Did Ancient Farmers Crack the Code to Sustainable Soil? Let’s Dig In!

Terra preta, or “black earth,” is a type of soil that is rich in nutrients and has been used for centuries to increase crop yields. It is made by burying organic matter such as bones, charcoal, manure, biochar, and pottery shards in the ground. This creates a soil that is more fertile than regular soil and can be used to grow crops more efficiently.

In recent years, terra preta has been gaining popularity among farmers and gardeners alike. The benefits of terra preta are numerous, including increased water retention, improved aeration, and increased fertility. Additionally, terra preta can help reduce the amount of fertilizer and pesticides needed to grow crops.

To create terra preta, the organic matter is buried in the ground and then covered with soil. This creates a layer of organic matter that slowly breaks down over time and releases nutrients into the soil. The process takes several months and requires regular maintenance to ensure that the soil remains fertile.

Our terra preta test bed has been in use for the first season and the results have been promising. The plants grew well and produced a good yield. However, this year the growth has stopped and it appears that the fertility of the soil may be running out. It’s possible that the trees are sucking up the fertility or that the area we charged is running out of fertility.

Whatever the cause may be, it’s clear that terra preta is not as amazing as it should be. We need to figure out what’s going wrong and how to fix it. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please leave a comment below! With your help, we can get our terra preta test bed back on track and reap the benefits of this amazing soil.