permaculture

[Judith Hanna <jehanna@gn.apc.org>]

After all the irrelevant chit-chat on this list, at last something of
permacultural value! Thank you, Ava.



At 16:58 11/04/00, Ava Devenport wrote:
>I have been doing a self-funded research project over the last year for the 
>Southwest Solar Adobe School in New Mexico.  Basically, I've been working 
>with milkweed (asclepias incarnata), a plant that I have found to be 
>extremely hardy and versatile, high in latex content.
>
>My purpose regarding this research is to develop a 'green' stabilizer and 
>waterproofing agent to replace the asphalt emulsions and Portland cement 
>that is used in Adobe brick and Rammed Earth construction, both high-energy 
>consumptive, as well as chemically allergenic.  Milkweed proves to be a 
>plant that can be cultivated, thus adding to the agricultural community as 
>an alternative crop.  Previous and ongoing research has been utilized by 
>the Natural Fibers Corp., using the floss as an insulation material 
>(milkweed has a long history of this use), the latex has been proven 
>hypo-allergenic and the possible source as a domestic rubber replacement in 
>making latex gloves, etc., and the seed meal left over from the pod and 
>fiber has proven it can be used as an alternative for methyl bromide to 
>control nematodes that damage potatoes, tomatoes and peppers.
>
>I am now collecting other research.  Has anyone on this list been using any 
>type of plant based materials for waterproofing, adding solar mass, etc.?  
>I would appreciate the opportunity of gleaning any insights you may have 
>available, any trials you've done or consider doing, and any results you 
>have compiled, good or bad.  I do know that they have been using some 
>Prickly Pear Cactus in parts of Mexico, but know one I've communicated with 
>has had any data other than "chop it up and add some of the slime to your 
>clay".  Thanks to all, I appreciate it.
>
>Blessings,
>Ava
>
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Judith Hanna
jehanna@gn.apc.org
15 Jansons Rd, Tottenham, London N15 4JU