BM>        Soil temperature of 180 degrees for 30 minutes will control
BM>molds, nematodes, fungi, soil insects and most weed seeds.
                           A follow-up:
I've baked small trays of soil at 180ø for 30 minutes. It appears 
to have killed of weeds, but I notices that some re-potted 
seedlings don't do very well in the soil. 
Investigation reveals that worms are present; my suspicion is 
that 180x30 minutes is not enough to kill off worm-eggs. 
Now, I have not kept careful track of my soil usage, so starting 
today I plan to bake at 220x30, and to store the cooled soil in 
cardboard cartons (ex-milk variety) with labels, and carry the 
labelling across when i re-pot.
Since I'm also planning to involve my floor of the apartment 
building in contributing domestic waste as a means of high-volume 
testing my vermicomposters, I want to be able to provide truly-
sterile soil in return.
I would appreciate any further comments on producing worm-less 
compost.
I should add that (in my head) I am trying to design a device 
that will separate worms from soil. Strategic funnels that 
channel the worms away from light into dark, and even a maze 
come to mind. I have read that worms will migrate along a 
crevice. makes sense to me to provide crevices that will lure 
worms into a 'worm-trap" area.
Thanks for any hints, suggestions or tips.
Christopher.Greaves@CapCanada.Com    www.interlog.com/~cgreaves
 * 1st 2.00b #6263 * Less torque, More traction!
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