Could soil engineered specifically to maximize carbon storage dampen some effects of climate change? This article unsurprisingly describes biochar (terra preta) and some of its promises of storing carbon, but actually mentions the carbon exudates of plants (as opposed to carbon in a plant's biomass and subsequent decomposition - yay!!). It also discusses the phenomenon of caliche - the formation of carbonates in soils that occurs naturally, often observed in arid soils, and which does not require plants. Could this idea be engineered too? This is a lovely curio discovery.

Nitrogen

The story of modern fertiliser is really the story of nitrogen and how humans learned to make plant food out of air and energy, but it hasn’t proved to be particularly green in the modern sense of the word, since the application of synthetic fertilisers can have devastating environmental consequences. Also the production of nitrogen fertiliser currently consumes more than 1% of the world’s energy supply and more than 5% of its natural gas. What’s clearly needed is another technological breakthrough, a Haber process for the 21st century. Fortunately, natural selection has already devised the perfect solution: a bacterial enzyme known as nitrogenase

Extreme Tree Planting

Matt Kilby from Trees for Earth is committed to rehabilitating our landscapes by planting trees in habitats where tree removal was implemented in the past. Matt focuses on establishing trees in a way where survival rates are paramount and functional landscapes are all important. Here he takes us through how he plants into difficult areas, where special techniques and care is critical to ensure high rates of survival and successful landscape rehabilitation.

Locking Up Land Doesn't Save Birds

Suggestions that more land should be locked up in reserves to protect declining native bird populations draws an angry response from Darryl Cluff. He said much of the forested country now considered by “green” lobbyists to be “natural environment” was open grassy woodland at the time of European settlement, more akin to today’s farmed environment than to densely treed national parks. All that is needed is to encourage landholders to accommodate wildlife considerations in their management – which has been happening. On his own property he has recorded 43 species not previously seen on the property, 13 of those in the drought years since 2002. And that’s on top of the 60 species already recorded by 1980.

Interview About Peter Spencer

While a lot of the details about Peter Spencer's situation and claims are being hotly disputed, the overall injustice of it all is very real for so many farmers. This interview between Alan Jones and Barnaby Joyce is worth listening too, if not just for the analogy of the same crime perpetrated in a suburban context. Even if land ownership laws are not what most people think they are - perhaps it is time to rise up and recreate them into what we expect they should be?

No Kill Cropping

Michael Inwood practices No Kill cropping on his farm "Toulon" in Bathurst, NSW. He has developed an electric ute with which he pulls the Agroplow AD Hybrid Discdrill that he uses to sow using No Kill Cropping techniques. In this video clip Michael talks to Bruce Maynard, the inventor of No Kill cropping about his ute and the how it came about.

Combining Human Manure and Lime

Treated sewage sludge -- called biosolids -- is combined with lime-kiln dust produces an organic soil material where beneficial bacteria and plants can grow. The mix kills pathogens such as E. coli in the human waste and affects dangerous heavy metals so they won't wash into lakes and rivers. The researchers claim composting the sewage doesn't bind up those water-soluble metals the way lime dust does. That means it makes more sense to use waste treated with lime dust than composted waste near water systems.

Global Phosphourus Research Initiative

The Global Phosphorus Research Initiative (GPRI) is a collaboration between independent research institutes in Europe, Australia and North America. The main objective of the GPRI is to facilitate quality interdisciplinary research on global phosphorus security for future food production. In addition to research, the GPRI also facilitates networking, dialogue and awareness raising among policy makers, industry, scientists and the community on the implications of global phosphorus scarcity and possible solutions.

Big Ag Fighting Back

American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman has issued a call to action to members and a stern warning to critics that farmers and ranchers will no longer tolerate opponents' efforts to change the landscape of American agriculture. “Emotionally charged labels such as monoculture, factory farmer, industrial food, and big ag threaten to fray our edges...A line must be drawn between our polite and respectful engagement with consumers and how we must aggressively respond to extremists who want to drag agriculture back to the day of 40 acres and a mule.” [It's good to know conventional ag is feeling the pressure - but a shame that green ag is seen as going back to cart and mule]

Protecting the Future of Food

TED takes us inside a vast global seed bank, buried within a frozen mountain in Norway, that stores a diverse group of food-crop seeds for whatever tomorrow may bring. The way this lecture is delivered is extraordinary - it highlights our profound loss of diversity world-wide, and interestingly, actually links you directly back to this diversity in a most personal way. It's a shame though that it is rather climate change alarmist, but more worrying is the seeming need to salvage earth's remaining biodiversity into a stronghold with ownership rights attached (Monsanto funded too). Why aren't we expanding/protecting our wild habitats where all this diversity sprung/springs from and has its natural support systems in tact (e.g. living soils microbes etc), even on all our farms, instead of relying on high-tech 'inert' options?

