Jennifer Marohasy

a forum for the discussion of issues concerning the natural environment

Biochar (Part 1)

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Hello Jennifer,
I recently did a google search on ‘biochar’, this would be a useful way to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and at the same time improve soils.
It could be used on woody weeds, crop residue or any other organic waste that was available.
Regards Bruce

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Comments

  1. Davey Gam Esq. says

    Hello Bruce,
    I am sorry I overlooked your post on biochar. I became aware of the dark soils in Amazonia a while ago. I think it is of the utmost importance in Australian ecosystems, yet is largely neglected in favour of the ‘European model’ of humus through decay. Many ‘environmentalists’ in Western Australia still drivel on about fire destroying the nutrients in the soil. This is despite the obvious greening that takes place after fire.
    In 1843 James Backhouse mentioned that the streets of Perth were of sand, mixed with charcoal, from the repeated burning of the scrub, which formerly covered the ground.
    Rev John Wollaston, in 1841, complained of charcoal getting into his boots and socks. It came from the “immense quantity of burnt wood over the face of the land”. He had no doubt that the Nyoongars were doing the burning.
    In 1829 Dr Wilson RN described land near KIng George’s Sound as being “for the most part composed of charcoal, and other vegetable matter, varying in depth from four to twelve inches…”
    In 1845 James Drummond talked of sinking a well on the banks of the Swan River. He dug up seeds mixed with charcoal, “for charcoal is invariably found in the alluvial deposits of the rivers in this country, to a depth which seems to prove that the present race of natives or others having a similar habit of annually burning the country must have inhabited these districts for a much longer period than can be ascertained by any sort of people, not excepting the Chinese.”
    Frequent, mild burning by Aborigines, or through unrestrained lightning fires, must have locked up an enormous amount of carbon in charcoal. Keep us posted about further progress. The penny must eventually drop with those who deny the significance and relevance of Aboriginal burning.

  2. Davey Gam Esq. says

    Okay, I’ll keep talking to myself. Quantum presented the first TV program I have seen which talked any sense on bushfire (ABC 19th October 2006). Jeremy Russell-Smith and gang suggest that frequent mild, patchy burning by Aborigines creates only about half the CO2 that all-consumimg wildfires do. Much of the carbon must be sequestered in the soil as charcoal, or ‘biochar’. We need to get back to Aboriginal style burning in the south of Australia too. Perhaps one day we will get a Minister for the Environment in WA as wise as the one in the NT, who understands and supports traditional burning.

  3. Hasbeen says

    Davey, some of us are listening, & interested. I for one, just don’t know enough about it to speak.

  5. Jen says

    Davey,
    You weren’t “talking to yourself” … there were a few of us reading.
    In fact I’ve just included the concept in my next The Land column … assuming that paragraph get past the editor!
    Thanks,