Log

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Category
Date
Hours Logged
Activity
Description
Total
Week 1
Group Work 1/9/2018 6 Introduction and development of in-program ILC Eric Kiger helped work through the in-program ILC contract form. I continued to develop and finetune my contract. 6
Reading 1/9/2018 2 Began reading Biochar Applications Today I began reading Biochar Applications. Notes include highlighted sections throughout the book. 8
Research 1/10/2018 5 Obtained research material Today I spent a good amount of time researching peer reviewed journals via Ebscohost on relevant studies to biochar 13
Reading 1/10/2018 2 Read peer reviewed journals I began reading important journals that touched base on foundational biochar production as effects on soil biota 15
ILC 1/11/2018 2 Worked on ILC I worked on my first draft of my in-program ILC 17
E-portfolio 1/11/2018 2 WordPress familiarity Today I worked on my e-portfolio wordpress to better understand how to use the program for future endeavors. 19
Reading 1/11/2018 4 Read Biochar Applications I read more into Biochar Applications and also search and downloaded certain peer-reviewed journals that were cited from the book. 23
ILC 1/12/2018 2 Worked on ILC I finished my first draft and submitted for notes. 25
Organization 1/12/2018 2 Organizing peer reviewed journals All in all, I have nearly 30 peer reviewed journals that are relevant to biochar and my goals within the program. I organized these journals for ease of access and to use an effective reference book. 27
Reading 1/13/2018 4 Read peer reviewed journals Today I read 3 different peer reviewed journals and took notes in field journal. 31
Reading 1/14/2018 2 Read Biochar Applications Today I worked with Biochar Applications and read a chapter from this book. I took notes in my field journal and also found resources for more field journals. 33
Research 1/14/2018 3 Researched for more peer reviewed journals After reading Biochar Applications I was able to source 6 more new peer review journals on relative info. 36
Reading 1/14/2018 3 Read 2 peer reviewed journals I worked on reading a couple of the new peer reviewed journals I found today, and took notes in field journal. 39
Discussions 1/15/2018 3 Sunday Discussions Today Arden, Avi and I just lounged around and talked biochar for most of the afternoon. 42
Week 2 42
Group Work 1/16/2018 2 Farmhouse and Farm Today we met in the farmhouse for a little to discuss program direction and orchard pruning. 44
Group Work 1/16/2018 2 ILC and WordPress work We went through finalization of ILC and got more in depth of wordpress functions. 46
ILC 1/17/2018 2 Worked on ILC Today I spent some time reviewing and editing my ILC for final approval. Sent in for feedback 48
Reading 1/17/2018 2 Read Biochar Applications Today I read another chapter of Biochar Applications and took notes within the book. 50
Notes 1/17/2018 2.5 Translated Notes I spent some time copying my notes from the book into my field notebook to benefit my final notebook 52.5
ILC 1/18/2018 2 Worked on ILC I was able to make final edits and get final approval for submission. 54.5
Notes 1/18/2018 1.5 Translated Notes I spent some time copying my notes from the book into my field notebook to benefit my final notebook 56
Reading 1/19/2018 2 Started Biochar and Soil Biota This is a book written by Natalia Ladygina and Francois Rineau. The first chapter, a hearty one, is called The Stability of Biochar in the Environment. It gets rather indepth right from the beginning about the different types of biochar and their respective recalcitrance. Also are some incredibly helpful tables regarding feedstocks and rate of mineralization of each biochar that is produced through that feedstock. 58
Grant Writing 1/19/2018 3 Student activities grant I worked with a group member to help edit our grant to be submitted for approval. We meticulously went over the entirety of the grant to remove any lengthy sentences and iron out the final details pertaining to the schedule. We nearly finished a final version. 61
Discussions 1/19/2018 1 Discussion with Arden and Avi We discussed the format and possible layouts for our grant. 62
Notes 1/19/2018 1.5 Translated Notes I copied notes from my two books, Biochar Applications and Biochar and Soil Biota, to a notebook for ease of access. This proves to be a time consuming method. I will search for better options. 63.5
Reading 1/20/2018 3 Read peer reviewed journals This time I read through Charcoal as a Habitat for Microbes and its effect on the Microbial Community of the underlying Humus. This article got into the relation of Biochar and the microbial community. Essentially saying that it depends on the type of biochar that is used determines the effect of biochar on the microbes. 66.5
Notes 1/20/2018 1.5 Translated Notes Although it takes me longer to read, I think I'm going to shift to writing my notes as I'm reading. Although not necessarily my preference I feel like I do less "re-work." 68