Re-Wildiing to Prevent Extinctions

Amazing. The day after writing up the article above I stumbled across this story on the need to re-wild to prevent the 6th Great Extinction! Biodiversity loss is now lining up to be the greatest man-made crisis the world has ever known, and biologists have begun to understand that nature is a chain of dominoes: If you pull one piece out, the whole thing falls down. The tremendous variety of species held in wilderness areas, particularly the tropics, is our bank and lifeline, our agricultural and medical insurance policy. Rewilding has become a principal method for designing, connecting, and restoring protected areas—the ultimate weapon in the fight against fragmentation.

Industrial Food Dangers

The U.S. has one of the safest food supplies in the world, but the report card is mixed. Every year 33% of Canadians get sick from what they eat. In the U.S., it's 25%. But in England it's only 2% and in France just 1%. In both places food is grown more locally and on a smaller scale than in North America. [Anyone taking note of the facts?]

Make Money from Organics

Australians are more likely to make money out of organic farming and weight-loss services in 2010 than building townhouses and apartments, according to research on the latest industry trends.

Alzheimer's and Nitrate Intake

Organic food production and processing, which prohibits the use of all synthetic nitrogenous compounds in horticulture, livestock feeds and cured meats, has gained further evidence of its health benefits further to the release of research findings that link nitrate intake through foods to increased deaths from such diseases as diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Nanomaterial Secrets

Food manufacturer's reluctance to disclose what research they are carrying out on products using nanotechnology risks a public backlash similar to that which occurred against genetically modified (GM) foods, The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has warned.

Fixing One Bandaid with Another

When you don't address the cause of the problem, you are left with developing ever new bandaids. As suggested in this article, campaigns (including GM) to rid cotton of its traditional pests has now created a host of new pest problems, including weed resistance...and guess what, industries answer is more synthetic (generally toxic) bandaids. [When will this line of thinking stop?]

Mosquitoes

Did you know...Mosquitoes sense with their antennae carbon dioxide and lactic acid as we exhale and other chemicals from our bodies. This usually occurs at ground level because our scent plume is heavier than air and sinks to ankle level, and the heat from our muscles guide them to the most radiant spot on our bodies — that bit of flesh not covered by clothing. [Just some of the interesting facts put forward in this fun short article]

What is Australia's Real Climate?

When you see data showing the temperatures of Australia rising over the last decade, it certainly looks convincing that we are in a warming phase - but it is interesting to read that all is not well with the data. The recent Climategate emaiils have revealed that Australian weather records were considered to be—quote—‘a bloody mess’, riddled with entry errors, duplication and inaccuracies.” For example, the Cobar Airport data was reported as follows: "Now looking at the dates...something bad has happened, hasn't it. COBAR AIRPORT AWS [automatic weather station] cannot start in 1962, it didn't open until 1993!" And there is lots more damning comments...

Climate Change Bias?

The body which overseas the BBC is to launch a full-scle review into whether its coverage of science and the environment is biased. The BBC Trust acted after a string of complaints that the corporation is acting as a cheerleader for the theory that climate change is a man-made phenomenon. There have also been concerns over its coverage of genetically-modified foods and the MMR vaccine. [I see that 'science' will be ruling the roost in this review - only relying on a 'scientific expert' - much like religious leaders of yore!]

Combining GM and Organics

Ronald, a plant scientist, has spent her past two decades manipulating rice from her lab bench, bending the grain's DNA to her whim. Adamchak, meanwhile, is an organic farmer, teaching college students the best practices of an environmentally gentle agriculture at his California market garden. Both are married to each other and wrote a book, "Tomorrow's Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food," which came out in paperback last month. They argue we need both GM and organics to move forward. [But this theory uses the underlying assumption that industrial food production will remain as is, and doesnt speak of quality either. Perhaps this idea could extend the industrial model into the future a little longer, but I question the real longevity of it all. I also find their description of organic advocates insulting - I certainly do not fit their descriptions and have very clear rational reasons for my views]

