charcoal and earthworms

[Jacky Foo]

On 28/08/07, Mel Landers <agr...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> The disposal of feces by the Kayapo is something that Suzanna did not go
> into in her article. .......(cut)....
>One thing I have probably not mentioned is that are reports that
> local worms ingest the charcoal. But, it would seem difficult for
>them not to, wouldn't it?

I wonder anyone has analysed the chemical contents of powdered charred
materials in earthworm castings ? I would presume that these would be
richer than earthworm castings from one that does not have charcoal
powder.

Tried to google "earthworm castings charcoal nutrient" but did not
find the info I need.

Maybe someone else can try to have another look.

In http://lists.ifas.ufl.edu/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind0609&L=sanet-mg&T=0&P=5415
John Cowan (11 Sep 2006) grind commercial "lump" barbecue charcoal to
a fine powder with an old meat grinder and then then put small amounts
in an electric coffee mill.

regards
jacky

[Mel Landers]

Jacky wrote:

I wonder if anyone has analysed the chemical contents of powdered charred

materials in earthworm castings ?

They probably have. There have been a huge number of investigations on dark earth soils, especially on the charred portion. There do not appear to have been as many investigations on the humus. That is understandable, due to the difficulty of studying it. The value of the lessons learned would be worth the effort and expense though.

mel

Jacky Foo <jack...@gmail.com> wrote:

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