Golueke has worked out methods of testing starters that eliminates any random effects and conclusively demonstrates their result.  Inevitably, and repeatedly, he found that there was no difference between using a starter and not using one.  And he says, “Although anecdotal accounts of success due to the use of particular inoculum are not unusual in the popular media, we have yet to come across unqualified accounts of successes in the refereed scientific and technical literature.”  I use a variation of mass inoculation when making compost.  While building a new heap, I periodically scrape up and toss in a few shovels of compost and soil from where the previous pile was made.  Frankly, if I did not do this I don’t think the result would be any worse.

Bibliography

On composting and soil organic matter

Workshop on the Role of Earthworms in the Stabilization of Organic Residues, Vol.  I and II. Edited by Mary Appelhof.  Kalamazoo, Michigan:  Beech Leaf Press of the Kalamazoo Nature Center, 1981.  If ever there was a serious investigation into the full range of the earthworm’s potential to help Homo Sapiens, this conference explored it.  Volume II is the most complete bibliography ever assembled on the earthworm.

Appelhof, Mary. Worms Eat My Garbage. Kalamazoo, Michigan:  Flower Press, 1982.  A delightful, slim, easy reading, totally positive book that offers enthusiastic encouragement to take advantage of vermicomposting.

Barrett, Dr. Thomas J. Harnessing the Earthworm. Boston:  Wedgewood Press, 1959.

The Biocycle Guide to the Art & Science of Composting. Edited by the Staff of Biocycle:  Journal of Waste Recycling. Emmaus, Pennsylvania:  J.G.  Press, 1991.  The focus of this book is on municipal composting and other industrial systems.  Though imprinted “Emmaus” this is not the Rodale organization, but a group that separated from Rodale Press over ten years ago. included on the staff are some old Organic Gardening and Farming staffers from the 1970s, including Gene Logdson and Jerome Goldstein.  A major section discussing the biology and ecology of composting is written by Clarence Golueke.  There are articles about vermicomposting, anaerobic digestion and biogasification, and numerous descriptions of existing facilities.

Campbell, Stu. Let It Rot! Pownal, Vermont:  Storey Communications, Inc., 1975.  Next to my book, the best in-print at-home compost making guide.

Darwin, Charles R. The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms with Observations on their Habits. London:  John Murray & Co., 1881.

Dindal, Daniel L. Ecology of Compost. Syracuse, New York:  N.Y.  State Council of Environmental Advisors and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1972.  Actually, a little booklet but very useful.