GM Genocide

As the cotton growing season drew to a close in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, farmer suicides once again became almost daily occurrences. Instead of the promised miracle yields, huge debts have driven many to suicide, and cattle were reported dying after feeding on the plants. One ray of hope was that the 5000-odd farmers of the Maharashtra village have decided to shun Bt cotton, and are now growing soybean instead. Some have also taken to organic farming. Reseaerch has also found that Bt-cotton reduces the population of Actinomycetes bacteria by 17%. Actinomycetes bacteria are vital for breaking down cellulose and creating humus. There is also huge discrepencies with industry figures and independent figures. [Interesting read]

Expensive GM Fees

At the 2010 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, US - more than one-third of the 200 or so attendees believe technology fees for GM are the greatest input cost and most believe they need to be lower. One question being: "Have we reached the point where we're paying more than we're getting out of it?...When we put so much money into the front end of the crop we don't have much to work with later on."

Epigenetics

Darwin won the day with his theory of evolution, but Lamark may turn out to have posited a correct idea in the end. Epigenetics is being viewed as one of the most exciting areas of science at the moment, and it is beginning to explain many anomolies of the past. Much research is investigating the potential of creating epigenetic drugs (to switch genes off and on), but it also supports the idea of healing yourself through manipulation of the environment. [Now that is powerful information]

Electric Bikes

China has gone crazy for electric bicycles – they are far and away the biggest selling form of transport on the streets, with 120 million of the battery-powered two-wheelers whizzing up and down the thoroughfares. Faster than a regular bike and cheaper than oil-consuming motorbikes and cars, riders are not required to have a licence and they do not need to get insurance or do annual check-ups like other drivers. The electric bike is environmentally friendly, but regulators dislike them and see them as road safety hazards. Traffic police officers complain that electric bikes and their riders are not trained.

Healthy Paint

Knowing many of you are interested in healthy environments and living spaces I thought this story on Rockcote Natural Paints would be of interest.  Australian made too!

What's New...

EDTA, a synthetic mineral chelator, is not found in nature. Natural chelators such as amino acids and fulvic acid are much weaker than EDTA, but with the advantage that the chelate bond can be readily broken by other compounds in the plant to make the metal ion available for enzyme synthesis. In a trial, Manganese‐EDTA, Nutri‐Key Manganese Shuttle™ and Budget Chelates™ Manganese Fulvate were applied to cucumber plants. Leaf analysis indicated that Mn‐EDTA foliar application is a very poor way of introducing Mn, while Manganese Shuttle™ and Manganese Fulvate™ are far superior and far more cost effective products, and also substantially increased plant growth and health. Contact Carolyn for a copy of the trial results (I cannot attach the document due to computer problems)

Geomantica Newsletter

The lastest Geomantica newsletter is now online.  It includes planting trees using dowsing and companion plants, discovering Vastu Shastra (with a weekend course offered in Victoria in April), Radiation and Climate (very very interesting!), scared sites under threat in WA, energy vortices and many more events coming up in Australia.

What's Going on in Afghanistan?

Never in the history of world warfare have military contingents from so many nations - fifty or more - served in one war theater. In a single nation - Afghanistan. Troops from five continents, Oceania and the Middle East...many under the auspices of NATO. What is going on? Reading the history leaves you scratching your head, and wondering why this world 'army' is being so urgently pulled together now. As someone pointed out, pour in some carbon tax money to the emerging new World Bank and you give the means for the new World Government to excercise their new world army...

David Wolfe Australian Tour

For all raw food advocates or wannabes (like me!) - David Wolfe is touring Australia with his unique brand of enthusiasm and will be providing information on raw and living foods for rejuvenation, bone health and fighting candida, superfoods and superherbs for superhealth, wild spring water, raw chocolate, the Mayans, 2012, as well as chef trainings. Check out locations and dates.

Dowsing For Harmony

A comprehensive weekend certificate course on dowsing. Practical hands-on course with international teach Alanna Moore. Day One - Dowsing for Health. Day Two - Dowsing for Earth Harmony. Port Maquarie 27th -28th February.

Health

Medical Doctors are Changing

Cyndi O'Meara recently met up with Dr Carole Hungerford [two of my favourite Australian nutrition advocates] to discover there is an organisation of 3000 medical doctors in Australia that think like Carole, so if you are looking for a medical doctor that thinks differently and wants to get you healthy not just prescribe drugs then go to their website to find a doctor near you.

