David Crimmins

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I've written an information booklet title "The Beavers Way: Saving the Planet with Check Dams and Leaky Weirs"

The ebook explores how nature’s engineers, beavers, inspire effective environmental solutions for addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. By mimicking beaver dam-building techniques, humans can utilize check dams and leaky weirs to slow water flow and restore ecosystems. These methods help rehydrate landscapes, prevent wildfires, reduce erosion, mitigate floods, and capture sediment after fires.

The ebook discusses how these simple structures can raise the water table, restore habitats for wildlife, and support biodiversity, including bird migration. With case studies, including USGS research showing that check dams increase baseflow in arid lands, this guide demonstrates how we can apply these techniques for sustainable water management and environmental restoration.

Ultimately, "The Beavers Way" offers practical insights into creating healthier ecosystems, mitigating climate change impacts, and fostering long-term environmental resilience.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGW33FXW
4 months ago
It gets better, way better.
ChatGPT:

? the chemical composition and reaction when vinegar is mixed with ash ?

ChatGPT

When vinegar (acetic acid) is mixed with ash, a chemical reaction occurs, leading to the formation of water, carbon dioxide, and salts. The reaction can be described as an acid-base neutralization reaction. The chemical equation for this reaction, considering a simplified scenario, is as follows:

\text{2 CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{CaCO}_3 \rightarrow \text{Ca}(\text{CH}_3\text{COO})_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_22 CH3​COOH+CaCO3​→Ca(CH3​COO)2​+H2​O+CO2​

Here's the breakdown of the reaction:

Vinegar (Acetic Acid):

The main component of vinegar is acetic acid, represented by the formula \text{CH}_3\text{COOH}CH3​COOH.

Ash (Calcium Carbonate - CaCO3):

Ash often contains alkaline substances like calcium carbonate (\text{CaCO}_3CaCO3​).

Reaction:

In the reaction, acetic acid reacts with calcium carbonate. The acid (vinegar) reacts with the base (calcium carbonate) in a neutralization reaction.

Products:

The products of the reaction are water (\text{H}_2\text{O}H2​O), carbon dioxide (\text{CO}_2CO2​), and a salt called calcium acetate (\text{Ca}(\text{CH}_3\text{COO})_2Ca(CH3​COO)2​).

\text{Ca}(\text{CH}_3\text{COO})_2Ca(CH3​COO)2​ is a calcium salt of acetic acid.

Balancing the Equation:

The equation is balanced, meaning that the same number of each type of atom is present on both sides of the arrow.

It's important to note that the specific composition of ash can vary depending on the material that was burned. Different types of wood, plants, or other materials may produce ash with varying alkaline components. The resulting solution may contain other salts and trace elements present in the ash.

This reaction is a simplified representation, and the actual composition of the ash and the concentrations of acetic acid in vinegar can influence the specifics of the reaction. Also, in practical terms, the resulting solution may have a pH closer to neutral compared to the original vinegar due to the neutralization reaction.



You

what is calcium acetate useful for in agriculture

ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Calcium acetate has several potential uses in agriculture, primarily related to its calcium content and its function as a source of organic acids. Here are some agricultural applications of calcium acetate:

Soil Amendment:

Calcium is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development. Calcium acetate can be used as a soil amendment to provide plants with an additional source of calcium. Adequate calcium levels in the soil are crucial for the formation and stability of cell walls in plant tissues.

pH Adjustment:

Calcium acetate, being a salt, can influence the pH of the soil. It acts as a pH buffer, helping to maintain or adjust the soil pH. Proper pH levels are vital for nutrient availability to plants, as different nutrients have different solubilities at different pH levels.

Fertilizer Additive:

Calcium acetate can be used as an additive in fertilizers. It contributes both calcium and organic acids, providing a source of nutrition for plants. The organic acids can enhance nutrient availability in the soil.

Foliar Sprays:

Calcium acetate solutions can be used as foliar sprays to provide calcium directly to plant leaves. This is particularly useful in preventing or correcting calcium deficiency symptoms, such as blossom end rot in tomatoes.

Anti-fungal Properties:

Calcium acetate may have some anti-fungal properties. While it is not a broad-spectrum fungicide, the calcium ions it releases can help in managing certain fungal diseases.