Research 1/20/2018 2 Researched for more peer reviewed journals These two books that I've been reading are amazing. The style they are written in is Literary Review, which makes it incredibly easy to search for related journals to the current topic. I've been able to utilize ILLIAD through the library and access several new journals on the topic of Biochar. Today I was able to find and order specific journals cited throughout the books. Today's number amounts to 4 70
Instagram 1/21/2018 1 Updated Instagram This is a task that proves to be rather a challenge. I need to get into the habit of social medias. Currently making progress, however. 71
Updates 1/21/2018 2.5 Updated my SOS Log I usually keep a weekly schedule of the things I do and at the end of the week I come through and update my online log. This is that day. 73.5
E-portfolio 1/21/2018 1.5 Worked on the ILC portion of my E-portfolio Today I took the time to actually update my information on the ILC portion of my e-portfolio 75
Week 3 75
Group Work 1/23/2018 2.5 People presented and checked-in with sponsor I typically go to Tuesday's just to check-in with my sponsor (Dave) and show any current updates from my wordpress. 77.5
Discussions 1/23/2018 1.5 Discussions with Arden and Avi We soundboarded ideas off of one another. Typically getting into different types of biochar and their uses. 79
Meeting 1/24/2018 1.5 Meeting with Mike Makey Today our group met with someone in the biochar industry named Mike Makey. He gave us great insight into some of the direction that biochar can head as well as opportunities to share information as well as building relationships for future site visits. 80.5
Reading 1/24/2018 3 Biochar and Soil Biota This book is truly amazing. I love Literary Review, it turns out. But the fact that I can search for something midtext in the back of the citations proves to be incredibly helpful. I'm still blown away by the depth of this book but it's perfectly in the scope of my focus. 83.5
Conference 1/26/2018 2 Cookstoves 101 (Welcome to the Sector) Beginning Friday was the ETHOS Conference. At this point it was an introduction to most of the speakers as well as insight to cook stove and the mission of ETHOS. 85.5
Conference 1/26/2018 1.5 Stoves 101: Biomass Fuels and Stoves During this presentation, the science and basic "know-how" of cook stove and TLUD production was explained. In part were health related risks to indoor cookstoves as well as TLUD efficiency and methods to achieve the ideal pyrolysis unit. 87
Conference 1/26/2018 4.5 Informal Slideshows and Networking This being the first day I was still a little in my shell. However, I was able to connect with some truly amazing people that helped to break the ice. During this time, we conversed about our collective goals as well as our particular projects on the matter. We were immediately smashed with nothing but support and insights to help hone our projects in. Others also displayed slideshows from their projects from around the world. 91.5
Conference 1/27/2018 2 Networking and Intro to ETHOS During this time, we all began with coffee and networking. This time, we were at Northwest University which I seemed to appreciate more. Here, they had set up a few displays of several types of TLUDs and Cookstoves that certain organizations were producing. They also had a plethora of information for attendees to pick up. We also met Agnes Naluwagga who won the ETHOS Scholarship for her and her team's work in Uganda. Inspiring. 93.5
Conference 1/27/2018 1.5 Clean Cookstoves R&D During this lecture, we were just brought up to date on some of the newest methods for testing the efficiency of each cook stove/TLUD. Penumetcha shared information on how their lab at MIT monitors aspects of each TLUD such as CO2 and particulate matter from the pyrolysis process. 95
Conference 1/27/2018 1.5 Challenges of running stove labs Here, a few people came together to share what some of their hardships have been when trying to build a suitable lab for proper analysis of each cook stove/TLUD. A lot of it stemmed from accessibility to materials as well as proper training when personnel began to turnover responsibilities. Keep in mind, a lot of these people are from countries that don't have the ease of access like we do. 96.5
Conference 1/27/2018 3 Networking and Adoption Studies At this point the conference split into a few different classrooms. I chose to enter the Adoption Studies portion while some of my team members attended the Design/Modeling lectures. Through AS, I listened to aspects that help implement each cook stove into the social threads of each region. Essentially it came down to listen to what the people want, especially the women since they have the most experience with them and can properly relay information that works both with culture and convenience. 99.5
