of pasture grasses (Bermuda & Costal). I'd start be cutting grass low, then several sheets of newspaper, coffee grounds, dried grass clippings (carbon), aged cow manure, dried grass, coffee grounds, leftover hay. I plan to design beds (which act like swales) on contour. I'll put cardboard in the rows covered with a few inches of wood chips.

From what you all have provided, maybe I'll replace the aged manure with finished compost. Any other thoughts are welcome!

My cousin recently bought a 40 acre ranch I'll be managing. I'd like to sheet mulch (compost, hay, manure, hay, coffee grounds, hay) to establish garden beds near (about 20 yards away) from the 6 acre lake. There is a gradual grade down to the lake. I like the idea of being near the water source. A few people have brought up the issue of nutrients leaching into the lake causing algae bloom, etc that might hurt the pond ecosystem. My thought - if I use a sheet mulching system and manure that's been aged, the leaching of nutrients into the lake should be minimal and hopefully not have adverse effect on aquatic life.

Does anyone have experience here? I'd love to hear your input/suggestions.