[Terrapreta] One Terra preta logo

[Tom Miles]

Kurt,

Applying biochar to enhance or reduce fertilizer use would definitely have
value. 

Michael passed along a great picture of an IAI poster in which an Australian
(Western Mineral Fertilisers) company was promoting "Mallee Charcoal" to
enhance fertilizer. 

See: http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org/malleecharcoal
--
Mallee charcoal: part of a beneficial cycle? 

1. Biomass harvested for oil
2. Biomass pyrolyzed to charcoal
3. Charcoal added to soil
4. Mineral fertilizer and microbes used
5. Charcoal improves micro-habitat
(Charcoal particle is interface between fungal hyphae, mineral granule and
crop root)
6. Symbiotic fungi assist nutrient uptake
7. More crop yield
8. Better tree growth

Possible Benefits:
1. More sustainable nutrition in agriculture?
2. Less risk of eutrophication?
3. More efficient carbon sequestration?
--
I wonder if this is a commercial venture or a company cooperating with a
government project. Either way it's a good approach. Does anyone know more
about this company or project or whether they have seen results in the
field? 

Tom Miles

>Interesting, I never saw that, only looked at the linked page. Funny 
>really, at the top of the "Bestellen" (Order) page it says "Never 
>fertilize again thanks to Terrapreta" and then there they are, trying to 
>flog you all sorts of fertilizers. LOL
>Kurt