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( FRANÇAIS)

 

Edition 01 : 15  September, 2011

 


 

SOME RECOMMENDED DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGIES

 

Seeds balls.

 

Seed balls form a simple technology which can be applied with 100% local value added anywhere in the world. The technology is particularly applicable for use in marginal farming areas, and can be used for grasslands, vegetables, and reforestation purposes. 

 

The Wikipedia entry for seed balls states :

Clay Seed Balls, also known as "earth balls" or nendo dango and tsuchi dango …… consist of a variety of different seeds rolled within a ball of clay, preferably volcanic plastic red clay. Into this medium various additives maybe included, such as a humus or compost. These are placed around the seeds, at the centre of the ball, to provide microbial inoculants. Cotton-fibres or liquified paper are sometimes mixed into the clay in order to strengthen it, or liquified paper mash coated on the outside to further protect the clay ball during sowing by throwing, or in particularly harsh habitats.

Generally about 5 measures of red clay by volume are combined with one measure of seeds. The balls are formed between 10 mm. and 80 mm. in diameter.

Seed balls have use in nearly any region where plants can grow, for reseeding ecosystems into areas of man-made deserts, avoiding seed eating insects and animals and protecting seeds until rains fall to soak the clay ball and stimulating the seeds. Seeds contained in such balls then germinate in ideal conditions for each climate-region.” [Text as on 15th September, 2011].

The Seedfreedom.net website provides films and information on this technology, with demonstrations on how to make seed balls.

Click here to see seed ball pioneer Masanobu Fukuoka’s European Patent Application EP 0 885 554 A2, where paper derivatives (including paper pulp) are used for seed balls instead of the traditional clay materials. This helps avoid breakage of  seed balls in harsh environments or when they are dropped (“sown”) by aircraft.


 

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Some recommended technologies.

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“Poverty is created scarcity”

Wahu Kaara, point 8 of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, 58th annual NGO Conference, United Nations, New York 7th September 2005

 


 

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