[Terrapreta] Net Present Value and Net Future Value ofTPBenefits

[bakaryjatta]

Dear concerned list members,

There are a few things I observed on the list. One is that sometimes the 
consideration is one thing vs another. Another one that discussions of scale 
and time can be a source of discouragement. A third issue is over the source 
of biomass.

Perhaps it is necessary to step back a little to get a more comprehensive 
view.

One: There is more than one way to skin a cat. Also, maybe in some places 
rats take the place of cats. There are multible choices, and not all wrong.

Two: Moving a mountain can be done quicker with dynamite than with a pick 
and shovel. Many people using one shovel at a time can move mountains. Do a 
calculation of environmental friendliness between one way and the other. 
Maybe a lot of unemployment is a matter of choice ?

As a farmer one knows one seed results in multiples in time. Growth is 
exponental. Missing a day may lose you a season. Better get started, the 
season is on right now! .

Three: Biomass covers all kinds of necessities. In fact, it is the answer to 
all the woes. How did people get the idea that one must kill all living 
things on a land in order to grow food? It is still being done today, while 
combatting desertification is a major goal for our United Nations. Better 
discuss what biomass species effectively takes the place of what has been 
and still is being destroyed. There is obviously no standard answer. All is 
site specific, but little biomass is tough enough to grow on concrete and 
asphalt.

Perhaps the fate of the human race depends on going back to the land and 
start looking after it properly? .It is easier to move human resources and 
knowledge than the physical resouces. In the case of Terra Preta, I don't 
believe the ancestors carried materials very far. I think they were more 
effecient than our present generation.

To put it back on topic:

We did get reports of Present Value from practitioners. The Net Future Value 
will depend on many dilligent practitoners. The majority have not heard of 
TP yet.

Perhaps missionaries have to be engaged, as the media are not accessable to 
many and are not yet doing the job very well right now.


Warm regards,

Bakary Jatta




----- Original Message ----- 
From: <terrapreta-request at bioenergylists.org>
To: <terrapreta at bioenergylists.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:49 PM