[Stoves] Biochar Projects for Science Students

[Kevin]

Dear Crispin
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Crispin Pemberton-Pigott" <crispinpigott at gmail.com>


> Dear Kevin
>
> It seems to me there is something excessive about 25% char in the soil.
>
# Yes, indeed.

> Forest fires char entire root systems so it certainly is natural.
>
> It surprises me that permaculture people would not be in favour of 
> something that is natural and which would benefit certain plant guilds.

# Actually, I think it is a good thing that he raises the question. I think 
that in this case, there will not be a valid basis for concern. However, 
there are all too many aspects of biochar that are blindly accepted without 
questioning, and his is a step in the right direction.
>
> I still find the 'limits shrinkage' in soils argument convincing. Root 
> hairs are fragile.

# Is this a concewrn if there is already adequate organic matter in teh 
soil, and if there is adequate calcium? Usually, it is clays that are high 
in potassium and low in calcium that show the greatest cracking and 
shrinkage when drying.
>
> Greetings from sunny South Africa

# And Greetings to you, from snowy Nova Scotia!! :-)

Kevin
> Crispin
>
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