Water Acidification and Soil Culture
Who else knows that plants like acidic soils? These vary mainly in the range of 5.0-6.5 on the 14 point scale, 7 being neutral. In acidity, molecules exchange much more easily, in a surplus of electron acceptors that hasten diffusion and allow for real nutrient flow. In a soil that happens to be actually hasidic, I'm not quite sure what would happen, but I know that all micronutrients, i.e. minerals, peak in bioavailability mostly in this range and 2-3 minerals somewhat lower. Western soils can be "alkaline" in some environments, which translates to 5.8-6.2 rather than closer to 5; they're still acidic, for the reasons listed above. The question is: what to do about irrigation if EBMUD water tends to linger between 8-9 out of the tap? BESIDES: EBMUD, like most water municipalities, uses a low-grade antiseptic molecular group called chloramines, or cyclic groups with chlorine present, in the amount of 4ppm; humans process these molecules fine at such a concentration, but they kill (soil) bacteria, as is their job.
There are easy solutions at small scale; at large scale, the dialogue needs to continue. Small scale, one can easily apply any organic acid--vitamin C, citric acid, vinegar, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, humid acid--in the amount of about 1 small teaspoon per 3-4 gallons. This will have a two-fold effect of acidifying the water sufficiently and degrading the chloramine cyclic groups into chloride ions, which happens right around the neutral mark of ph 7, which can then evaporate with detention of minimum 24 hours; you can get away with more like 12 if the water is in full sunlight for the day.
Of the acidifiers, humic acid is the ideal choice for the yard because it comprises an eclectic mix of acids found in top soil. Feel free to get creative with how to access these acids; molasses, for instance, has high sulfuric acid content, and it additionally has sugars to feed your bacteria and soil (you can say, "sorry for the tap water mixup, soil!!!").
This is my two cents on irrigation, and you would not believe how happy my soils are with the help of a little mulch. The difference is night and day. I hate to brag, but so you understand the crucially vital nature of this point in your gardening repertoire, I have faced none of the typical woes of watching 1/3-1/2 of my transplants dying that a typical amateur gardener faces in my first couple years that I've been at it; such have been replaced with concerns of, "uh-oh, these are growing too quickly; they need to calm down! I should have planned for more spacing!"
If you have any questions about this, feel free to email me: [email protected]
Regards,
Jordan John, LH 28A Fa '14
Agroecology, Climate Change, & Hunger
One of my classmates last semester described permaculture as “the ultimate endgame.” When disaster strikes—natural or manmade—permaculturists can apply knowledge about how to adapt, mitigate, and rebound by emulating natural systems. Permaculture is one approach to regenerative agroecology, a practice of restoring degraded land while establishing sustainable systems for human settlements, including food systems.
Agroecology offers solutions to multiple economic, social, and ecological problems. It has the potential to mitigate climate change, address hunger, and boost local small-farm-based economies. Read more about agroecology as a solution to climate change and hunger here. - Teresa, LH028B, 9-12-14 |
Merritt Permaculture Blog
Blog Instructions:
Step 1: Go to Weebly login: http://www.weebly.com/#
Step2: Click ‘Login’ (On the upper right hand corner) and enter the Username and password
Step 3: Click the 'edit' button and it will take you to the ‘Build” section of the site.
Step 4: Navigate over to the 'Blog' tab
Step 5: Drag the buttons from the left side over onto the 'Blog ' page. It would be good to explore what each button does. Play with the structure; add buttons with links to other sites or specific media.
Step 6: When you are finished hit the ‘Publish’ button then close the window that will pop up saying it has been published.
Step 7: Go to the ‘Blog’ page and make sure everything works the way you like it.
Step2: Click ‘Login’ (On the upper right hand corner) and enter the Username and password
Step 3: Click the 'edit' button and it will take you to the ‘Build” section of the site.
Step 4: Navigate over to the 'Blog' tab
Step 5: Drag the buttons from the left side over onto the 'Blog ' page. It would be good to explore what each button does. Play with the structure; add buttons with links to other sites or specific media.
Step 6: When you are finished hit the ‘Publish’ button then close the window that will pop up saying it has been published.
Step 7: Go to the ‘Blog’ page and make sure everything works the way you like it.
Click to listen:
But especially as I drink the last of my water, I believe that we are subjects of the planets hydrologic process, too proud to write ourselves into textbooks along with clouds, rivers, and morning dew. When I walk cross-country, I am nothing but the beast carrying water to its next stop.
-Craig Childs, The Secret Knowledge of Water
-Craig Childs, The Secret Knowledge of Water
The Story of Stuff
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This past week LH028 watched The Story of Stuff (2007) by Berkeley activist Annie Leonard. She points out an obvious, yet unheeded fact: toxic chemical inputs result in toxic chemical outputs. For example, neurotoxic flame retardant additives remain in the finished products of our pillows, couches, and mattresses. Perhaps most alarming, human breast milk has one of the highest concentrations of toxic compounds given our position in the food chain.
After the film, the class had a lively discussion about the products and foods we do and do not buy, but one woman commented that there is no way to avoid toxins because we all drink water. Read more… - Teresa, LH028A, 6-27-14 |