.jpg)
Save the dates for three informative events at the end of this month.
On Saturday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m. there will be an outdoor demonstration and learning lab on making biochar and compost tea for soil amendment to enhance soil health and productivity. On Monday, Oct. 30, the last meeting of the implement at ion plan phase of the Moores a n d Mi ll Creek TMDL will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Rockbridge County Administration Building in the Board of Supervisors’ meeting room. Finally, on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. there will be a seminar entitled “Update on Virginia Fence Laws.”
Biochar is a carbon rich solid derived from burning biomass at a high temperature (over 600-degrees centigrade). Charcoal is similar in appearance but it is generally formed from burning biomass as lower temperatures. Research indicates the addition of biochar to soil increases cation exchange capacity (CEC), neutralizes soil acidity, increases plant nutrient availability, and enhances water-holding capacity and reduces water and nutrient leaching. The idea is to convert unwanted biomass (such as autumn olive, ailanthus/ tree-of-heaven, and other invasive trees) into a valuable soil amendment.
The biochar field demonstration will be held at the Kerrs Creek Community Market located at 2766 West Midland Trail from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants will see biochar and compost tea being made and learn practical do-it-yourself approaches to developing these natural resources onfarm. Light lunch will be available so please register by calling the Natural Bridge Soil and Water Conservation District at (540) 319-6453 so they can plan for participants.
The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is the government term for environmental management of impaired streams in the state of Virginia. Moores Creek originating near Raphine and flowing to the South River and Mill Creek originating around Timber Ridge and flowing to the Maury have both been identified as impaired due to sediment loading. The TMDL process is completely voluntary and seeks to involve local citizens to help improve the quality of the streams flowing through their communities. The meeting Monday, Oct. 30, at 5:30 p.m. is open to the public, and folks that live in these watersheds are especially encouraged to attend.
Finally, Virginia fence laws can be a complicated topic and issues around construction and maintenance of fences are common. Rockbridge Farm Bureau Federation and Virginia Cooperative Extension are proud to host attorney Jennifer Friedel, who teaches agricultural law and real estate law at Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. Her seminar will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1, in Appomattox Mezzanine at the Virginia Horse Center. The event is also free and open to the public. Those who wish to attend this informative seminar should call the Rockbridge Farm Bureau office at (540) 463-3603 so we can plan for seating.