Conference 1/27/2018 1.5 Stoves for the Humanitarian Sector Throughout this lecture we were presented with different types of models and how they all have their own place depending on what the user is looking for. Mostly this was based off of what resources were available and again – culture. 101
Conference 1/27/2018 3.5 Design/TLUDs and Networking Again the conference split into a few different sessions. This time I chose to attend the Design and TLUD aspect. Here I met Dr. TLUD who showed us how to scale up the size of some TLUDs. Also Norm Baker showed us some of his methods for the "ring of fire" in the TLUD. Julien Winter also went over his experience using a cook stove that is effectively used as a cook stove and biochar producer in Bangladesh. 104.5
Conference 1/28/2018 3 Recap, Networking, Updates During this period we recapped and discussed the day before. We also had the opportunity to openly discuss TLUDs and Biochar with many different outlets. We've began to build great relationships and now are being invited out to other farms utilizing biochar. Success 107.5
Conference 1/28/2018 2 Adoption/Usability This time we split again, I chose the Adoption/Usability aspect of this conference today. Here we examined how people in the field actually use their cookstoves and some of the patterns that occur. Basically it showed that if a cook stove didn't somehow seem familiar to the user, or didn't exactly prepare a staple dish of the culture, that they would ultimately be underused if at all. Many a story was told of a quite a few cook stove graveyards due to the impractical matter of adapting the cook stove to SUIT THE NEEDS OF THE USER. 109.5
Conference 1/28/2018 3 Design/Specific Models Here we listened to a few people discuss their specific model of TLUD which was altered to suit the region they were working in. We listened to techniques and methods used in places such as Honduras, Guatemala, Bangladesh, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda. 112.5
Conference 1/28/2018 2 Networking To wrap up the conference, we all went outside for a demonstration of the TLUD lighting as well as more networking. 114.5
Week 4 114.5
Updates 1/29/2018 1.5 SOS Hour Credit Log I updated my notes and SOS log. 116
Discussions 1/29/2018 2 Discussions with Arden and Avi We soundboarded more ideas off of one another. It makes it easy that we all live together. 118
Group Work 1/30/2018 4 People presented and checked-in with sponsor Today we met in the farmhouse for a little to discuss program direction and kiwi pruning 122
Lab Training 1/30/2018 2 SEM Preliminary Training I went over some of the reading related to the Scanning Electron Microscope. We have to take a pre-quiz to even first begin our hands-on workshops for the SEM 124
Lab Training 1/31/2018 1 SEM Preliminary Training Today I watched a video about the ins-and-outs of the SEM. I also review information about how the SEM works. 125
Lab Training 1/31/2018 1 SEM Quiz Aced the pre-quiz to begin SEM Workshops 126
Lab Training 2/1/2018 3 SEM Workshop Today I went to the bottom floor of the Lab building at Evergreen and had our first of a few workshops pertaining to the SEM. A nice fella named Charlie showed us how to correctly use the machine as well as proper management of both the machine and samples. This was truly fascinating. We got to have some hands on time but mostly just visual walkthroughs. 129
Reading 2/1/2018 2 Peer Review Journal I read about how biochar can affect the Nitrogen cycle but mostly how it depends on the feedstock and ash content that can really determine the rate at which Nitrogen is made available. 131
Updates 2/1/2018 1 SOS Hour Credit Log Worked on my log 132
Reading 2/1/2018 3 Reading Biochar Application Today I read about testing for microbiology using phospholipid fatty acids to determine the colonies and rough population of known species. 135
Correspondence 2/2/2018 2.5 Emailed Norman Baker and Francesco Tortinni These are two of the many people that are helping facilitate a trip up to Sequim and Port Townsend 137.5
Podcast 2/2/2018 1 Listened to a podcast on Biochar Michael Wittman was a guest on Root Simple podcast station and he discussed biochar and how it affects pH, porosity, soil texture and goes through his method of production 138.5
Podcast 2/2/2018 1.5 Listened to a podcast on Biochar On the ride up to Sequim I was able to listen to a few podcasts. This one was with Chris Olson who discussed biochar as a renewable energy. He also gets into some of the industrial uses and its ability to sequester carbon. 140
Review 2/2/2018 1 Reviewed Notes From time to time, I like to return to my past notes to just review and refresh. 141
Reading 2/3/2018 2.5 Peer Review Journal Today I read a peer review journal that illustrates how mycorrhizal fungus can utilize biochar as a nesting site and even capture and make available phosphorus for plant uptake. 143.5
Reading 2/3/2018 1.5 SEM Review I reviewed some of my notes from the workshop I did last week to help stay fresh for my upcoming workshop 145
