[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >In a message dated 8/30/02 8:37:20 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > ><< As far as I'm concern the underlying philosophy of this research would >certainly have its place in the biodynamic forestry paradigm (-something in >development...if you want to participate, please let me know, I'm in the >process of building a research program) >> > > . . . . I have always noticed the >way the fungus will grow in a pile of wood chips. It is very interesting >that the oak [and other hard woods?] will promote the proper fungus in the >farm soils. This is very good information. . . . . . > Not just in wood chips :) Something I used to do as a woodworker when I could afford it was buy a pack of timber and leave it outside, uncovered, for up to six months. The planks in packs (or slings as they are sometimes called) are strapped tightly together when they leave the mill but as they season they shrink and exude all sorts of stuff. Atmospheric conditions (rain, dew, heat) combine with the exudate to produce wonderful colours and tonings - and fungus and organisms of all descriptions.
Of course I always scraped the fungus off! But I wonder if timber in that fungal condition was chipped and then spread on the ground, whether it would accelerate the recovery process? As though the process was being given a head start, as it were. One reason I mention this is that only 30% (on average) of raw timber entering a mill comes out as a finished product, so to speak. The rest is classified as wood waste - sawdust, shreds etc, and timber which has been cut over or under specification. Often a mill is only too happy to get rid of planking like this, particularly when it's been sitting around for some time. roger
