STEP 3:
Once the piggies have done their magic, the earth is mixed with our magic tropical compost mix, and covered with mulch. If using regular compost or organic fetilizer, then charcoal must be added and inoculated with microbial broth. All of this will be discussed later.
STEP 4:
When the soil has rested / incubated a little bit, the next step is to plant green manure. My preference is beans. These beans are then cut just before flowering. The plant is left on the soil and eventualy incorporated.
This step can be repeated as many times as deemed necesary, and depending on the organic composition of the soil. If the soil lacks most topsoil or organic portion of soil this process may take a few years. In my experience if the compost is good, the soil reacts pretty quickly although it will take years before it will become ideal.
Research:
ReplyDeleteThis is the finest explanation I have read on the process of biochar testing. Hugh lays it out like medical triage to extract the data most needed for soil carbon sequestration. A triage for all levels of competence, the Para-Medic Gardener to the Surgeon Chem-Engineer.
http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org/Characterizing_Biochars
The Ozzie's for 5 years now in field studies
The future of biochar - Project Rainbow Bee Eater
http://www.sciencealert.com.au/features/20090211-20142.html
Phosphorous Solution;
http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org/nishio
The Japanese have been at it dacades:
Japan Biochar Association ;
http://www.geocities.jp/yasizato/pioneer.htm
UK Biochar Research Centre
http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/sccs/biochar/
ICHAR, the Italian Biochar Association
http://www.ichar.org/
Virginia Tech is in their 4 th year with the Carbon Char Group's "CharGrow" formulated bagged product. An idea whose time has come | Carbon Char Group
The 2008 trials at Virginia Tech showed a 46% increase in yield of tomato transplants grown with just 2 - 5 cups (2 - 5%) "CharGrow" per cubic foot of growing medium. http://www.carbonchar.com/plant-performance
USDA in their 2 nd year; "Novak, Jeff" , & "david laird" ,
There are dozens soil researchers on the subject now at USDA-ARS.
and many studies at The ASA-CSSA-SSSA joint meeting;
http://a-c-s.confex.com/crops/2009am/webprogram/Session5675.html
Nikolaus has been at it 4 years. Nikolaus Foidl,
His current work with aspirin is Amazing in Maize, 250% yield gains, 15 cobs per plant;
http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org/content/trials-maize-reactivating-dormant-genes-using-high-doses-salicylic-acid-and-charcoal
My 09 field trials with the Rodale Institute & JMU ;
Alterna Biocarbon and Cowboy Charcoal Virginia field trials '09
http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org/node/1408
Wow thanks for all the links! Yes, I have been researching Biochar since 2003. It has been invaluable in out farm. It is the only thing that stabilizes nutrients pH and soil biota significantly in such an intense climate.
ReplyDelete