Jesse Matlock

Like others have said, I use small logs across the low areas, and as water travels over the area, debris starts to build up along the log face. Eventually the soil will be at the top of the log, repeat the process to add more soil level. This process does take some time but over the course of two years I was able to raise the soil level 6 in.

Another option, is to use the top of a tree that has been cut down or other large branch with lots of leaves to lay down into the low areas and the leaves and branches will start to collect debris and build that soil level up as well.

In another area I laid out a row of rocks across the flow area to create a small trap and then filled in with a variety of sticks twigs branches and other debris in front of the rocks to catch more silt and sand and debris and to build up that level of soil as well.

These free ideas do take a little bit of time to work but as soon as you put something in to stop or slow the path of water it will increase the debris collection and increase the level of the soil.

Ah yes, leaf mold, leaf mold soil! Nature's perfect life starter. When you read books like Teaming With Microbes, you'll learn that there's is almost every kind of microbe activity in LM, or LM soil, that layer of hummus right under the leaves.
Bacteria, fungi, ARCHEA!, protozoa all of them. In abundance too! As in billions per gram. All of the fundamental life builders all in one place, balanced, and it comes with nutrients!

You can harvest it in a forest (trees), or create it in your own yard! Nature does the rest.

It's a fundamental part of JADAM, which feels very permie to me. LMS can be the building block of all sorts of natural fertilizers and pesticides.

The Teaming With books are great sources for information, all of the JADAM books are worth a look too.

I love this topic!

And yes. We used these methods for medicinal cannabis in the Oklahoma market, along with living soil, cover crops, beneficial living things of all sorts including preying mantids, lady bugs. Lacewings, microbes etc. All preventative.

What a great value! It's like a whole spectrum of permaculture. You could save a whole planet with this package.

GET IT!

Jesse

Nice fix! I have a sprayer just like that. I was gonna have my buddy 3D print me a new handle, but i like the hardwood version. I just need some Black Locust wood!

Joy- a lot of your questions can be answered in this book
Hand Sculpted House
I've found it hosted on the web if you google it.

In it it describes each element of the cob, why they are important, what to look for, and different types of each element that can be used. It has great information on testing for clay, and also says that anywhere on earth you can find clay that is suitable for cob.

Good luck!
Jesse

This book talks about different types of straw.
Hand Sculpted House

Although I have no practical experience, the best thing to do would be to make some test bricks and see if it works well. I'm sure it would, and its local, and best of all free!

Hey Nathtan,
This group started as a yahoo group, now has their own forum. They discuss all aspects of DIY solar hot water and solar air as well. Tons of info on DIY collectors. I like the PEX or CPVC myself.

Simply Solar

A simple wood box, insulated with some polyiso, and a run of CPVC, PEX, or copper (if you could afford that). A drainback design would work great for the cold. You could use a snap switch in the panel to run the pump. Good luck!
Sooner A

Thanks for the quick replies! ...and the good news!
Jesse

Have a quick question,
I planted some onion plants back in Feb. They are growing very well now with lots of leaves, however, the tops of the onion are exposed. Should I cover these with more soil? Mulch? Leave it? Thanks!
Jesse

Thanks, John for the response.
Jesse