permaculture

[Allan Balliett <igg@igg.com>]

> I'm thinking that Extension standards are probably based on
> conventional agriculture and gardening and I was wondering how these
> soil test results compare with others of you out there who have had
> soil tests done on your permacultured gardens.

Robert - If you are serious about growing ecologically, you'll need a 
more extensive soil test than extension can normally provide. Look 
into sending your samples to one of the Perry Labs, or work with 
someone like Jerry Brunetti of Agri-Dynamics (www.agri-dynamics.com). 
Jerry will give you an Albrecht interpretation of your soils. This 
interpretation will explain what is going on in your soil and contain 
recommendations on how to balance the soil to maximize the energy 
available to the plants and, ultimately, to yourself.

Try to make it over to Indianapolis to the ACRES USA conference in 
Mid-December to learn more about working with your soils in an 
ecological manner.

Short answer: yes, extension soil test are only appropriate for NPK 
(chemical) farmers.

-Allan