That will hasten the initial "cooking" process due to the live roots. Nothing gets the colony crackin' like live roots to tend to. And the clover obviously can be busy securing atmospheric N into the soil also. No worries about pests landing in the soil with the lid off. The pre-loaded crab shell, neem , VermiCompost and any predators (BTI, Nematodes) will be busy feasting and keeping watch.
For mite infestations that may occur later, here's a note from Gas-
Hello,my name is Gascanastan and I'm a Dr Bronner's user.
It started sometime around 1990 at a National Rainbow gathering where I was turned on to the multiple uses of Dr B's. Back then it was a marvel to be used as a back country toothpaste,dish soap,etc,etc.
Now we have come to understand the finer qualities of Dr B's when it comes to a natural product we can use in gardening. A simple,safe,ecologically conscience,and easy soap to use that has a high percentage of essential oils which aid in the irradiation of pests and molds when incorporated in a properly implemented IMP program.
I prefer the peppermint,lavender,and tea tree when combating mites. I try to switch it up at least every 3 times I spray.
To start I'll use 1 teaspoon per gallon of water and that seems to work well without leaving a residue or causing tissue damage.
