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An ancient technique for modern lawns
Published
7 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Jackie Rainford Corcoran EBS Health Columnist
Chris Williams and Leandra Hill launched Whole Earth Lawn Care in May 2017 with a desire to create “a good business model that does a lot of good.”
Williams says he’s developed an effective and natural lawn care program that eliminates the environmental and health impacts that chemical fertilizers potentially have. Williams and Hill are interested in living spaces that are safe for human and pet health.
For the main component of their program, they mix biochar into their customers’ soil. Biochar is an agricultural-grade charcoal-like substance made from animal waste, mill waste and crop residue. It’s a byproduct of heating organic matter with little or no oxygen, a technique called pyrolysis.
This method of mixing charcoal (or carbon) into soil is based on an ancient technique used over 1,500 years ago. Scientists studying riverbanks lining the Amazon discovered that areas where charcoal was used for crop production have some of the richest, most fertile soil in the world.
Now, this ancient and simple farming technique is being looked at as a solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and curbing world hunger by increasing crop yields. Carbon holds onto carbon dioxide remarkably well—some scientists believe for hundreds to thousands of years. Carbon also helps replenish poor soil, enhances plant growth and root development, and requires 20 to 30 percent less watering in some soils.
Williams is quick to point out that his goals aren’t quite so lofty and biochar isn’t a magic bullet, but he’s a firm believer in its sustainability and ability to improve soil fertility. “Nature has its own ways of being efficient and creating multiple wins,” he says.
Strategically adding biochar to soil creates a home for bugs, fungi and microorganisms. These microorganisms release waste and provide nutrients like nitrogen, thereby reducing fertilizer requirements. Furthermore, biochar seems to be able to hold onto the nitrogen that is added to soil in chemical fertilizers and releases nitrogen to the plant it’s feeding more steadily, thus reducing nitrate pollution to rivers.
Williams and Hill are keen on shifting landowners’ perspectives on how they grow and care for their lawns. “Traditionally we have used chemical products because it’s what has been marketed to us—it’s cheap and easy,” Williams said. “While the biochar program can cost a bit more, it has great value.”
They plan to grow their second company, Whole Earth Soil Catalyst, with an eye toward creating more sustainable golf courses and urban areas.
This got me thinking about the environmental impact of golf courses on our watersheds. I contacted Big Sky’s four golf course superintendents for information about their grounds keeping practices. To my delight, each is taking strides to reduce impact to our water supply and said they’d be happy to meet with Williams to learn more about biochar. Stay tuned for more on those conversations in the next edition of EBS.
In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about the biochar program, visit wholeearthlawncare.com.
Jackie Rainford Corcoran is an IIN Certified Holistic Health Coach, culture consultant and public speaker. Contact her at Jackie@corehealthmt.com.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
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14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
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Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
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(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Waypoint
50 Ousel Falls Rd