Seed Coating:

Calcium acetate solutions can be used in seed coating to enhance the calcium content of seeds. This can promote better germination and early seedling development.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of calcium acetate in agriculture depends on various factors, including soil type, plant species, and specific nutrient needs. Additionally, the application of any agricultural amendment should be based on soil testing and a thorough understanding of the nutritional requirements of the crops being grown.

As with any agricultural practice, it is advisable for farmers and growers to consult with agricultural extension services or agronomists for specific recommendations tailored to their particular crops and growing conditions.



You

the chemical effect of calcium acetate on a magnesium based clay soil

ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Calcium acetate can have several chemical effects on a magnesium-based clay soil. Here are some of the key interactions that may occur:

Calcium-Magnesium Exchange:

Calcium acetate, when applied to soil, can undergo cation exchange reactions with magnesium. In magnesium-dominated soils, the calcium ions from calcium acetate can replace magnesium ions on the soil exchange sites. This process is part of the base saturation of the soil, influencing the balance of cations (positively charged ions) on the soil exchange complex.

pH Adjustment:

Calcium acetate is a salt that can influence soil pH. The acetate ion can react with water to form acetic acid and hydroxide ions. The hydroxide ions can contribute to soil alkalinity, and the overall effect may be an increase in pH. This pH adjustment can impact nutrient availability, microbial activity, and other soil processes.

\text{CH}_3\text{COO}^- + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{OH}^-CH3​COO−+H2​O⇌CH3​COOH+OH−

Improvement of Soil Structure:

The addition of calcium, particularly in the form of calcium acetate, can help improve soil structure in clay soils. Calcium promotes flocculation, a process where individual soil particles aggregate into larger, more stable structures. This can improve water drainage and aeration in the soil.

Nutrient Availability:

Calcium is an essential nutrient for plants, and its availability can influence plant growth. By providing a source of soluble calcium, calcium acetate can contribute to meeting the calcium requirements of plants. Additionally, the alteration of soil pH and cation exchange reactions can influence the availability of other nutrients in the soil.

Impact on Clay Dispersion:

The calcium from calcium acetate can counteract the dispersion of clay particles in soil. Dispersion can lead to the clogging of soil pores, reducing water infiltration. The addition of calcium helps in flocculating clay particles, improving soil structure and water movement.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of calcium acetate in mitigating the effects of magnesium in clay soil depends on various factors, including the specific characteristics of the soil, the dosage of calcium acetate applied, and local environmental conditions. Soil testing and consultation with agricultural experts can provide more accurate recommendations for the application of calcium acetate based on the specific needs of the soil and crops being cultivated.
1 year ago
?? Vinegar mixed w Bone Meal ??
ChatGPT:
User
the chemical composition and reaction when vinegar is mixed with bone meal
ChatGPT
When vinegar (acetic acid) is mixed with bone meal, a reaction occurs due to the acidic nature of vinegar. Bone meal is composed mainly of calcium phosphate, which is a basic substance. The reaction between acetic acid and calcium phosphate can be described as an acid-base reaction. Here's a simplified representation of the reaction:
\text{2 CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{Ca}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2 \rightarrow \text{Ca}(\text{CH}_3\text{COO})_2 + \text{H}_3\text{PO}_42 CH
3

COOH+Ca
3

(PO
4

)
2

→Ca(CH
3

COO)
2

+H
3

PO
4

Here's a breakdown of the reaction:
Vinegar (Acetic Acid):
The main component of vinegar is acetic acid, represented by the formula \text{CH}_3\text{COOH}CH
3

COOH.
Bone Meal (Calcium Phosphate - \text{Ca}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2Ca
3

(PO
4

)
2

):
Bone meal is primarily composed of calcium phosphate.
Reaction:
In the reaction, acetic acid from vinegar reacts with calcium phosphate from bone meal in an acid-base neutralization reaction.
Products:
The products of the reaction are calcium acetate (\text{Ca}(\text{CH}_3\text{COO})_2Ca(CH
3

