Saturday, June 25, 2011
An Interesting Read
Most people these days know about climate change and some even know about peak oil, whether they believe in them or not! But not many people are aware that the biggest threat to our survival on this planet is the degradation of our soils. A really good article on this issue can be found here.
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An interesting article, Kate. I have been thinking about the soil on our farm for some time. When I look at the ground the chicken tractor turns over, full of earthworms and organic matter , I think we are headed in the right direction. I have recently started adding rock dust to the garden beds too because of things I have been reading about vegetables low in essential vitamins and minerals.
ReplyDeleteThe science is there...just a matter of making the change . I also think though it is difficult for people to make the change if they have farmed a certain way for a long time, but gradually voting with our feet and buying organic produce is a good start.
I like the way you think.
Kim http://thelittleblackcowblog.blogspot.com
Thanks Kim for your comment.It heartens me to know that there are plenty of people out there who think the same as me. If it wasn't for all those bloggers showing all of us how they live I think I could become extremely depressed.Is it enough? I don't think so any more, but, like Rosemary Morrow (http://permaculture-design-courses.blogspot.com/2011/04/pdc-with-rosemary-morrow-in-rural.html)I need to know that on my death bed I have done the very best I can to make a difference. This is why I created this blog. A huge thing for someone who was totally computer illiterate not so very long ago.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading the article Kate. The disrespect we show our soil really bothers me. Particularly soil contamination - an issue that is all too close to home for me. Once soil is contaminated with chemicals or heavy metals we can't 'un' contaminate it.
ReplyDeleteMike was reading the back of a packet of fertiliser at the hardware store recently and written was something along the lines of 'If used according to instructions levels of lead and cadmium will be greater than recommended safe levels'. I can't even believe that we're putting heavy metals in fertiliser. Someone may use it safely to fertilise the lawn - but what about the next person who comes along and replaces the lawn with a food garden? Once the metal is there its there forever.
A really good article Kate - not news really, but something that needs to be reiterated over and over again. Our soil has not been worked for about a decade, so we are hoping to have a rich and fertile plot once we get it going. I am always heartened by blogs such as yours, and others that I read. maybe I am living in virtual bubble, as i do find it hard to comprehend that farming people are unaware of the soil crisis looming, and unwilling to look at their role in preventing it. xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Kate,
ReplyDeletejust a quick note...hopefully David and I will get to meet you and Mark soon as we are going to go to the HOGS field day at Purple Pear on the 2nd. We really hope as we get visitors to the farm that are interested in learning that we can book them into some of your workshops,they sound so interesting.I am going to book into a sour dough workshop at some point.
We will be a little late because of soccer, and will get there about 1pm as the day starts. Can't wait to meet you...I will wear a red rose in my lapel so that you know it's me.
Kim http://thelittleblackcowblog.blogspot.com
Hi Kim.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting. I look forward to meeting you, but it's the 9th not the 2nd, or that's what we were told.
Okay, I must have got dates mixed up. Still coming though!
ReplyDelete