Rhizodeposition

The path to rapid soil carbon sequestration lies with the liquid carbon route, ie green living plants pumping atmospheric carbon into their rootzone - also referred to as rhizodeposition. Its a topic completely missed by recent CSIRO and DPI reports on soil carbon. They maintain that carbon only accumulates through biomass decomposition - but if you look at the most efficient form of that - composting - up to 60% of the carbon blows off to the atmosphere. Our scientists are right, zero-till barely keeps up carbon levels in the soil. But that misses the biggest piece of the picture - rhizodeposition...

This scientific paper recently landed on my desk, and the role of rhizodeposition becomes all too clear.  Rhizodeposition 04/05/2009,20:29 258.33 Kb

Then after a debate with soil scientists around the world challenging the effectiveness of chemical zero-till for soil carbon sequestration and hence trading, I was sent through this scientific paper that literally says it all, including the fact that zero-till does not sequester more soil carbon than even tillage farming! It highlights the important role of rhizodeposition and perennial root systems, and even the consequences of draining whole landscapes.  Tillage, What Do We Know? 04/05/2009,20:34 451.46 Kb

Tall Grass Mob Stocking

An Aggressive Approach to Controlled Grazing..Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms proposes that grasses should ideally be grazed well into maturity. The general consensus is that bovines need starch more than protein. Young, vegetative, succulent, tender grass blades are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, or energy. And the logic behind ultra-high stock density? Many are outlined, but perhaps the most beneficial result is the organic matter added to the soil via fully developed root mass that naturally occurs when a plant reaches phenotypical maturity. This pasture pulsing, very much like a heart beat, is like CPR for the soil and its myriad inhabitants. Absolutely brilliant - all graziers, please please read!  Cattle Grazing Naturally 28/04/2009,21:12 239.95 Kb

Can Policy Build Soil Carbon?

The lack of organic matter in our soils isn't a problem, to be fixed with a solution. It's an opportunity, with divergent solutions. Yet our policy systems tend to select for convergent and standardized solutions, which are difficult to implement because of power struggles and escalating fears, or are too compromised by a "best practices" format to be most effective in a variety of situations.

The strategy of a prize competition is that of positive deviance. Instead of a narrow panel of experts drawing up a blueprint for best practices, it is about enrolling all people to prove they can do something - like building soil carbon... Let the competitions begin!!

Apology to MLA

In last week's newsletter I attributed comments about cattle digestion to the MLA, but in fact the comments had been voiced by Corey Watts of the Australian Conservation Foundation. In the process of being alerted to my mistake I discovered that a subscriber in Central Western NSW is trying to stir some action on the issue of carbon footprinting in the beef industry in the hope of getting some realistic research done, and I have suggested that the WHOLE carbon cycle be looked at, or at least the carbon that pulses into the soil via rhizodeposition.

Bacteria Communication

Its an amazing new discovery - bacteria actually communicate with each other, and once they realize that their numbers are sufficient to carry out their genetic function, they launch into action as a synchronized unit. The implications are enormous when you consider that the human body has more bacteria than actual human cells...but of course, the same would be happening in the soil too.

Human Hair Weed Mats

There's a company in South Florida that's got a new product it says could revolutionize how food is grown in this country. Smart Grow, it's called, is all natural. It's inexpensive. It eliminates the need for herbicides, so it's environmentally friendly. It's human hair mats, specifically made from Chinese hair, which happens to also leave behind a fertiliser effect.

Varietal Juices

Donny Boy Fresh Food Company are combining advanced technology with no artificial ingredients and sustainable farming to create a new breed of organic and health products. The HPP process subjects food to intense pressures of up to 600 MPa (~87,000 psi) using water surrounding the food package, and does not rely on the extreme heat generated in pasteurisation leaving food containing up to twice the levels of antioxidants than the pasteurised alternatives. They can offer products like 'Fuji' juice or 'Granny Apple' juice - ''The technology is unforgiving! If you send in a bad batch of fruit, you will taste it - but if the fruit is good, the end product will be fantastic. During pasteurisation, sugars caramelise and blur flavours and that doesn't happen with HPP.''

GM Segregation Blues

Pro-GM canola proponents claim that "If markets want non-GM segregations, then they will provide an appropriate pricing signal." But as pointed out, there would be too much risk of GM contamination for buyers to market the canola as GM-free on the export market for them to offer a premium buying non-GM grain. The comments below this article are worth reading too.

GM in Australia

Julie Newman is a WA farmer who was initially interested in growing GM but the more she investigated the more concerned she became until she set up the Network of Concerned Farmers. She has recorded a discussion on GM broken in to 5 parts. Admittedly it is a year old, but most is still relevant and oh so revealing. Part 1 - overviews Federal Government's push to introduce GM crops. Part 2 - contamination and the effects of patents and ownership of seed by companies. Part 3 - high performance of non-GM biotechnology, differing performance of GM canola in Canada and Australia. Part 4 - trials, costs and yields. Part 5 - misinformation, conduct of GM proponents and ties to money.

