North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Ernest Plutko" <ernestplutko@wiktel.com>]

Has anyone tried adding charcoal to their garden soil?  Saw a science
program on TV today showing how fertile some soils are in Amazonia 
because ancient farmers added charcoal to the generally infertile
soils of the rainforest.  Beware though because a lot of "charcoal"
for grilling is made from coal and clay.  Some charcoal sold is real
wood charcoal. You can make your own charcoal fairly easily in your
yard from hardwood chunks.  The program did suggest that unknown
bacteria in the tropical Terra Preta might have a role in the
fertility by breaking down organics.  I am going to make some
charcoal and try out this interesting concept.