[Terrapreta] FW: Alkaline Soils - Terra Preta

[Sean K. BArry]

Hi Jon, Dr. Reddy,

I think agree with Jon.  Pulverized char might have more available surface area.  Dr. Reddy, are you concerned about the alkalinity of the ash in the char when you add it to alkaline soils?  I thought the introduction of charcoal (even with ash) might perform as a "buffer" in the soil.  If the activity of soil micro-organisms in enhanced by the addition of charcoal to the soil, then won't the humus developed be acidic?  Could added compost provide the buffering acid against the alkaline ash?  There are useful minerals nutrients in the ash.  After all it did come from plants.  Maybe the benefit of not washing out those minerals can be had, if another way is found to deal with the alkalinity of the charcoal.  Perhaps a different feedstock could be used or something done to it?  I know you are using the Junipiflora  Pro... something tree that grows in salt water, because it is abundant in the area of Kothur.  Is the washing of the charcoal a significant labor intensive step?

Regards,

SKB
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jon C. Frank<mailto:jon.frank at aglabs.com> 
  To: Terrapreta<mailto:terrapreta at bioenergylists.org> 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 5:22 PM
  Subject: [Terrapreta] FW: Alkaline Soils - Terra Preta



  Hi Dr. Reddy,

  It looks like you are doing excellent work with all your projects.  Are you making a business out of it?

  One question.  Why do you clean the charcoal?  Why not crush it more and apply more as powder?  In my mind this would increase the surface area and allow more space for holding nutrients and providing a home for soil biology.

  Jon C. Frank
  www.highbrixgardens.com<http://www.highbrixgardens.com/>

    -----Original Message-----
    From: terrapreta-bounces at bioenergylists.org [mailto:terrapreta-bounces at bioenergylists.org]On Behalf Of Saibhaskar Nakka
    Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 7:05 AM
    To: terrapreta at bioenergylists.org
    Subject: [Terrapreta] Alkaline Soils - Terra Preta


    Dear All,

    I have updated the Alkaline Soils - Terra Preta with field activities progressing.

    Please see the link:

    http://e-alkalinesoilsterrapreta.blogspot.com/ <http://e-alkalinesoilsterrapreta.blogspot.com/>

    Dr. N. Sai Bhaskar Reddy


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