[Terrapreta] Terrapreta Digest, Vol 15, Issue 14

[Kevin Chisholm]

Dear Sean

In your opinion, are pottery shards a necessary component in "Old Terra 
Preta"?

Kevin

Sean K. Barry wrote:
> Hi Greg,
>  
> I think that it is only where charcoal-in-soil was put.  If it 
> spreads, why hasn't it in 4500 years?  How can we find individual 
> sites now, closely spaced?
>  
> Regards,
>  
> SKB
>
>     ----- Original Message -----
>     *From:* Greg and April <mailto:gregandapril at earthlink.net>
>     *To:* terrapreta at bioenergylists.org
>     <mailto:terrapreta at bioenergylists.org>
>     *Sent:* Monday, April 07, 2008 11:22 AM
>     *Subject:* Re: [Terrapreta] Terrapreta Digest, Vol 15, Issue 14
>
>     I think we do need to understand the origins of Terra Preta - at
>     least in part to understand the mechanics of how it has
>     become self sustaining, and wither or not the science behind it
>     would be useful in other places.
>      
>     What clues can we find?    Other than pottery shards and the
>     physical / structural makeup of the char,  there is not much else
>     that I know of due to the nature of the area.
>      
>     You are correct, that studying the nature of the mined TP might
>     give a few more clues.
>      
>      
>     Why is it self sustaining?    Personally I think that it's a
>     matter of achieving a given nutrient density and CEC level after
>     which the density of the plant life is able to keep it going.   
>      
>     What I would like to know is it able to spread or is it just
>     confined to the areas of human influence.
>      
>      
>     Greg H.
>      
>