Thanks Fran of MADGE for forwarding this through.

Solar Thermal Technology

New solar thermal technology overcomes a major challenge facing solar power - how to store the sun's heat for use at night or on a rainy day. Engineers can use molten salts to store the heat from solar radiation many hours after the sun goes down and then release it at will to drive turbines.

Green Chemistry

Green chemistry, also known as industrial biotechnology, is often called the "third wave of biotechnology," following genetically modified crops and biofuels such as ethanol. Through chemical reactions, scientists can create new molecules that form the building blocks of non-petroleum-based materials used in everyday products such as sneakers, car seats and shampoo bottles.

Mimicking Nature

A small but growing number of architects, building engineers and scientists who design building products are looking to animals and plants for inspiration to address the challenge of being kind to the Earth while retooling the man-made environment.

New Ways to View the World

This is a fascinating site - it visually reorganises the world according to the relative capacity/quantity for a range of categories. And the categories cover agriculture, environment, business, sport, migration, wars, and even alcohol consumption!

Soil Foodweb Newsletter

May's newsletter includes: nematodes, organic control for locusts, Smithsonian soil exhibit, increasing CO2 and a greening world, Australian soil underestimated as a carbon sink, using technology to stablise fire damaged soil, the role of healthy food.  SFI May 09 05/05/2009,02:03 436.94 Kb

BFA Roadshows

Rather than list each location and date individually - I'll simply refer you directly to the BFA Roadshows webpage that provides the details (especially while my calendar is in repairs). They are great opportunities to see and hear what is happening in the industry, but also meet other like-minded locals.

Modern Farmers 1st National Congress

Australia's role in feeding the world - and the mounting pressures on our farmers' ability to fill the order - will be under the microscope at the National Farmers' Federation's (NFF's) inaugural National Congress in Brisbane 22-23 June. It travels through climate change, water, GM and much more.

Changing Climate, Changing Communities

Engaging communities about adapting and responding to climate change - Melbourne 31st July. IAP2 are looking for practitioners from across Australasia to present on recent projects or programs that have engaged communities around the issue of adaptation and response to climate change. Project of programs sought are those that: used innovative engagement tools and techniques; engaged with diverse members of the community; have been undertaken in challenging geographical locations; can demonstrate how community capacity building has been achieved; respond to one of the key areas of climate change adaptation - Water Resources and Management, Agriculture and Primary Production, Biodiversity, Coastal Areas, Alpine Areas, Communities and Extreme Events; respond to an extreme event that is a result of climate change; and are fun.

Compost Field Day

Growers are realizing the benefit of  a single application of  nutrient, carbon, beneficial soil microbes and enzymes to both feed the crop and build soil health for future years. Glenrac, in conjunction with BioNutrient Solutions is holding an information morning outside Glen Innes 13th May on the use of composted fertilizers, e.g Solid Start Compost, in the New England.   Compost Day 09 28/04/2009,22:05 108.31 Kb

Compost and Humus Management Seminar

After their very successful seminar last year, Angela Luebke and her husband, Urs Hildebrandt are coming from Austria to lecture on composting again at Barraba 6-11th July. I know many who attended last year's event still talk about it. There will also be a compost and compost tea workshop 20th July in Barraba.

Pathway to Bliss

Everyone would get something out of this course. It certainly opened up whole new worlds for me. It is a 2-day course designed for people searching for their True Essence and are longing for a deeper experience of love in their life... The course is moving around Australia - Brisbane 13-14th June, Sydney and Melbourne 22-23rd August.

Health

Man-Made Flus?

I'm not the only suspicious one... Perhaps due to the genetic makeup of the fast-spreading H1N1 strain of influenza -- which includes genetic elements from bird flu, swine flu and human flu spanning three continents -- there is considerable speculation that the origins of this virus are man-made. Curiously this article doesn't mention the weird avian flu outbreak in Egypt, but does mention the recent discovery of vaccines contaminated with live avian flu virus. Something doesn't sit right with it all. And this well considered overview has just come in.

And what is predicted on the stock market? A pandemic is going to make some people awfully rich.

Even Senator Ron Paul has an interesting point of view on the swine flu regarding the safety of vaccines and the fear-mongering.

The Australian Vaccination Network is calling for all flu vaccines to be tested for contamination - not a bad idea.

Back in 2004 the Centres for Disease Control was launching experiments designed to mix the H4N1 (avian) virus and human flu viruses. The goal was to find out how likely it was such a 'reassortant' virus would emerge and just how dangerous it might be. 

Death from Flu

Read just about any news report on swine flu deaths, and you'll come across a line that claims "36,000 people die each year from flu-related causes." It sounds authoritative. But where is this number coming from? And is it based on any actual science? The 36,000 number, it turns out, was pulled out of thin air. It has no scientific validity whatsoever, even according to the CDC's own standards.

What is a Virus?

