tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181143864893733421.post3277038297273912961..comments2023-10-11T04:39:34.137-05:00Comments on Regenerative agriculture and Innovation: Composting: Climate Smart approach for Carbon SequestrationDr.Thimmaiah (Tim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17720178886375882586noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181143864893733421.post-21258067217885165502012-09-20T07:42:37.989-05:002012-09-20T07:42:37.989-05:00Very informative article on composting and importa...Very informative article on composting and importance of maintaining the Top Soil has been highlighted.<br /><br />A few comments ...<br /><br />SOIL <br /><br />If the soil is deep, fertile, easy to work and easy to manage, you will have little to do to improve it. <br />Soil is an extremely complex material constantly changing as various substances within it react with each other to modify<br />its chemical elements. <br />1.A very high alkaline content will reduce the availability of major nutrients N (Nitrogen), <br />P Phosphorous) & Potassium (K) as well as minor elements such as Fe (Iron) . <br />2.An excess of Acid also reduces the major nutrients, as well as quantity of Calcium. <br />The acidity may lead to a surplus of Iron, Manganese and Aluminium which could produce toxic symptoms in the soil. <br />3.The ideal soil pH is "between "5.7 to 6.7. <br />At this level most nutrients are held in a soluable state and therefore available to the plant.<br /> <br /><br />The soil is just like us human and is a living organism and is quite like the human body and is quite similar we examine various aspects like Air, Water, Nutrients, Cells (RBC) etc. <br /><br />Hence care of the soil is most important for Agriculture/Farming . <br /><br />In many parts of Karnataka Jeevamrutha has become popular . Advocated by Shri Subhash Palekar, Jeevamrutha has benefited the small farmers. <br /><br />A congenial environment is created for microorganisms that help in making available the essential nutrients for plant growth viz., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, to the plants. <br /><br />Jeevamrutha provides such an environment to beneficial microbes. Jeevamrutha when applied to soil improves the soil health by encouraging microbial activity in the soil.<br /><br />Preparation method<br />Ingredients (Sufficient for 1 acre)<br />Water - 200-250 lts<br />Cow dung - 10-15 kgs<br />Cow Urine - 3-4 lts<br />Jaggery - 1-2 kgs<br /><br />Soil under a tree or un-disturbed location form the same land - 2-3 handfuls.<br /><br />Mix all of them and keep them in a shade for 3-4 days. Stir the mixture once a day. Apply the mixture when the ground is wet for the plants. This seems to work wonders for the plants due to increased microbial activity by 3rd and 4th day. This is an excellent culture for enabling the exponential increase of beneficial microbes. The microbes are added thru 2-3 handful of local soil.<br /><br />Although it can be used even after 6-7 days, due to overpowering stench, it is advisable to use this within 3-4 days of preparation.<br />Joseph Brittohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06100891141271080653noreply@blogger.com