Thread: Humus the answer to our problems.

I was sent this link to a brilliant presentation on how to fix the earth and our current problems. Back to basics and spend 20 mins watching this:

Originally Posted by IsaanAussie

Humus the answer to our problems.

Reckon it's Taramaslata myself, but so long as its accompanied by a bagel - we can agree to disagree.

My biggest problem is my house needs a new cost of paint. Not sure how dips from the middle east are gonna help, though.

Right.

And how does all the CO2 and CH4 released by decomposing plant matter help us reduce the amount of those two gases in the atmosphere.

I wouldn't put it on my kebab let me tell you...

Originally Posted by IsaanAussie

I was sent this link to a brilliant presentation on how to fix the earth and our current problems. Back to basics and spend 20 mins watching this:

I got things to do,
people to see,
beer to drink ,
synopsis please

I prefer baba ganouge- an eggplant dip. but gotta agree- great nosh. I'm a big fan of leb/ turkish food for both taste and health reasons. takes a way less big toll on the environment too.

Originally Posted by sabang

baba ganouge

i'm assuming that's the version with the weed in it

Originally Posted by Umbuku

Right.

And how does all the CO2 and CH4 released by decomposing plant matter help us reduce the amount of those two gases in the atmosphere.

I wouldn't put it on my kebab let me tell you...

Since you asked, here is my view. Natural decay forms part of the carbon cycle. Composting is different, it is a man controlled process which seeks to speed up the natural one. Carbon losses can be limited with good conditions and control and the resulting humus is incorporated into the soil. As there is a finite amount of carbon on the planet the more in the soil and the living biomass, the less in the atmosphere.

Thanks for the clip, IA.

Originally Posted by Umbuku

I can see some carbon being captured if the process is controlled but for the benefit being proposed you are talking about extremely large volumes. Also it takes more than just turning some humus into the earth to make productive soil for farming. Well over 1000 years of maturation in optimal conditions for the soil horizons to develop and for peds to form.

I will never be able to fix the carbon sequestering issues in my village but I can see it possible on my 16 rai. Raising the quality of soil is easy and I can turn barren clay based subsoil into loam within months. If I had more arms and legs than the whole farm could be on the mend in 6 months.
The biology is also easy, brew it yourself. Mine is IMHO better than commercial EM and I would see a handsome profit selling it at 50 baht a litre.
All you need is the "Have a Go, you Mug!" attitude.

Originally Posted by IsaanAussie

Raising the quality of soil is easy and I can turn barren clay based subsoil into loam within months.

What you have is clay mixed with humus, not soil. Plants will grow in it but it lacks the horizon structure of soil. Works on a small scale on a small farm or a garden for as long as you are maintaining the supply of nutrients. Trust me as I had to learn all about the chemistry and minerals of different soil taxonomies.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USDA_soil_taxonomy

I don't doubt that it works for you. What you are creating is the O and A horizons of a soil profile but it lacks the B, C and R horizons which would make it a self sustaining soil system. That takes thousands of years of chemical and mineral interaction and the greater environment must be conducive to allow these processes to take place. This is the reason why soil is such a precious resource and why erosion is such an environmental threat.



Soil horizon - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Originally Posted by IsaanAussie

I was sent this link to a brilliant presentation on how to fix the earth and our current problems.

You propose that all of us adding humus to our backyard garden plots will somehow fix the worlds carbon storage issues. Even though every little bit counts it would take a massive international and unilateral undertaking to apply these practices across a sufficiently large area to have a marked impact. I appreciate that we all have to do our bit and good on you for it. I myself have a compost heap and a worm farm for my small backyard plot and would apply the same to a small farm if the need arose. But it is not a panacea for the worlds ills, not without a lot of backing and commitment from governments that are just not interested in long term solutions however correct they may be.

Umbuku,
Thanks for the links and the well presented argument. We could argue details but in essence I agree with what you say. My meager efforts have made a difference and hopefully will continue as long as I can sustain the effort.
I do not believe it is a panacea for the worlds ills either, but it is most definitely a step in the right direction. I can only hope that others join in to slow the damage, hopefully stop it before it is too late and then repair it. Altering the apathetic nature of society? Good luck.

No worries mate.

If you turn out superior produce by enriching your plot with humus the locals will take notice. As with most things at the village level don't expect them to jump on board overnight but if they see good results without too much effort the more savvy ones will pick up on the techniques.

See if you can find any pre-made agricultural advice from the Thai government that covers using compost and humus. The locals will be even more likely to take it up if its 'Thai'.

Well I think my stuff is alright but it hasn't been overnight. Four or five years actually and always looking for better results. You are correct, the locals are slow to change. A few use my compost etc. ,most think it is too much work to do themselves.
There was a large collective effort a few years back which worked well until they decided work is a four letter word and it slowly fell apart. Apathy, the big motivation.