February 2013 – Quinta das Moitas

Green Gold – Documentary by John D Liu

Published on February 25, 2013January 25, 2016 by Earth Monki

Just needed to post this for inspiration.

Environmental film maker John D. Liu documents large-scale ecosystem restoration projects in China, Africa, South America and the Middle East, highlighting the enormous benefits to people and planet of undertaking these efforts globally.

“The first and probably one of the most impressive of those findings from the Loess Plateau is It’s possible to rehabilitate large-scale damaged ecosystems. So if we can rehabilitate large-scale damaged ecosystems, why don’t we do that?

I felt fortunate to see John Liu give a presentation at the Tamera Water Symposium back in April 2012. Since then I’ve been inspired by his work. Thank you John.

Seed Balling in February

Published on February 24, 2013January 25, 2016 by Earth Monki

Had a seed ball day in early February with some lovely guests. Was enough seed balls to go around for everyone and with the many hands available we were lucky to have managed to get them all done in the day (although they did seem to be increasing in size as the day went on).

Mixture included:

Red clay mix
White granitic clay mix
Mixture of fine organic matter and compost
Ash and charcoal
… and same seed mix as that used on Sandomil Seed Planting Day

Here are some photos of the event …

Spent the following day just throwing them around the south west area of the land that is mainly covered with giestas (broom brush).

Now let’s see what grows!

New Study Claims Forests Cause Winds and Rain

Published on February 20, 2013January 25, 2016 by Earth Monki

A new theory of what determines global wind is being taken seriously enough by climate scientists to warrant publication in a top atmospheric sciences journal, says a Southern Cross University researcher.

The ‘radical’ hypothesis, developed by the University’s Dr Douglas Sheil with a group of international scientists, claims that land cover, particularly the presence or absence of forests, directs weather patterns.

Better than ‘Organic’

Published on February 19, 2013January 24, 2016 by Earth Monki

A good article explaining why organic isn’t enough. Organic as most of us understand it means that it’s grown in a natural way, without the use of pesticides and harmful chemicals. However, growing organic vegetables in soils that have been depleted of their nutrients can sometimes provide us with less nutrients than those of the non organic variety. Mulching and compost is beneficial but often not enough. This article talks about the importance of balanced mineral content in soils and what measures one might take to test and improve this balance. It also gives insightful information on the unique and important role that some of these element have in the functioning of our organism.

Better than Organic – A conversation with Agricola, Part 1

Better than Organic – A conversation with Agricola, Part 2

“In times past most communities had a physician, and maybe what we will end up with is a trained “soil physician” in each community. (laughs) We will need a lot less experts in the field of medicine once we get the food right!”