For anyone wishing to understand natural health I would highly recommend any of Cyndi's seminars - everything I have read or heard of to-date is brilliant - check out her upcoming seminars for 2010.

Flu Vaccine Deception

Dr. Shiv Chopra was a drug company insider, and also worked for what is now Health Canada -- the Canadian equivalent of the FDA. He is uniquely qualified to explain why no flu vaccine has ever worked, and that swine flu and avian flu are nothing more than hoaxes.

Investigating the Flu Pandemic Scandal

The Council of Europe member states will launch an inquiry in January 2010 on the influence of the pharmaceutical companies on the global swine flu campaign, focusing especially on the extent of the pharma industry's influence on WHO. The Health Committee of the EU Parliament has unanimously passed a resolution calling for the inquiry.

WHO Compromises Being Found

And perhaps this influence is already coming to light... A Finnish member of the World Health Organization board, an advisor on vaccines, has received 6 million Euros for his research center from the vaccine manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline. This conflict of interest is not up on the WHO website, and this seems to be only the tip of the iceberg. [Hmmmm]

Side-Effect of Drugs

This is a fun, but unfortunately quite real, its a take on prescription ads and their associated side-effects.

Holistic Mum Network

Boy, I love this idea. Just like me, this new mum discovered that she was the weirdo in most regular mum groups, discussing things like toxic plastics, GMO’s, pesticides, vaccinations, cleaning products, processed food. She eventually discovered an ad for the Holistic Moms Network (HMN). It's only based in the US, but what a great concept, and a wonderful education experience while socialising. I would love to met up with like-minded mums to share our experiences and accumulated wisdoms. Anyone else?

Egyptian Lead Eyeliners for Health?

Although today we know that lead can cause brain damage and miscarriages, the Egyptians believed that lead-based cosmetics protected against eye diseases. Now, new research suggests that they may have been on to something. The potential benefit of lead is contrary to everything we know about the substance, but it could fit the model of hormesis. "The premise behind hormesis is that, for certain exposures, there might be a window where the exposure is harmful but also one where it's helpful."

Boys Will Be Boys

Parents hoping to shield their children from sex stereotypes by giving them gender-neutral toys may be fighting a losing battle, especially if their offspring are boys. It seems that hormones released both before birth and well into the first few months of life may dictate the type of toys and play that boys are drawn to. The results would also suggest that aspects of behaviour or even gender identity might be skewed by exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals like phthalates or pesticides, both in the womb and early in life.

Alternative Theory on Obesity

Fat is not an evil villain that must be banished from the food supply. If you’re eating a lot of fructose (and there’s a good chance you are considering it’s the number one source of calories in the United States!), it could be programming your body to become fat. Don't get caught up in the common mainstream thinking that eating fat is what causes you to get fat. Much more so, it is eating an excess of simple carbs, including fructose, that will lead to a cascade of disastrous metabolic effects in your body. Ironically, the very products that most people rely on to lose weight -- low-fat diet foods -- are often those that contain the most fructose! Even “natural” diet foods often contain fructose as a sweetener.

From Lead to Cadmium

Barred from using lead in children's jewelery because of its toxicity, some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting the more dangerous heavy metal cadmium in sparkling charm bracelets and shiny pendants being sold throughout the United States.

Quote

"Tests of human fat for pesticide residues show that human bodies are so heavily polluted that - were we cannibals - our own meat would be unfit for human consumptions" Dr Paul Baillie-Hamilton. The Detox Diet, Penguin 2002.

Miscellaneous

Lenoardo Da Vinci was a remarkable inventor, as well as artist. His belief that all inventions came from nature's blueprint occurred 500 years before the applied engineering field of biomimetics was created. Wow, what an inspiration.

Events

* Dowsing for Harmony - Port Macquarie NSW 27th - 28th Febrauary 2010.

Postscript

The Road of Life

At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president, a judge, but I really didn’t know Him.

But later on when I really met and began to understand Spirit, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Spirit was in the back helping me pedal. I don’t know just when it was that He suggested we change places, and I agreed, but life has not been the same since.

When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points. I always did things my way, but when He took the lead. He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains and through rocky places at breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang on!

Even though it looked like madness, He said “Pedal!” I worried and was anxious and asked, “Where are you taking me?” He laughed and didn’t answer, and I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I’d say, “I’m scared,” He’d lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey, Spirit’s and mine. And we were off again.

He said, “Give the gifts away, they’re extra baggage, too much weight” So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him at first, in control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it, but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful companion, God.