Grant opportunity

[Dave S.]

Just to let everyone know, we are in the process of applying for a
grant to develop the agrichar/energy/greenhouse system concept. I am
hopeful that we stand a pretty good chance of getting it, given that
the project addresses several of the topical areas identified in the
grant description. Given the retooling of the group site to focus
more exclusively on our efforts here on farm, there has been less
activity of late. But that will change shortly. As soon as the
proposal is submitted I will post the document or parts of it, here
for your perusal. Wish us luck.
Dave

[tony nekut]

When do you learn about funding decision?

[Dave S.]

Tony,
I believe money is awarded in September. But the project will begin
sooner, I need to build the structure that will house the operation.
Dave

[Stefan Mattlage]

Dave I have had fun wandering around on the terra  page. Lots of interesting ideas. I was wondering if you produced some charcoal in an old mostly sealed weber grill would the results be useful? Would the product need to be ground up into small particles before it is applied?

  We are getting our "chickens in a row" for sitters and egg collection. We will be away for a couple of 7 and 4 day periods this summer. When I get that so I feel comfortable with commitments I will tell you when I'll be ready for the Chickens.

  Your large scale project on charcoal is very interesting to me. I would like to know more and I could perhaps give you a hand from time to time with the project.

   What a string of great days we have had!  Mother nature surely owed us some.

 

Regards Stef

[David Stewart]

Stefan,
I think that charcoal made in most any fashion from a low temp,
smouldering burn would be beneficial. Keep poking around the resource
page and you will find some other folks rigs for making charcoal.
There is debate about the best size and method for "charging" the
agrichar. Some folks talk about quenching it with water to make
"activated" carbon. Others, myself included, are thinking about
saturating the char with compost tea or other nutrients before
incorporation. There is also talk about the oxygenation that would
occur with the introduction of dry agrichar.
Keep me posted on the chicken front.
When I get moving on the project I'll let you know when we have
projects that can use extra hands.
Best,
Dave
P.S. Yes, we are owed the nice weather!