My name is Marsha Hanzi. I work with permaculture and ecological agriculture in the drylands of Brazil. I presently farm a very sandy 40 acres, which is great for cashews, which are native here, but very poor for other crops. The traditional small farmers here are at the exact point of abandoning their traditional rotations for the tractor- chemical paradigm, albeit in still very small scale.

I see the enormous potential at this exact moment to introduce the idea of remineralization with rock dusts and manures instead of the chemicals.

My only doubt is that the commercial rockdust we have available here ("Ipirá") has more magnesium than calcium, whereas in Dr. Albrecht´s analysis of the "ideal soil" there should be a near 7/1 ca-Mg rato. (68-12 to be exact). Has anyone worked with balancing out two different rock dusts? I wonder if I could not use this rock dust ( rich in micros) and gypsum?

I know that there is some research going on in Brazil, but am a bit out of the loop. Any good contacts for me here?

Am really glad to have discovered this forum!

Marsha Hanzi
www.marsha.com.br
permacultura-bahia.org.br

Hi Marsha

I'm not the one to answer your questions. Perhaps my ignorance shows with my asking who Dr. Albrecht is? I've concentrated in computer science and reside in Silicon valley where the soil is dangerously polluted. I hope to move soon to where I can garden intensively and safely.

If you are planning on helping people in your community become aware of alternatives perhaps the following study which finds organic growing methods produce more will be of use: http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=5936

You also might look into Bob Cannard: http://www.remineralize.org/story.php?story=EEEFukEpApdrQiPRVZ.html

Regards,

Chip

Hi Marsha

Dr. Albrecht was a soil researcher from the USA. At least Neal Kinsey`s books (Hands-on agronomy)continue Albrecht`s legacy.

I would think that it would be very much possible to offset the high magnesium with some lime? I`m from Finland myself, and I plan to send soil samples to Neal Kinsey`s lab in a few weeks time. It isn`t expensive at all, so maybe you could consult him as well? (I`m not advertizing his services, the Albrecht method has been intriguing me, as well.)

OK, all the best,

Niklas

Dear Marsha,

I would love to know exactly where you are. I will be in Brazil in January and Febuary near Brasilia. Looking at our website you will see there are Rocks for Crops Foundation researchers in Brasilia and if you look at their website, you can be in touch with them. Also have a look at the Latest News section where you will see a new commercial product in Brazil that looks really interesting:

http://www.rockall.com.br/

Can you give me a geological description of the commercial rock dust that you mentioned and where it comes from and any other details? That will help me to know more before I make a suggestion. Generally speaking, over time the rock dust will neutralize the ph, but the first time you apply the rock dust you could add the gypsum to do it more quickly. Dan, our Executive Director and farmer will also get back to you, though Nike's comment was very much in line with Albrecht's work.

Please keep us up to date on this project and take some photos. We look forward to hearing from you.

Joanna Campe
Remineralize the Earth