Only passing mentions on the important biochar component of this project.
It would be great to see the related work with schools extended into biochar production. Great education opportunities for TLUD stoves projects, teaching the building of TLUD’s using tin cans and then cooking food over the stoves. The kids need to also take home messages & techniques on producing biochar in wood stoves using small retort vessels (repurposed bain-marie or baking tins).
I posted on this story in the BNNZ FB page last month and it continues to get picked up by media. Its a great story with some biochar sprinkled in the forest roots and the article…
“These native trees were planted only 60cm apart – rather than the generally recommended 3-6m apart – into 200 drilled holes filled with biochar. (Luckily, AJ had already developed a backyard system for making biochar, a charcoal produced from plant matter that is believed to improve soil health and moisture, raise soil pH and sequester carbon.)
“The transformation was astonishing,” Colin says. “Mixing species and planting densely mimics nature and allows them to support each other, growing three to four times faster.”“
“Colin’s vision extends beyond Nelson. He and his wife, Faridah, were recently invited to speak at the Dunedin City Council’s volunteer appreciation event. Their trip was funded by the Nelson Whakatū Muslim Association. The other speakers were Dennis Enright (New Zealand Biochar Ltd), Maureen Howard (host of Rewilding in Action), and John Brenkley (DCC Parks & Recreation Planning Manager).“
Anyone in the Nelson area know Colin & AJ? BNNZ should try to connect…
https://www.agresearch.co.nz/news/aramiro-where-innovation-meets-whenua
“Biochar and beyond
Now, the partnership is breaking new ground again — quite literally — with the launch of Aotearoa’s first long-term field trial into biochar in pastoral systems. Biochar, a charcoal-like substance made from forest waste, has potential to improve soil quality, boost pasture growth, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lock carbon into the soil.
With AgResearch and the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre, Aramiro is testing how different types of biochar from their own forests perform on their soils. It’s a decade-long exploration of how the whenua can heal and feed itself — and what that might mean not just for Aramiro, but for other farms in the region and country.”
I think the timing is ripe for biochar experts in BNNZ to connect with Vincent and SBN for a biochar related discussion. Lets see if we can make this happen.
You can check out the BNNZ press release Co/ Scoop here.
The wording is much the same in the PR.co.nz version that was featured in the May ABE newsletter.
I look forward to catching up with you there.
Another informative discussion here with Klaus sharing some great biochar preparation tips along with his broad knowledge on many subjects: “We have over 30 years of international experience in working alongside nature to bring land to its full potential of natural abundance and diversity in a very short amount of time. Bringing together the strengths of Syntropic Agroforestry, Permaculture, Biodynamics and Regenerative Farming practices.” https://www.permadynamics.co.nz/
Great initiative here Joany and the TheGoodCarbonFarm collaborating widely & freely. Do share with any teachers you know.
Some really great biochar applications discussed here.
Check out Cornelia’s website: https://biokai.co.nz/about-us/
The report on biochar activity at the Future Whenau Summit (21-23March, Lake Hawea Station) that has been pending for the ABE newsletter and morphed into YouTube content from the day. Ben Elms leads a demonstration and talk on biochar. Nice job Ben & Sam…