Plant I.D. 2/3/2018 1.5 Identified Invasive species Today I went for a walk to help myself become familiar with a few of the invasive species that I'd like to produce biochar from. This included loads of blackberries as well as scotch broom. 146.5
Notes 2/3/2018 1.5 Translated Notes At the end of my day I just converted some of my notes within my books to my field journal. There were a few tables that I found to be useful in my pocket at most times. 148
Discussions 2/4/2018 2 Group Discussions From time to time, Arden, Avi and I will have some conversations in passing about biochar. This one dragged on about 2 hours before we noticed. We were talking about theoretical ways to use biochar in agricultural settings. 150
Review 2/4/2018 2.5 Reviewed Text After I discussion I began to reread old text from Biochar and Soil Biota to see if I could gain a better understanding on possible application rates and types of biochars for particular settings. 152.5
Writing 2/4/2018 2 Wrote Mid Quarter review On Tuesday we will be handing in our Mid Quarter self eval. I began my draft of my eval. 154.5
Week 5 154.5
BURN Group 2/5/2018 3 First BURN Group Meeting Monday morning we had our first BURN Group meeting to discuss our early stages of establishing this group. We talked about ways to get community and school involved. Jared, Avi, and Arden were all accounted for at said meeting 157.5
Research 2/5/2018 2.5 Researched for more peer reviewed journals Today I found a couple more journals that are specific to what I'm looking into. One of which is Impact of Biochar Application to Soil on the Root Associated Bacterial Community. 160
Podcast 2/5/2018 1 Listened to a podcast on Biochar I found a short podcast on biochar with Brian Smith. He discusses how he uses biochar for water management and priming it with nutrients for plant uptake. Brian is in Arizona so he can greatly see the effects of water retention when utilizing biochar. 161
Writing 2/5/2018 1 Wrote Mid Quarter review Today I finished my self eval for tomorrow's class 162
Group Work 2/6/2018 5 People presented and checked-in with sponsor Today we met at the farmhouse for a little to discuss program direction and the workload. We also went over our Mid Quarter reviews which included handing in our field notebook. 167
Research 2/6/2018 1 Peer Review Journal Today I tried to research more peer review journals but nothing really caught my interest in regard to agriculture and biochar. 168
Discussions 2/6/2018 2 Discussions with Arden and Avi We went over the effects of biochar on the some of the nutrient cycles in soil. 170
Reading 2/7/2018 2 Biochar and Soil Biota Today I read in Biochar and Soil Biota. I've been taking my notes within the book and discussed with Dave that I don't necessarily have to copy those notes from the book into a notebook unless I feel that it's something important and relevant. 172
Discussions 2/7/2018 1.5 Discussions with Arden and Avi Arden and I began to discuss the relationship with biochar and fungi. Her goal is to find the common associations with fungus and how they may utilize or be impacted by biochar 173.5
Notes 2/7/2018 2 Translated Notes Today I read through some of my book notes and took my favorite info and put into my field journal 175.5
Correspondence 2/7/2018 1.5 Emailed Norman Baker I got in touch with Norman in regard to our trip up to Sequim and our possible visits to various farms in the area utilizing biochar 177
Reading 2/8/2018 2.5 Peer Review Journal Today I read a journal on biochar and its effects on soil respiration. This was particular to China. China is, however, one of the leaders in biochar research but I don't know if why I find myself disagreeing with their methods more often than not. 179.5
Discussions 2/8/2018 1 Discussions with Arden and Avi We talked about some of Avi's plans in her biochar trials. 180.5
Notes 2/8/2018 2.5 Translated Notes Today I went through a peer review journal that I liked and translated some of the notes to my field notebook. This was in regard to microorganisms and their effects on biochar. 183
Correspondence 2/8/2018 1 Emailed Norman Baker Today embarks the trip to Sequim. I emailed Norman for any final details and worked out exactly where we will be visiting. 184
Podcast 2/8/2018 2 Listened to a podcast on Biochar Practical Tips, ideas and Technologies for Home Scale Biochar. This gave great insight how to make biochar on the smaller scale and the effects that it can have on your garden and the environment. 186
Podcast 2/8/2018 1 Listened to a podcast on Biochar Terra Preta and Agroforestry in the Brazilian Rainforest 187
Biochar Weekend 2/8/2018 4 Arrival to Norman Bakers We arrived at Norman Baker's house in Sequim where it didn't take long for us to spend the evening discussing his projects and science behind biochar and what he's been able to accomplish in his 10 years producing TLUDs 191
