[Terrapreta] The Humphrey Pump Connection?

[Jeff Davis]

Sean wrote:

There isn't a collier among us, I think, who could really give you a
 qualified answer to your question about tar and condensates being helpful to
 plants.  However, there are some soil scientists on this list, who I think
 could.  Christoph Steiner has done some research in this area and has
 hypothesized that these bio-oils, tars, poly-aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile
 matter, i.e. variously named constituents found in charcoal do in fact
 provide a benefit for growing plants.  The benefit is through an indirect
 effect.  It is his view that the bio-oils provide a "food" source for
 decomposition by soil microorganisms, which promotes the growth of them. 
 Their enhanced healthy population, then, in turn, helps plants to grow
 better.

Regards,

SKB
Some where 912.5 miles west-northwest of Lake Erie, USA