From: soilfoodweb@aol.com
Date: Tue Nov 26 2002 - 10:18:20 EST
OK, a couple other factors now show up.
Both John and Scott have very friable soil - that is, soil with excellent
tilth. What does that mean? When you put your hand into their soil, your
hand easily pushes through the soil. No compaction.
Jose - what about you? Did I miss your response someplace along the line?
Both John and Scott are in climates with good rainfall. I think Jose is
too.
Anyone in arid climates growing giant size vegies?
Water from the sky helps, but Scott has been in a drought for something like
three years, I think. So, overhead watering seems to replace rainfall.
Jeff described big vegies in an office building (very few places other than
true deserts more arid, unless the building is humidified?), so that seems to
support the idea that watering can replace rainfall.
Or is humidity important? Hum, think that one through.
If those of you with poor soil structure improved the soil by adding the
fungi, bacteria, protozoa and nematodes needed to get good structure, could
you grow larger, or even giant, vegetables?
Poor structure in your soil, no big vegies?
Who is up for some experimentation? Do a SARE grant! Aussies, get some
gov't money to do this. NZ's - do you have a funding agency that would give
money to do this? Check the SFI website for the "testing protocol" so you
can design a good experiment, or Kirk can help you with the experimental
design.
Elaine Ingham
President, Soil Foodweb Inc.
www.soilfoodweb.com
.
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