Biochar Weekend 2/9/2018 2 Biochar Discussion with Norman Norman schooled us on some of his uses for biochar and showed us around his property 193
Biochar Weekend 2/9/2018 3.5 Lowell Dietz Visit We visited a person name Lowell Dietz and he showed us around his property. We discussed vermicompost, biochar production and TLUD manufacturing. He showed us his method of mushroom pasteurization and biochar production within the same system. He also cultivates mushrooms. 196.5
Biochar Weekend 2/9/2018 3 Jude Rubin Visit During our trip we also visited Jude Rubin and her community garden in Port Townsend. She showed us her method of incorporating biochar into her orchard, compost and into their gardening system. She discussed their incredible results. She also showed us how she incorporates biochar into their chicken coops. 199.5
Biochar Weekend 2/9/2018 1.5 Biochar Discussion with Norman During lunch we began to discuss methods of using biochar on large scales and influencing people to use biochar in their systems. 201
Biochar Weekend 2/9/2018 3 Francesco Tortorici Visit Francesco showed us around the port of Port Townsend and how he uses biochar as a filtration system to clean water before it returns to the sound. 204
Biochar Weekend 2/9/2018 1.5 Biochar Discussion with Norman Today we wrapped up our day at Norms and decompressed about the whole afternoon. We intend to do the same tomorrow. 205.5
Biochar Weekend 2/10/2018 1.5 Biochar Discussion with Norman We planned our day around biochar and made note of questions we wanted to ask. 207
Biochar Weekend 2/10/2018 2 Roger Short Visit Today we visited a 300+ cattle acre and discussed Short's uses of biochar. He charges his biochar with cattle manure and distributes across the area. He also makes various blends of soil and biochar. 209
Biochar Weekend 2/10/2018 2 Finn River Visit We visited Finn River today and discussed their method of biochar production and applications. They like to use what is called the flame curtain for sizeable production and apply their biochar to the blueberry fields. 211
Biochar Weekend 2/10/2018 3.5 TLUD Production We began our buildout of our own TLUDs using 55 gallon drums. Norman showed us the ways of the true biocharmer. 214.5
Biochar Weekend 2/10/2018 1.5 Biochar Discussion with Norman Norman showed us his biochar urinal during lunch and made many suggestions on the use of biochar 216
Biochar Weekend 2/10/2018 4 TLUD Production We had a long day in the workshop working with the barrels to turn them into efficient TLUDs 220
Biochar Weekend 2/11/2018 2 Biochar Discussion with Norman This morning we talked about other methods of biochar production and future ideas for the model that Norman has been working on for many years. He is currently on his 17th model. 222
Biochar Weekend 2/11/2018 5 TLUD Production We spent the first half of the morning working in the shop building 3 different TLUDs. 2 – 55 gallon and 1 – 5 gallon 227
Biochar Weekend 2/11/2018 1.5 Biochar Discussion with Norman During lunch Norm showed us a book that he has been working on that incorporates his findings using biochar and the science. Basically he's a biochar wizard. 228.5
Biochar Weekend 2/11/2018 5 TLUD Production Working late into the night again we still haven't quite finished our TLUDs, but they are starting to take shape. 233.5
Week 6 233.5
Biochar Weekend 2/12/2018 1.5 Biochar Discussion with Norman This morning we discussed our day's plan and how we can finish our TLUDs and have our first burn with them. 235
Biochar Weekend 2/12/2018 3.5 TLUD Production We finished most of the TLUDs before lunch 238.5
Biochar Weekend 2/12/2018 1.5 TLUD Production Finished 55 gallon TLUD and 5 gallon TLUD 240
Biochar Weekend 2/12/2018 3.5 Biochar Production We had our first burn using both of the TLUDs that we finished today. 243.5
Biochar Weekend 2/12/2018 1.5 Biochar Discussion with Norman We talked about our process and said farewell to the Bakers. 245
Biochar Weekend 2/12/2018 1.5 Discussions with Arden and Avi Arden and I discussed the weekend on our trip back to Olympia. 246.5
Group Work 2/13/2018 4.5 People presented and checked-in with sponsor Today we met at the farmhouse for a little to discuss program direction and raspberry pruning 251
Discussions 2/13/2018 0.5 Discussion with Dave We talked about grad-school possibilities. 251.5
Notes 2/13/2018 2 Reviewed Notes Today I reviewed my notes from the long weekend at Norman Bakers 253.5
Correspondence 2/14/2018 3 Emailed Norman Baker and Francesco Tortorici I emailed everyone we had visited saying thank you and followed up with some questions regarding biochar 256.5
Discussions 2/14/2018 1.5 Biochar Discussion with Norman I spoke with Norman about what can be done with "smoke water" and if a condenser coil could be used over the emission stack. 258
Notes 2/14/2018 1.5 Reviewed Notes I reviewed some more of my notes from the biochar weekend 259.5