COO)
2

) and phosphoric acid (\text{H}_3\text{PO}_4H
3

PO
4

).
Calcium acetate is a water-soluble salt, and phosphoric acid is a weak acid.
Balancing the Equation:
The equation is balanced to ensure that the same number of each type of atom is present on both sides of the arrow.
It's important to note that while this reaction occurs, the practical utility of mixing vinegar with bone meal in gardening or agriculture may be limited. Vinegar is sometimes used as a household acidifier in gardening practices, but it's typically used with materials that are more soluble, such as certain types of fertilizers. The reaction described above may not result in significant nutrient availability from bone meal, as the calcium phosphate in bone meal is not highly soluble in vinegar. In many cases, bone meal is used in soil as a slow-release source of phosphorus and calcium.
User
phosphoric acid uses in agriculture
ChatGPT
Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) is a versatile acid that finds various applications in agriculture due to its phosphorus content. Here are some common uses of phosphoric acid in agriculture:
Fertilizer Production:
Phosphoric acid is a key component in the production of phosphate fertilizers. It reacts with phosphate rock to produce water-soluble phosphates like monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), and triple superphosphate (TSP). These fertilizers are important for providing essential phosphorus to plants, which is crucial for energy transfer, root development, and overall growth.
Soil Acidification:
Phosphoric acid can be used to lower soil pH in alkaline soils. In regions where soils are naturally alkaline, adding phosphoric acid can help make the soil more acidic, creating a more favorable environment for certain plants that prefer slightly acidic conditions.
Liquid Fertilizer Formulations:
Phosphoric acid is a common ingredient in liquid fertilizer formulations. It provides a readily available source of phosphorus, and the liquid form allows for easier application through irrigation systems.
Starter Fertilizers:
Phosphoric acid is often used in the formulation of starter fertilizers applied at planting. These fertilizers provide a boost of phosphorus to young plants, promoting early root development and overall growth.
Animal Feed Additive:
In some cases, phosphoric acid is used as an additive in animal feed to provide supplemental phosphorus. It contributes to the nutritional requirements of livestock and poultry.
Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions:
Phosphoric acid is used in hydroponic systems to adjust the pH of nutrient solutions. Maintaining the proper pH is essential for nutrient availability to plants in hydroponic growing systems.
Cleaning and Descaling:
Phosphoric acid is sometimes used to clean and descale irrigation equipment, such as drip lines and pipes. It helps remove mineral deposits and prevent clogging.
Rust Inhibition:
In some cases, phosphoric acid is used as a rust inhibitor on agricultural equipment. It can be applied to metal surfaces to prevent or mitigate rust formation.
When using phosphoric acid in agriculture, it's important to consider factors such as application rates, compatibility with other inputs, and potential environmental impacts. Proper handling and application practices are essential to ensure effective and responsible use in agricultural settings.
1 year ago
Fantastic. Thank you. BUT
if Phosphoric acid is water soluble and the Calcium Carbonate in Vinegar turns to Ca+ and Water, what are you left with? That is where I am still confused.? Not to pester I am genuinely curious as to what is going on w the Phosphorous? and what are the left over solids, that could be a whole other discussion..

post edit::
----------------------------------
I think I get it!
The solids are either not broken down yet or are calcium phosphate. My experiments seem to indicate that with a smaller amount of vinegar the Phosphorous reacts first to become phosphoric acid, a known agricultural pH reducer, and w the addition of more vinegar it has diluted to a mild tartness less intense and watery. It's some sort of a loop it seems. The Calcium will reattach to the Phosphorous to make calcium phosphate once again. So there must be a balance with the ratios of vinegar to bone meal to be able to create CA+ water and phosphoric acid to use as a soil conditioners, a double whammy in an impossible clay to help lower pH to be more manageable and allow more nutrient exchange for plant availability, but also flocculate and lift clay particles to help even more! Something the agriculture industry has obviously wanted to ignore it seems, but small organic farmers may find invaluable..
1 year ago
I need to add to the Ca+ water discussion.
BE CAREFUL W THIS STUFF!!
Many say dilute 1000 -to- 1.. I've had great results using a hose applicator thingy..
1 year ago
Yes Calcium water will flocculate clay! And its much cheaper yet similar to what gypsum does..
1 year ago
I make Calcium Water with VINEGAR and WOOD ASH !!
I apply it to my magnesium clay or works w Sodium dominant clay. The Ca+ water displaces the magnesium or sodium to lower the pH slightly so as to work to lower it further from there because in that initial pH range of 8 or so Phosphorous is not readily available so don't expect too much fruit the first season, but with regular applications of compost and mulch you can over a couple of years begin to transform the clay into great soil.
1 year ago
So what is the chemical break down of steamed bone meal in vinegar.
If the calcium is dissolved into Ca+ and water where'd the phosphorous go???
1 year ago