[Terrapreta] 80 degrees Fahrenheit

[Jim Joyner]

Gerald Van Koeverden wrote:
> "Organic matter also decays more rapidly in warmer climates.  When  
> temperatures rise above 80F, organic matter actually decays faster  
> than it is generated.  That is why practically all organic matter in  
> the tropics is found aboveground in the living forest."  (p.32)
Gerrit,

That's interesting. I'm assuming that the temperature you mention is 
soil temp?
> I wonder if this is key to understanding why the effect of charcoal  
> amendments might turn out to be so much more dramatic in tropical  
> than in temperate zones?
>   
In the humid south (US), it is very difficult to keep organic matter in 
the soil. We don't have tropical conditions but a large part of the 
growing season is hotter than the tropics, so our soil temps easily goes 
over 80 degrees F. I wonder if organic matter decays at a higher rate as 
the temp goes above 80?

Jim