Reading 2/14/2018 2 Soil and Environmental Chemistry I read my Soil and Environment Chemistry book and brushed up on the Nitrogen Cycle and the exact chemical processes involved there within. 261.5
Podcast 2/15/2018 1.5 Listened to a podcast on biochar This episode was with Steve Brick from the International Biochar Initiative. He discussed some of the international problems that could be mitigated by biochar. Also discusses was the efficacy and whether or not biochar could be THE answer for climate mitigation. 263
Reading 2/15/2018 2.5 Peer Reviewed Journal I read a peer reviewed journal discussing how biochar doesn't have an effect on soils in China. 265.5
Notes 2/15/2018 1.5 Reviewed Notes I reviewed my notes from my journals and book readings. I find myself getting more comfortable with the material. 267
Meeting 2/15/2018 2 Meeting with Helsing Junction Today I met with the farm manager from Helsing Junction to discuss future relationships. We discussed crop plans and irrigation technique. 269
Research 2/16/2018 3 Researched Peer Review Journals Today I found two other peer reviews that I found could be helpful. One was particular to root associations and biochar and the other was fungal associations with biochar 272
Reading 2/16/2018 2 Peer Reviewed Journal I read one of the journals that I found today. It was in regard to root association and biochar. They noted that root growth initially seemed slow, but over a course of the season seemed to benefit root growth. Possibly due to the porosity and water retention. 274
Correspondence 2/16/2018 2 Read Emails from David Yarrow David constantly sends articles and updates about biochar and its roles throughout the nation. I read over one of those today in regard to the San Juan Island biochar trials through University Washington 276
Reading 2/17/2018 2.5 Biochar Application I read through Biochar Application. Today's topic: biochar and abiotic processes. Incredibly interesting. Here we just went over the concept of shared electrons and how biochar has effect on biotic and abiotic process due to their carbon, nitrogen and or hydrogen bonds. 278.5
Notes 2/17/2018 1 In-book Notes At the time of reading I didn't' have my highlighter or pencil. I had to go back and somewhat reread what I had previously done and had to highlight and takes notes within the book. 279.5
Discussions 2/17/2018 1.5 Discussions with Arden and Avi We spoke about having different ratios of feedstocks to produce different types of biochars. 281
Reading 2/18/2018 2.5 Biochar: A guide to analytical methods Today I received a new book called Biochar: A Guide to Analytical Methods. This breaks down the many methods of testing and preparing samples of biochar. 283.5
Lab Training 2/18/2018 1.5 SEM Lab Training SEM has fallen prey to illness, due to such inconvenience I spoke with the lab technician about sample preparation and the many uses of the SEM 285
Discussions 2/18/2018 2 Discussions with Arden and Avi We spoke about how exactly we can use the SEM and just exactly how fun it is to look at biochar under such intensity. We plan on looking at porosity of different biochars from various feedstocks. We can get magnification upwards to 200,000x zoom. 287
Week 7 287
TedTalks 2/19/2018 1 TedTalks I watched a TedTalks from Laruen Hale on the future of agriculture and biochar 288
Podcast 2/19/2018 1 Listened to a podcast on biochar This podcast was from the Permaculture Podcast and its association to beneficial growth within a tree stand. They also discuss how biochar is a renewable energy. 289
Discussions 2/19/2018 2 Discussed Biochar with random person in coffee shop Pretty amazing, today I ran into a person that loved biochar. For the life of me I can't remember their name but we were discussing how to produce biochar and how using some of the by products such as wood vinegar in the garden/farm as well! 291
Reading 2/19/2018 2 Biochar: A guide to analytical methods Today I read over the standard procedures for using the SEM and biochar. It also went over what exactly can be seen when utilizing this equipment. 293
Discussions 2/19/2018 1 Discussions with Arden and Avi We spoke of how exactly we can expedite getting trained and how we can use different methods of the SEM to look at different aspects of biochar 294
Group Work 2/20/2018 4.5 People presented and checked-in with sponsor Today we met in the farmhouse to discuss peoples projects and had lunch together. I spoke with Dave about grad school and essentially got advice. 298.5
Notes 2/20/2018 1.5 Notes I reviewed my notes from the past few weeks. I've really started to get comfortable with biochar production and different methods of application. I have yet to actually apply any biochar…anywhere. Here's to hoping for next quarter 300
Reading 2/20/2018 1.5 Biochar Applications At the end of the night, I settled in with my book to review some of the previous readings. This book is certainly dense so I commonly do some rereading to make sure to soak it up. 301.5
