In the 28th episode of the #ThinkBamboo Podcast, Everest Holmes from National Bamboo delves into bamboo’s pivotal role in soil regeneration. With expertise in unraveling the intricate dynamics between microorganisms and plant vitality, Everest offers invaluable insights crucial for fostering genuine organic agricultural practices.
See Video Podcast Interview
Video Quick Links
[11:59] The Potential of Bamboo in Regenerating Soil
[24:55] The Benefits of Bamboo in Agriculture
[32:00] The Role of Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria in Bamboo
[36:13] The Role of Fungi in Soil
[39:26] Creating Biologically Rich Compost
[40:30] Mycorrhizal Fungi and Their Role in Plant Growth
[49:36] Disease Suppression and the Role of Microbes
[53:29] The Importance of Biologically Complete Compost
[01:06:30] The Soil Food Web and Regenerative Farming
[01:22:17] The Importance of Oxygen, Moisture, and Temperature
[01:24:26] The Holobiont Theory and Interconnectedness
[01:36:20] The 4th Phase of Water
[01:46:31] Understanding Soil as a Living Organism
The presentation shared in the video podcast can be seen here: Harnessing Nature’s Allies microbes in bamboo farming
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Soil Biology and Bamboo: Regenerating Soil
In this episode, Everest from National Bamboo discusses the importance of soil biology and the potential of bamboo in regenerating soil. He explains how microorganisms play a crucial role in agriculture and highlights the decline of soil health and nutrient density. Everest emphasizes the benefits of bamboo in agriculture and its ability to regenerate soil. He also discusses the microbiome of bamboo and its impact on soil microbiology. Finally, he explores the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in bamboo and their contribution to plant growth.
Exploring Agricultural Microbiology
This part of the conversation delves into the importance of pH balance, inoculating plants with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, the role of bacteria and fungi in soil, the negative effects of tilling and organic agriculture, the concept of aerobic vs anaerobic in the in soil food web school, the role of mycorrhizal fungi in plant growth, the benefits and dangers of fungi in bamboo groves, disease suppression by microorganisms, the importance of biologically complete compost, the use of bamboo vinegar and biochar, biocontrol agents and entomopathogenic fungi, microbial monitoring, and the impact of microbes on soil penetration and compaction.
Principles of Regenerative Farming
Everest discusses the soil food web and the principles of regenerative farming. He emphasizes the importance of using biology to solve agricultural challenges and highlights the benefits of vermicompost. Everest also explores the intricate relationship between bamboo and microbes and the challenges and opportunities in biological farming. He then dives into the microscopic world of compost and discusses the interconnectedness of life. Everest explains the survival and dormancy of microorganisms and the importance of oxygen, moisture, and temperature. He also discusses the holobiont theory and the need to shift perspectives and reframe worldviews. Everest emphasizes the importance of collaboration and preventative approaches in agriculture and medicine. He concludes by highlighting the wisdom of life and plants and the technology of nature.
Electroculture and Water Dynamics
In this segment, Everest and JJ explore the potential of electroculture and its connection to water and plant growth. They discuss the fourth phase of water, known as exclusion zone water, and its role in plant health. The conversation also delves into the hydraulic system of bamboo and its ability to pump water. They highlight the importance of understanding soil as a living organism and the transition from germ theory to a deeper understanding of microorganisms. The impact of beneficial microorganism on human health and the potential benefits of nematodes in the gut are also explored. The conversation concludes with a discussion on composting and taking action to improve soil health.
Book recommendations
Cells, Gels and the Engines of Life: A New, Unifying Approach to Cell Function
This engaging science book challenges the traditional narratives in cellular biology, offering a detailed case study of how scientific stories shape research directions over time. By questioning textbook fundamentals, it proposes an alternative framework for understanding cell functions, emphasizing the need for fresh perspectives. The author illustrates how outdated assumptions about cell structures have led the field astray, advocating for a paradigm shift towards a more integrated understanding based on physical chemistry principles. Through meticulous research and clear explanations, the book explores the role of structured water and phase transitions in cellular processes, presenting a comprehensive reevaluation of conventional views on cellular function.
The Fourth Phase of Water Beyond Solid Liquid and Vapor
After hearing about Gerald Pollack’s work on water’s properties and its potential role in homeopathy, a practitioner stumbled upon his book while studying fluid dynamics for detoxification. The book introduces the concept of EZ water, a phase that excludes solutes and forms a gel-like structure with charge separations, explaining various natural phenomena. The idea that EZ water could serve as a perpetual energy source, responding to infrared light like a battery, opens up significant possibilities, hinting at broader implications yet to be explored.
Teaming with Microbes: A Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web
This book delves into the intricate world of soil life beyond what’s visible to the naked eye, highlighting the diverse orders and families of organisms present in synthetic chemical-free soil. It explains how these microscopic life forms form a complex food web, benefiting both large plants like trees and smaller ones like vegetables. With practical insights and detailed explanations accompanied by photographs, the book serves as a valuable reference for organic gardeners seeking to enhance soil health and understand the importance of composting.