Chromatography

What is Chromatography?

Chromatography is a selective physical method to separate compounds in solution, that is used in many different fields of science.

In the case of Soil Chromatography, the result is a ‘photo’ of the soil which gives us useful information about soil quality.

How do we use it?

Soil chromatography is a technique to assess the quality of the soil, which is easy to replicate and understand by farmers.

Chromatography can be used at the same time with other soil analysis (mineral, organic matter or biological test) with the objective to integrate several results, gathering a high level of understanding of soil in our farm, plot or backyard.

Chromatography can be used to assess the quality of compost, biofertilisers, amendments, fruit, vegetables, seeds, plant tissues and other applications.

How it works

Chromatography understands the soil as a being alive, in other words it is an unfinished process with elements working and living in symbiosis. Therefore the final result is a qualitative view of these processes and elements rather than a quantative one.

Chromatography gives you valuable information such as soil structure, general health of soil, minerals available for the plant, biological diversity, or organic matter content and humus available. It also assess the fertility of the soil through the integration of previous elements. 

  • Training in the Use & Maintenance of the Austrian Scythe

    17th August 2018 at Ragmans Lane Farm

    10.30am-5.00pm

    This one day course is designed to introduce the attendee to using and looking after an Austrian scythe. The course is suitable for a range of experience levels, from complete beginners to those who have been using a scythe but feel that it could be working better for them.

    The structure of the day will be as follows:

    • Introduction and familiarisation
    • Setting up an Austrian scythe
    • Movement and technique
    • Mowing practice
    • Sharpening in the field
    • Maintenance and peening the blade

    The scythe is a highly efficient tool and is regarded as the appropriate technology for a wide variety of situations, much wider than many would think, from meadows and reedbeds to allotments and lawns, in professional and amateur contexts. In addition to its efficiency, versatility, outstanding green credentials and the health benefits for both body and mind, the scythe is an extremely cost effective tool. Once set up with basic kit no further outlay is required, and maintenance is simple and enjoyable.

    The cost of the training is £60 per person. Most trainees prefer to purchase an Austrian scythe in advance to set up and learn on during the course. However, I have a limited number of training scythes which can be borrowed, but this must be by prior arrangement, and an additional hire cost of £20 will apply.

    I train because I'm passionate about everyone getting a good initial experience with scything. I am a follower of permaculture, and work in environmental conservation. As regional co-ordinator for the Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland, a voluntary role, I promote and encourage scything in my area of the UK. I have had the benefit of being trained and supported by some of the most highly regarded scythers in the UK scything community.

    Please email Nicole Clough to book a place: good_clean_mud@icloud.com


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