Cob: Pine Needles, anyone?

[Darel Henman]

Chrys,
   I don't know about the fibre strength of pine needles.  I know that I
can break dry ones easily when folded over or twisted.  

   As an alternative, you also have a lot of rice growers where you
are.  I know that rice straw works well.  

  Note, that dry pine needles burn very well so be carefull about
storing them if you use them.

Darel

Chrys Mollett wrote:
> 
> I was wondering if anyone has experience with the use of pine needles in
> cob - - in any proportion with the use of straw??
> 
> We're in north-central California foothills - and the needles are Everywhere
> and plentiful - currently drying the color of our red mother lode soil.
> 
> Thanks ahead for any support or info on this.
> Chrys M.
> Murphys, CA
> harpland at caltel.com