Correspondence 2/21/2018 1.5 Emailed Norman and Francesco I've been in a lot of contact with these two of the past. They are great sources to ask questions. Today Francesco and I talked about the Paper Mill and their method of pyrolysis. Norman was also giving me insights into grad school and biochar. 303
Reading 2/21/2018 2 Biochar Applications I spent a couple of hours reviewing a section of Biochar Applications about biochars ability to remediate local soils 305
Research 2/21/2018 1.5 Research I went down a rabbit-hole in regard to remediation. I was wondering how biochar was so effective and ridding soils of PAHs and figured out its due to a series of events that incorporate microbial communities. 306.5
Reading 2/22/2018 3.5 Biochar in European Soils and Agriculture I GOT A NEW BOOK!! Whoop! This one is truly amazing so farm. it's not nearly as dense as the others and the authors particular goal is to make the information relatable to farmers. Simple information for people who like to keep things simple. 310
Notes 2/22/2018 1.5 Translated Notes Throughout my new book I took some new notes. 311.5
Reading 2/23/2018 2 Biochar in European Soils and Agriculture I read a bit about how there are many standards of characterization in biochar and that a lot of it depends on the feedstock and temperature differences in pyrolysis. 313.5
Reading 2/23/2018 2 Peer Review Journals It's one week closer to the end of school and I'm getting a little tired of reading so much. This article was about how cadmium can't be broken down in soils, but can be adsorbed by biochar 315.5
Notes 2/23/2018 1.5 Notes I reviewed and took a little more notes in Biochar and Soil Biota 317
Reading 2/23/2018 1 Biochar Applications Today I reviewed the nitrogen cycle and how it's affected by biochar. Basically, biochar can mitigate upwards to 98% of methane and NO2 318
Discussions 2/24/2018 2.5 Discussions with Zack Kramer Zack Kramer is the head gardener at VELA Gardens in Seattle. Him and I discussed uses of biochar in cannabis. 320.5
Notes 2/24/2018 1.5 Notes Zack and I drew up some notes for him to utilize in his garden and possible applications of biochar. 322
Workshop 2/25/2018 5 Olympia Biochar Workshop Today at the Westside Olympia Farmers Market Park was a small Biochar Workshop. With just a few people there it was very intimate and hands on. We discussed utilizing smaller TLUDs as cookstoves and for biochar production. They also spoke of solar power and using the heat energy from biochar production to passively warm greenhouses. 327
Week 8 327
Notes 2/26/2018 1.5 Reviewed Notes Today I reviewed my notes from the workshop that I attended yesterday. 328.5
Group Work 2/27/2018 4.5 People presented and checked-in with sponsor Today was the cider tasting day! It was pretty awesome. Also people went over anything that they needed to and checked in with sponsors. 333
Meeting 2/27/2018 2 Meeting with Helsing Junction Farm I met up with the Farm Manager from Helsing Junction to discuss future crop plans and farm layout. The discussion heavily involved biochar and biochar production. 335
Discussions 2/27/2018 1.5 Discussions with Arden and Avi I spoke with Arden for quite awhile today about future farming endeavors and how we can incorporate biochar into a system. Incorporations include method of pyrolysis and feedstocks. 336.5
Correspondence 3/1/2018 1 Emails from David Yarrow David sent a flux of emails all pertaining to biochar once again. Although I'm getting a little burned out on reading so I have toned back how much a sat down to read today. 337.5
Reading 3/1/2018 1.5 Biochar: A guide to analytical methods I reviewed storage and sample procedures and SEM testing for biochar. I have my second workshop coming up soon! 339
Reading 3/1/2018 1 Peer Review Journals I read a bit of a journal today but I felt like I'm not getting anywhere so I'm calling it a day. That is all. 340
Notes 3/2/2018 1.5 Review Notes By this time I'm getting really comfortable with my notes. I reviewed what changes in biochar as you change the temperatures of pyrolysis. A lot of variety can happen. Surface Area and recalcitrance being two major factors however there are many others. 341.5
Reading 3/2/2018 2.5 Biochar in European Soils and Agriculture This book is so amazing. I highly recommend it to anyone. Today I read about priming biochar with other organic materials. Either by brewing in a tea of sorts or by putting into a compost to allow for a "slow prime." 344
Discussions 3/3/2018 1.5 Discussions with Arden and Avi Today we talked about possible mixtures of different biochars and how they may affect soils and plants differently. I really believe there is value in ash-content but I get some negative feedback so I'm starting to show a little concern. I guess that's the point of learning though! 345.5
Reading 3/3/2018 3 Biochar in European Soils and Agriculture The thing I love about this book is that they have so many informative graphs and tables. All of which are extremely useful. They either give me a frame of reference to gauge myself when I'm sampling my own material or general insights. They also discuss several other methods of pyrolysis such as gasification or slow/fast pyrolysis. 348.5
