In Uganda, we are finding that tree and legume seeds pushed into fresh black manure germinate well. These seeds rarely germinate in plain manure.

With the top down burn method, biochar is free and easy to make. A million livestock are estimated to be eating biochar daily. They grow faster, healthier and milk production doubles.

All biochar passes through animals with the manure, making the manure black. Black manure is an excellent fertilizer, much better than plain manure. Black manure dropped at night and collected from the kraals is used as fertilizer. But black manure dropped on grazing land has been left there. Grazing land is often deforested land.

We are planting seeds (tree seeds, pigeon peas) in fresh black manure. Early results are very promising. Almost all seeds germinate and look very healthy. Few seeds germinate in plain manure and those that germinate do not look healthy. We need to see if the seedlings in black manure grow to maturity.

Dairy farmers are very happy that their milk production doubles with biochar. And they want to see deforested land reforested. If we give them seeds, shepherds are enthusiastic about planting seeds in fresh black manure where their cows graze. Hundreds of shepherds are planting seeds in Northern and Southwestern Uganda.

I’ve been told that on public land, community leaders can prohibit grazing until the plants mature (5 months for pigeon peas, 5+ years for trees). The Catholic Church can similarly prohibit grazing on Church land.

We are seeding thousands of acres to test seeding black manure on deforested land and rangelands.

• This discussion was modified 10 months, 1 week ago by  Kevin McLean.
• This discussion was modified 10 months, 1 week ago by  Kevin McLean.
• This discussion was modified 10 months, 1 week ago by  Kevin McLean.