Ferris Industries 1000ZK23/52, 1000ZKAV23/61 manual Composting, Tips On Dealing With Clippings

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Lawn Care & Mowing Information

 

 

 

 

 

TIPS On Dealing With Clippings

• Reduce the evaporation of water from your lawn.

 

 

Clippings are beneficial to your lawn. A common mis-

• Provide a cushioning layer to reduce lawn wear.

 

 

• Moderate soil temperature.

 

 

conception about clippings is that they automatically

 

 

• Clippings act as a safe, non-polluting and inexpen-

 

 

lead to thatch—this is untrue. Short clippings produced

 

 

by broadcasting and clippings produced by mulching

sive fertilizer that nourishes your lawn. Fresh cut

 

 

methods actually contribute to a healthy lawn

grass blades are 85% water, and are a rich source

 

 

because they:

of nitrogen which is essential to lush growth. And

 

 

 

one garbage bag of clippings contains about 1/4 lb.

 

 

 

of usable organic nitrogen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPOSTING

The best way to recycle excess clippings and leave your lawn looking immaculate is to collect them with an effi- cient collection system and deposit them in a compost pile. A compost pile is a collection of grass, leaves, and other organic wastes which—when properly tended— decompose into an odorless, topsoil material. This material, in turn, acts as an inexpensive fertilizer for your lawn and garden.

How to start a healthy compost pile:

1Build a bin using bricks, fencing, cement blocks, etc. or pur- chase a prefabricated bin from a garden store. The bin should also have venting on each side and from the bottom to the top.

2Fill the bin with alternating layers of yard waste. Follow this recipe:

First layer: 3-4 inches of chopped brush or other coarse material.

Second layer: 6-8 inches of mixed leaves, grass clippings, sawdust, etc. Materials should be "sponge damp."

Third layer: 1 inch of soil to add micro-organisms that help break down organic matter.

Fourth layer: 1-2 inches of manure to provide the nitrogen needed by micro-organisms.

Keep adding layers until the bin is almost full. Top off with a 4-6 inch layer of straw and scoop out a "basin" to catch rain water.

3Four or five days later the pile will reach temperatures of 140-160 degrees. At this time you'll notice it settling, a good sign your compost is working properly.

4After 5-6 weeks, fork materials into a new pile, turning the outside of the old heap into the center of the new one. Add water if necessary. The compost should be ready to use within three to four months when dark brown, crumbly, and earthy-smelling.

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Contents Manual Ferris IndustriesFerris Limited Warranty Table of Contents Tractor Identification tag Identification NumbersNorth American Models CE Models Training PreparationSlope Operation Safety Rules & InformationOperation Do NotEmissions Maintenance and StorageChildren Spring should be removed by an authorized dealer only Decal Warning/Danger Safety DecalsGeneral Decal Danger Decal Operation & ControlsControl Functions Seat Adjustment LeverIgnition Switch Ground Speed Control LeversFeatures & Controls Safety Interlock SystemGeneral Operating Safety Checks Before StartingStopping the Rider Operating the Zero Turn RiderStarting the Engine MowingForward Travel Practice Zero Turn Driving PracticeSmooth Travel Reverse Travel PracticeExecuting an End-Of-Row Zero Turn Practice Turning Around a CornerPractice Turning In Place ExecutingTemporary Storage 30 Days Or Less StorageStarting After Long Term Storage Long Term Storage Longer Than 30 DaysPage Fall Check Tire PressuresSee Before Every Spring Tire PressureFuel Filter Regular MaintenanceChecking / Adding Fuel Oil LubricationGrease RE-PACK Bearings Anually Cleaning the Battery and Cables Battery MaintenanceChecking the Battery Fluid Battery CompartmentServicing the Mower Blades Removing the BladeTroubleshooting Adjustments & Service Troubleshooting the RiderTroubleshooting, Adjustment & Service Troubleshooting the MowerGround Speed Control Lever Adjustment Troubleshooting, Adjustment & ServiceSeat Adjustment Speed Balancing AdjustmentParking Brake Adjustment Parking Brake AdjustmentPTO Clutch Adjustment Blade Brake CheckNeutral Position Adjustment Neutral AdjustmentNeutral Position and Return Spring Adjustment Return Spring AdjustmentCutting Height Adjustment Deck Leveling AdjustmentHydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement Mower Belt ReplacementCharging a Completely Discharged Battery Battery ServiceChecking Battery Voltage Jump Starting With Auxiliary Booster BatteryTroubleshooting, Adjustment & Service Engine BlockTypes of GRASS, Climate and Conditions HOW and When to WATER, Fertilize & AerateGeneral Information Proper Cutting Height Tall Grass Requires Incremental CuttingInch Cut Here On First Pass SecondWhat Mowing Patterns to USE When and HOW Often to MOWLawn Care & Mowing Information Proper Mulching Mowing MethodsProper Broadcast Mowing Tips On Dealing With Clippings How to start a healthy compost pileComposting Methods actually contribute to a healthy lawnStepped Cutting Solutions for Common Mowing ProblemsStreaking Stepped CuttingStingers Uneven CuttingScalping Common International Symbols Technical ManualsLC-9