Biology:Grasscycling
Grasscycling is a method of handling grass clippings by leaving them to decompose on the lawn when mowing. The term combines "grass" and "recycling", and had come into use by at least 1990,[1] as part of the push to reduce the huge quantities of clippings going into landfills, up to half of some cities' summertime waste flow,[2] as 1,000 square feet (93 m2) of lawn can produce 200 to 500 pounds (90 to 225 kg) of clippings a year.[3]
Because grass consists largely of water (80% or more[4]), contains little lignin,[4] and has high nitrogen content, grass clippings easily break down during an aerobic process [5] (comparable to composting) and returns the decomposed clippings to the soil within one to two weeks,[3] acting primarily as a fertilizer supplement and, to a much smaller degree, a mulch. Grass cycling can provide 15 to 20% or more of a lawn's yearly nitrogen requirements.[6][7] Proponents also note that grasscycling reduces the use of plastic bags for collecting yard waste and reduces trips to the curb or landfill to haul waste.[8]
Techniques
Optimal grasscycle techniques include:[3][6][9]
- Cutting no more than 1/3 the length of the grass, this means when lawns are growing fast, mowing about twice a week.[10]
- Cutting when the grass is dry to the touch
- Cutting when the height is between 3 and 4 inches (7 to 10 cm), once per week.[10]
- Ensuring that the mower blade is sharp
Although a mulching mower can make grass clippings smaller, one is not necessary for grasscycling.
See also
References
- ↑ "Grasscycling definition/etymology". http://www.wordspy.com/words/grasscycling.asp. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
- ↑ "Denver Recycle Grasscycle". http://www.denvergov.org/recoth/GrassCycle/tabid/425972/Default.aspx. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Rivanna Solid Waste Authority Grasscycling Info". Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. https://web.archive.org/web/20070930161007/http://avenue.org/rswa/grasscycle.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Grasscycling FAQ". http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics/GrassCycling/FAQ.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
- ↑ Scoville, Heather. "Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Processes". About.com. http://evolution.about.com/od/Microevolution/a/Aerobic-Vs-Anaerobic-Respiration.htm. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Grasscycle!". http://www.reelmowersetc.com/grasscycle!.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
- ↑ "California Integrated Waste Management Board - What is grasscycling?". http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics/GrassCycling/default.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
- ↑ "King County Experience: Grasscycling". Archived from the original on 1999-11-05. https://web.archive.org/web/19991105152701/http://www.metrokc.gov/procure/green/rjcgrass.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
- ↑ "Bay Delta Grass Recycling Campaign". http://www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/grass/grasstips.html. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn? - For Dummies". http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-often-should-you-mow-your-lawn.html.
External links
Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grasscycling.
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