Organic lawn care

[HayBay]

I have used Corn Gluten for more than 8 years now.
Its more of an expensive fertilizer at $32 per 50lb bag. Registered as a pesticide.

We use it for a fertilizer or weed suppression on very small properties. You want to basically cover the whole ground with the granules. CGM dries out weed and grass seed when in contact with them.

The biggest trick is timing the application just right, which will not happen very often.

Its was promoted at 20lbs originally, people complained it didn't work.
The suppliers bumped it upto 40 lbs per 1000 ft.
Then people complained it was too expensive and a forklift was required to move the huge amounts of bags required to apply to lawns. So the supplier went back to suggesting 20lbs per 1000.

Then people complained about the amount of N. So they came out with a useless liquid version without the N.
Short Shelf Life, stinks bad.

CGM is a waste of time and money. It is not sustainable, it doesn't work better over time.

If you have access to EPA approved pesticides, stick with what works. You can at least make a living without going broke.

One of the Moderators here has expressed his views of CGM

•Posted by dchall_san_antonio 8 San Antonio (My Page) on
Wed, Feb 15, 12 at 22:01

I highly recommend you go to the source at Iowa State and read the original research. CGM is not perfect, as was found a long time ago. If I recall correctly, you need to apply 40 pounds per 1,000 during the season or you're wasting your time and money.
Last season I applied 20 pounds per 1,000 every month from March through October. That's 160 pounds per 1,000 over the season. I have as many weeds this spring as ever. There is no way I missed the timing.

My experience is considered an anecdote by the scientific community; however, the collection of anecdotes is what these forums are all about. I like to call it, experiential evidence.

Milogranite used to contain higher levels of metal (lou gehrig disease) I am sure Milogranite is better now.

[Kiril]

Originally Posted by HayBay

CGM is a waste of time and money. It is not sustainable, it doesn't work better over time.

Agreed, not sustainable, however conventional pesticides are neither sustainable nor do they work better over time.

Originally Posted by HayBay

If you have access to EPA approved pesticides, stick with what works. You can at least make a living without going broke.

Profit at all costs .....

Originally Posted by HayBay

One of the Moderators here has expressed his views of CGM

One should not draw conclusions about a product if one does not understand how it works. That applies to you are well HB.

[HayBay]

kiril if you have the milogranite msds from the 1980s, please post it.

[Kiril]

Originally Posted by HayBay

kiril if you have the milogranite msds from the 1980s, please post it.

It just so happens I do, but why? Do you have a bag of milorganite from the 80's?

[HayBay]

Was hoping there was difference of info on what types of heavy metals are/were in Milogranite.

Here is some Corn Gluten Links. Strictly Turf Extension comments.

http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/~linda%2...n%20gluten.pdf

http://organic.kysu.edu/CGM.shtml

[phasthound]

I'll have to agree that CGM has not performed as well as had been hoped.
Better results for weed reduction are achieved with annual overseeding, hand pulling, proper mowing and irrigation practices.

Some have had better results using liquid corn gluten. It does not depend as heavily on weather conditions, is far less labor intensive. Also, N is much lower so it can be applied selectively to areas that are prone to crabgrass without showing a better green up.

[Kiril]

Originally Posted by HayBay

Was hoping there was difference of info on what types of heavy metals are/were in Milogranite.

It does not list trace toxic metals and the percentages stated are the same as the current MSDS available from their site (less than 1.0%, most less than 0.1%)

[Kiril]

Originally Posted by HayBay

Here is some Corn Gluten Links. Strictly Turf Extension comments.

http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/~linda%2...n%20gluten.pdf

http://organic.kysu.edu/CGM.shtml

When someone talks about CGM as a desiccant, they don't know what they are talking about.

Guess I have to spell it out since clearly people can't read the studies, including Chalker.

CGM works as a growth regulator by inhibiting root formation and growth during seed germination. In order for it to be effective, the compounds responsible for this inhibiting effect must be present in the soil when the seed germinates and for maximum effect the seed must be exposed to moisture stress. If you can't ensure these two conditions are met, then don't expect eye popping results ..... expect variable results as numerous field trials have demonstrated.

[HayBay]

Yes Kiril. Your technically right.

Also regarding Milogranite I do see on one Msds a California Prop 65 warning.