The Final Prototype

By Ben Falloon
September 1, 2009

This article forms part of a series concerning the development of methods of compost tea application via the keyline plow which are being published on taranakifarm.com

Part 1 : Introduction
Part 2 : Designing the Keyline Plow Frame Extension
Part 3 : 1:1 Scale Wooden Model
Part 4 : Re-Inventing the Herbicide Tank
Part 5 : Farm Like a Gardener
Part 6 : The Final Prototype

Direct Injection

The keyline plow / compost tea injection system is now undergoing trials. The plow rig can be seen in the photo below. While I’m already planning several enhancements to this system, I’m very pleased with the current outcome.


Injecting Compost Tea Directly into the Rhizosphere

Establishing Injection Depth

An important consideration of keyline plowing is present root depth. This can be assessed by simply digging a hole with a shovel. Once we establish the depth of the pasture root systems, we can ‘dial in’ the shank digging depth to penetrate the soil just beneath the current root depth. This progressive deepening of the soil profile over successive treatments is what keyline plowing is all about. Re-activating and converting the subsoil material into fertile topsoil in step with plant growth.

From Wikipedia

When including compost tea injection in this method, we’re also able ‘dial in’ the shank boot delivery tube to inject compost tea directly into the rhizosphere (even has the shank’s actual digging tip cuts below this zone). The rhizosphere is a ‘narrow region of soil that is directly influenced by root secretions and associated soil microorganisms’ 1.

Re-populating the Soil

In this way, our efforts to re-populate the soil with beneficial organisms are given the best chance at success, since this region of the soil profile is the most active biologically and in terms of nutrient exchange, the most vibrant. Conditions critical for healthy plant growth and the propagation of soil life.

Additionally, by carefully accessing soil conditions and choosing the right time for treatments, our introduced biota are given a superb start in their new enviroment. They quickly establish themselves and set about stablising the ecology of the soil - something that is essential for the soil to function correctly if our expectation is vigorous plant growth.


The Keyline Plow : As Seen In Action

Thanks for your interest in keyline & compost tea. To view more photos and watch a video of the plow system, please visit the following address :

http://picasaweb.google.com/TaranakiFarm

And feel free to contact me if you have any questions or feedback..

6 Comments so far

  1. Tripp on October 9th, 2009

    Two questions:
    1) Where can I get a Yeomans plow in Washington state, USA?
    2) Can a two horse team pull one effectively?

  2. Ryan D. Hottle on October 9th, 2009

    Dear Ben,

    This is an inspiring and innovative project that I hope may have large-scale appropriateness for regenerating soil health and biomass productivity in semiarid, degraded ecosystems and beyond.

    A colleague, Mr. Josh Beniston, a wonderful permaculture teacher/designer and soil scientist, and I have been in discussion of using of similar keyline injection systems for simultaneous injection of possible combinations of compost tea or manure slurries, hardy pioneer/nitrogen fixing seed stock, rhizobia, mycorrhizal fungi, and biochar as a tool for reversing desertification.

    I simply want to say thank you for this potentially revolutionary new combination of tools and techniques!

    All the best,
    Ryan D. Hottle

  3. Ben Falloon on October 9th, 2009

    G’day Tripp,

    1) Email info@yeomansplow.com.au and address it to Keith Ryan. I believe he toured the states a couple of years ago demonstrating the keyline plow, so no doubt he established some more local suppliers in your area. I believe they visited the Washington state area.

    2) That’s difficult to answer. It would depend on the level of compaction and other conditions. It might be possible, but my experience with traditional ‘horsepower’ is limited.

    Good luck!
    Ben Falloon

  4. Ben Falloon on October 9th, 2009

    Thanks Ryan,

    I appreciate your comments. It’s a labour of love for me, since I strongly believe in this system of land restoration and carbon sequestration.

    I’m all about experimentation. There is no end to what we can learn if we apply our ideas to the field and accept feedback. As Mollison’s slogan goes, ‘ingenio patet campus’ - ‘the field lies open to the intellect’. I think everything we need to learn is right there in the field.

    I know I see more every day.
    All the best with your endeavours. Please, keep more posted of developments.

    Ben Falloon

  5. Greg Hayes on February 4th, 2010

    Thanks for this really informative set of articles on your innovative approach. It would be great if you were able to continue reporting on the effectiveness of the approach both in terms of changes in the soil foodweb (presumably using Elaine Inghams SFI at Lismore) and changes in soil moisture regimes as a result of the physical intervention. Over time it would be interesting to know optimal spacing for each pass of the plough. Also, some information on the type (fungal or bacterial)and volumes of compost tea would be most interesting. You have provided a great stimulus to me to try to follow your example.

    Greg Hayes
    Talgarno, NE Victoria

  6. Ben Falloon on February 4th, 2010

    Thanks Greg,
    Very pleased to hear from you. I certainly agree on the value of documenting these activities, although it is sometimes difficult to find the time! We are committed to spreading the word to as wide a field as we can, and now that we’re running education courses, most of this hands on information will be delivered during workshops.
    Keep in touch,
    Ben

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