permaculture

[John Schinnerer <eco_living@yahoo.com>]

Aloha,

A bit earlier in the program someone talked about the importance of
reducing soil loss and rebuilding soil fertility.  Now comes this
contradiction:

>                       (Gathering straw)
> 
>                       SHINER: Recycling is another key component of
>                       permaculture. Straw, for example, is a waste
>                       product of agricultural production. ...

The carbon (straw) needs to go back into the soil.  That's part of
maintaining soil fertility.  Agri*business* regards straw as waste, but
natural systems make no such mistaken abstractions.  

If enough carbon is returned to soil to maintain (or increase if
deficient) soil fertility, *then* straw above and beyond that
("surplus") can be used to build dwellings.  


=====
John Schinnerer, MA
--------------------
- Eco-Living -
Cultural & Ecological Designing
Food - Shelter - Community
john@eco-living.net
http://eco-living.net

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