Revision as of 19:47, 22 October 2013 by
***** (***** | *****)Perhaps the greatest question when starting to introduce 'new technologies' is how to maximize the uptake or acceptance of the chosen topic/method by the stakeholders whom you wish to assist by the use of the 'new technology'.
We tend to forget that stakeholders have a never ceasing struggle to survive, that taking time to learn a 'new technology' means time spent away from the requirements of sheer survival,raising & feeding their family among other demands; thus while we (the learned teachers) strive to pass on the knowledge that we feel sure will impact the stakeholders life we miss the fact that for the most disadvantaged absorption, acceptance and utilization of any given technology rides on how quickly it will work or conversely how much time can be saved/realized by the use of a given technology/methodology.
Agriculture is by its very nature,time consuming, therefore 'improved methodologies' must reduce the time spent in cultivation OR increase the net amount harvested in the same amount of time. taking several pages from history we note that the use of charcoal as been practiced by man across civilizations & continents. from midden pits of Scotland to terra preta dos Indios man has found significant benefit from incorporation of charcoal in planting beds.
Using a trench some 2 ft deep by width of desired bed and placing a 4 inch layer of charcoal at the bottom, water & nutrient retention is dramatically improved ( the remaining space is back-filled with ordinary soil), adding a rudimentary irrigation system (4 ft lengths of bamboo with all but the bottom 'node' removed then drilled with 4 holes approximately 4 then 8 inches from the bottom of the bamboo, spaced every 4-6 ft) creates a refillable water reservoir, which slowly releases the water/nutrient tea into the charcoal & soil planting bed. Water dispersal is directly into the root system encouraging root growth-better resistance to drought- while minimizing the effects of water on leaves (fungus/virus) the result being less water used per plant, better utilization of water by plant, greater crop production as the plant is spared the dry/wet/dry syndrome so often responsible for poor yields, evaporation is significantly reduced versus drip irrigation without the maintenance requirements of drip irrigation; material is readily available at most sites and results easily observed and appreciated. Once established the beds are constantly providing the same benefits for each successive crop cycle. this method will improve yields & quality of crops under most conditions it creates a better environment than surrounding soils while needing minimal maintenance- exactly what we set out to do when we arrived 'on-site'.
We strive to refine our service delivery to stakeholders but often forget that they know what they need (even if, at times, they have difficulty in articulating the desire).