Reading 3/3/2018 1.5 Peer Review Journals I'm getting so tired of peer review journals. Although they are incredibly helpful I just feel like I need to take a break from them. However this one was about biochar and its effects on NO2. The author made the remark that if you feed cattle biochar, it reduces methanes in the gut as well. Incredible! 350
Week 9 350
Podcast 3/4/2018 1 Podcast This was a podcast that I had listened to before but I figured it's been a couple of weeks and I'm sure I could learn something new. Michael Wittman discussed his success in dry environments using biochar and talks surface area! 351
Reading 3/4/2018 2.5 Biochar and Soil Biota I read parts of the incredibly dense chapter regarding biochar and fungal relationships. Many studies have shown that there is benefit for mycorrhizal fungi to thrive after a period of time. 353.5
Notes 3/4/2018 1 Reviewed Notes Today I went over my notes from Norman Baker's weekend. This was such a fun weekend, I can't wait to have him down to visit the class and potentially do a workshop. 354.5
Reading 3/5/2018 2 Peer Review Journal This was a study that followed microbial life for two years after the implementation of biochar. 356.5
Group Work 3/6/2018 5 People presented and checked-in with sponsor This was a fun class. We had the Puer Tea Tasting and spent a few hours just enjoying the different methods of preparation. 361.5
Reading 3/7/2018 2 Biochar: A guide to analytical methods To get ready for my lab, I read over my analytical methods book. This makes so much more sense everytime I read it. 363.5
Lab Training 3/7/2018 4.5 Lab Training Today I went into the lab for a SEM Training. This proved to take a very long time. Someone tested before us but we got to sit in while they were testing and be walked through the steps. Then afterward we got to go through it ourselves. After this I can take my test! 368
Discussions 3/8/2018 2 Discussions Today I spoke with a friend about biochar. They had heard of it before from the Terra Preta but didn't know too much. So I got to divulge everything I knew. 370
Podcast 3/9/2018 1.5 Podcast This was a podcast by Blue Sky Biochar as they discussed their hardships and upsides to commercial biochar. They also discussed how they started. Not only did they talk large scale but also DIY biochar production scales. 371.5
Discussions 3/9/2018 1 Discussions I spoke with the same friend about how biochar could help soils in Utah! 372.5
Discussions 3/10/2018 2.5 Discussion with Zack Kramer Today I spoke with Zack Kramer who is interested in using biochar to filter his water. We spoke of how biochar can do so and possible designs for his indoor cannabis garden. I think we may have ironed out a pretty formidable design. 375
Final Project 3/11/2018 2 Final Project Today I started to make an outline of how I would like my final presentation to go for Tuesday 377
Week 10 377
Final Project 3/12/2018 1 Final Project I finished my final project and did a run through of my presentation to myself. Stayed within the 10-15 mark! 378
Correspondence 3/12/2018 2 Emailed Norman Baker It's always a pleasure when I can catch Norman near his computer. We typically can get a few responses back and forth before one of us has something to do. Today we spoke about other projects with biochar. We also talked about the effects of changing a few things on his current design. One of the suggestions was to force secondary air down the inside feedstock barrel from the top rather than from the side. This could change emissions greatly. 380
Reading 3/12/2018 1.5 Biochar Applications I reviewed some of my notes and highlights in Biochar Applications. This is an incredibly dense book that if read 10 times, you'll still learn something different. 381.5
Group Work 3/13/2018 6 Final Presentations Everybody went over their final presentations. It was a pleasure getting to see everyone's progress throughout the quarter! 387.5
Meeting 3/13/2018 1 Meeting I had a meeting with HJF today to discuss future plans. 388.5
Farm Day 3/14/2018 6 Helsing Junction Farm Today I spent the day down at Helsing Junction Farm strolling around the property in search of feedstocks. I also designated areas to dry biomass and potentially produce biochar on-site. Some of the local feedstock would be corn stalks and more than enough blackberries. I also took a look at the final plan for crop layout and the seeding schedule to get an idea of when to utilize biochar. 394.5
Final Evaluation 3/14/2018 1 Final Evaluation I began to write my draft for my final eval. 395.5
Final Evaluation 3/15/2018 1.5 Final Evaluation I finished my draft and final revision for my final eval. 397
Faculty Evaluation 3/15/2018 1 Faculty Evaluation I wrote my evaluation for Dave. 398
398
398
TOTAL 398