Its what most doctors never learned in medical school - bacteria reproduce and can be considered 'alive'. Viruses can only replicate and cannot be considered alive. And when you understand exactly how that replication occurs, you'll understand that lowering the temperature of a host works in favour of the virus, and in the case of flu, can often end up as pneumonia, then death. Absolutely fascinating.

A Vaccine Story in Australia

Dr Kalokerinos is well known worldwide as the doctor who spent much of his time fighting for the wellbeing of the Aboriginal inhabitants of Australia. He pinpointed the increase in vaccination campaigns as the reason why, at a certain point, up to half of the vaccinated Aboriginal infants died, obviously from an acute vitamin C deficiency provoked by the vaccination. This interview tracks his story starting as a pro-vaccination doctor into one with enormous concerns, and the hostility he met when he published his experiences. Note the reference to the swine flu pandemic in the 70s - how interesting.  

Prostate Booster

The prostate gland is the centre of male sexuality, yet the vast majority of men will experience some form of prostate problem in their lifetime, and is set to become the largest killer of Australian males. Nutri-Tech Solutions has pulled together a potent superfood breakthrough - Pro-Glow - check it out. I also recommend investigating Tantric practices for prostate health...if nothing else, its fun.

Potassium:Sodium Ratio

It appears that it is not high salt per say that causes health problems, but rather the ratio between sodium and potassium. Salt (or sodium) is involved in raising pressure by tightening arteries, while potassium is part of the relaxation system. Isn't it interesting how human health and the health of other living systems reflect each other - this same ratio is very important in plant, and no doubt, animal health. And the calcium:magnesium ratio also plays a role. Knowing these rules can help alleviate problems without the use of dangerous drugs.

We are What We Eat

Many research studies are now concluding that eating processed foods and manufactured foods, can be related to the onset of depression. By eating de-natured foods we are not giving our brain the nutrients it needs to achieve a healthy and balanced mental state. One study even shows that certain foods are better at treating depression than antidepressant drugs.

Chemicalising Stevia

Can you really call it stevia anymore? Rebaudioside A, also known as Reb A and rebiana, is a high-intensity sweetener derived from the stevia leaf, ie made in a laboratory. And now the race is on to find a 'chemical' that will hide the aftertaste of this sweetner. Not sure, but I suspect that natural stevia has been left out of all these 'safety' discussions and perhaps remains unacceptable as a food sweetener, as it has for decades.

Psychiatic drugs Turned into Weight Loss Drugs

It's all about money, not health. Drugs used to treat hyperactive children, such as Ritalin, are being recommended as a means to help solve the obesity crisis by causing weight loss. The drug makers are seemingly always looking for a new way to market their toxic and dangerous products.

Mental Health Screenings

America has gone mad - I am sure! The US federal and state governments are working toward the implementation of a comprehensive system of mental-health screening for all Americans - mandatory and without parental consent... the result? More people on drugs of course. Already parents are being threatened with child abuse charges if they resist efforts to drug their children - if this goes through, that consent will not be required anyway.

Cartoon

With kind permission from Peter Donovan - Soil Carbon Coalition

Miscellaneous

I am not sure how many see the economic future the way I do, but in recent discussions with like-minded friends who are putting strategies together, the topic of superannuation came up. Personally I have never viewed superannuation as 'mine' - to me it doesn't  really exist - just something over there. For others, they have watched it disappear in front of their eyes, and know that more is to come.

An idea was thrown out about converting our superannuation into self-managed versions (something that has crossed my mind for years, but the time and energy required was beyond me). As a group we could put the money into things that we feel have value, and are likely to hold value - and most ideally, can generate a cash flow. It is not about profits or investments. It is simply throwing the dice with perhaps better odds than watching it evaporate in the world markets... contact me if you would like to be included in further discussions.

Events

The calendar is playing up (though there is light at the end of the tunnel), so most of the links below are directed back to other websites where possible or to a contact email address.   

* Compost Field Day - Glen Innes NSW This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

* Pathway to Bliss - Brisbane Qld 13th - 14th June 2009.

* Modern Farmers 1st National Congress - Brisbane Qld 22nd - 23rd June 2009.

* Compost and Humus Management Seminar - Manilla NSW 6th - 11th July 2009.

* Compost and Compost Tea Workshop - Barraba NSW 20th July 2009.

* Changing Climate, Changing Communities - Melbourne Vic 31st July 2009.

* Pathway to Bliss - Sydney NSW 22nd - 23rd August 2009.

* Pathway to Bliss - Melbourne Vic 22nd - 23rd August 2009.

Postscript

Last month a world-wide survey was conducted by the UN. The only question asked was:

"Would you please give your honest opinion about solutions to the food shortage in the rest of the world?" The survey was a huge failure because...

In Eastern Europe they didn't know what "honest" meant.

In Western Europe they didn't know what "shortage" meant.

In Africa they didn't know what "food" meant.

In China they didn't know what "opinion" meant.

In the Middle East they didn't know what "solution" meant.

In South America they didn't know what "please" meant.

In the US they didn't know what "the rest of the world" meant.