Showing posts with label charcola size terra preta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label charcola size terra preta. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Size of Charcoal for applying into the soil - Terra Preta

This is my personal perception (hypothesis) about the size of charcoal which could be used for Terra Preta applications based on expereince and reason.
I prefer lumps of charcoal instead of fine charcoal powder, for the following reasons. Anyhow over a period of time the charcoal located within a depth of 8 inches, breaks during ploughing and other activities done in the farm.
- roots prosper better around a piece of charcoal.
- Soil microbes and soil fungus would find convenient place in a lump of charcoal and can live as a community.
- Lump can provide better environment and choices for soil microbes to thrive.
- Lump is heavy so less chance of moving away from the field due to wind / water
- Adds texture to the soil
- Additional energy is required to powder the charcoal lumps (which is saved).

There is need for testing these properties scientifically.

Thanks to bob klein(arclein) for the question.