[Terrapreta] charcoal research at 4CN

[Richard Haard]

Terrapreta listers

Taking data at Fourth Corner Nurseries, charcoal soil additive research.

This time we are taking a set of leaf samples from the native shrub,  
Lonicera involucrata. The samples will be sent to UMass soil lab for  
leaf tissue analysis

This is a determination of the Total Tissue P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn,  
Zn, Cu, B, Mo, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr. Analysis by ICP Spectrometry of  
dry-ashed sample in 10% HCl . Also included Total Nitrogen by  
catalytic combustion.

Next set of measurement will be sometime in November when all plants  
will be lifted roots and tops with our nursery lifter-shaker. End of  
season soil analysis will be taken at this time.

We have our plots planted with 3 test subjects, Lonicera, a native  
aster and Swiss Chard. For the Swiss Chard we selected a sample in  
each treatment , combined with the replicate and took total wet weight.

In addition, at this time we harvested all of the chard in order to  
stimulate growth for a second harvest in November. Lots of the leafy  
green vegetable to distribute to our farm crew, and for myself  
steamed chard and onions tonight as well as blanching for freezing as  
winter green vegetables. Yummy.

In this image a typical treatment set just prior to harvest of swiss  
chard. As expected, the compost plus fertilizer (with or without  
charcoal) showed the highest yields.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rchaard/1225889624/in/ 
set-72157594444994347/

Here are our samples of swiss chard at the barn ready for weight  
measurement. Glancing at the wooden boxes in the truck differences  
can be seen in the amount of chard in each box.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rchaard/1225889662/in/ 
set-72157594444994347/

Rich Haard, Propagation Manager
Fourth Corner Nurseries
Bellingham, Washington
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