I am completing a section in a book I am co-writing (on organic gardening in the southwest) using ancient techniques of pit-basin, barrier and biochar to reclaim soil with desert type trees such as mesquite and ways to incorporate gray-water for projects. The concept I developed is aimed at low income families with fallow backyards and potential community garden sites.
If any of you would like the material I have developed to this point, I will be happy to share it with the group.
Catherine, The Herb Lady
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Hi Catherine,
I would love to know more. Gardening here in the North Valley (Desert Hills) has been quite challenging as well as expensive. Looking for ways to share what I have available (some land, water) with others. I also am looking for ideas on how to have a more economical garden. Your project sounds interesting. Would love to know more.
Peggy
Hi Peggy,
The book project is on hold for a while. But the idea of reclaiming soil is always a need. If you are looking for a friend / partner on your own project you might consider a post on the community area here on the site. There is a concept of backyard shared gardening - someone who has space but not enough time to utilize it all, hooking up with people are have the time to do more gardening but no space. Something like that might be in line with what you are needing.
Thanks so much for sharing Cathy! I'll def buy your book when it's ready. would love to see some pictures. hope you have a wonderful day! :)
Hi Hassena,
Thank you for the thought and you are welcome to the information. I hope it assists you in applying the principles to the farm you are working with. Have a great day!
hi there,
there is a hillside where i work on the farm that'd i'd love too apply these principles too. it could be used as an eductional peice too. we have the rock and manure, but would need help with the labor part. Anyone interested or have suggestions?
I would greatly appreciate recieving information regarding these techniques. If you have digital resoruces my e-mail is staciajt@hotmail.com!
I am especially interested in terra preta! Thanks for volunteering the info!
All your points are well taken. Even if the termites are not wanted the use of the manure does the same thing as used in established gardens -- aka providing "fluff" for soil enhancement and nutrients, by placing the manure in a hole nature will take care of softening the soil with each rain. By trying to start these kinds of 'digs' in our summer no one needs to try to maintain it, just take advantage of the summer rains. As with many concepts modification to a new location will always be needed. While reforestation was the original purpose of Mr. Swagodo's work, the zia and cordones pierreux are being used even to plant millet and other grains in eroded areas without having to till the entire ground.
Hope all of you can take some of these ideas and make them work for them.
Catherine
I'm pleased some of your are interested in this - I just see so much potential for use here in the Valley area on fallow or eroded ground. I'm going to try to attach my file as a PDF. The material is copyrighted, so please just use for your own purposes. Also, I am also still learning all the ins and outs - I don't have all the solutions, just some good ideas which have been used in times past.
Also the illustration I created in the file may skew in your viewing - the point is a row concept.
Catherine, The Herb Lady
zai-soil-reclamation.pdf
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