Eugenio Gras

Juergen and I attended a 3 day Biofertliser workshop conducted by Eugenio Gras at Milkwood Farm from 21 – 23 October 2011. A sustainable agriculture consultant, researcher, teacher, farmer, advocate; Eugenio specialises in Key Line Design and Biofertility, working intensively in the training of farmers, producers, academics and professors throughout Latin America.

In the grassroots work that he does in Mas Humus (More Humus), Eugenio works with a team of Mexican colleagues to introduce pioneering solutions to enable farmers to grow healthy food, celebrate community and live a simple life in abundance. Going beyond the the words of organic, regenerative agriculture or Permaculture, he puts up a convincing argument of why chemical farmers should be the ones with labels, and certifications, not the farms operated by genuine farmers which work in connection and partnership with the land, nurturing family and community. Looking back at the 10,000 years of agriculture that we have behind us, isn’t it an irony that modern chemical agriculture which has only been around for the past 50 – 100 years has been conveniently termed ‘conventional’?

Very much a Mexican at heart, Eugenio has bundles of enthusiasm and radiating positivism, that can take any chemically worn down farm and turn it into a biologically thriving system, given the patience, commitment and perseverance it requires. He is passionate about helping rural communities and farmers of all scales (from small acreage family farmers up to farmers which own thousands of acres), liberating them from the vicious cycle of immense chemical input and often resulting debt, therefore increasing not just their income, but their quality of life.

Eugenio has spoken worldwide on innovative techniques for creating organic, natural fertiliser from whatever is at hand on a given farm, and is part of the Regen Ag group, where he spends some time in a year spreading the innovations of Soil Chromatography and Bio Fertilisers beyond Latin America.

Some of the cool things that we learnt from him at the Biofertiliser workshop at Milkwood Farm is how to make and use:

Fosfito – A soluble form of Phosphorus that is suitable for plant intake,  made from bone ash.

Biofert – A microbial brew made from locally sourced materials, that energises plants with a full range of biologically active minerals.

Lime Sulphur – A plant and soil friendly application for preventing fungal infections.

Soil Chromatography – A cheap and easy way to make a qualitative assessment of your soil.

The eye of the soil

Juergen and I were introduced to an empowering method of soil testing during a Biofertiliser workshop at Milkwood Farm presented by Eugenio Gras from Mexico. A long time advocate of Permaculture and organic farming, Eugenio is involved in Mas Humus (More Humus), an organisation that works with Mexican farmers to build soil fertility. Among other pioneering work, he and his colleagues at Mas Humus have introduced thousands of farmers to soil chromatography which is a cheap (about 3 USD per test), easy, and effective way to access and monitor soil improvement at any time, and as frequently as needed without having to depend on expensive laboratory tests.

So, how does soil chromatography work? What you’re looking at is the end product of a chromatography soil test. It is a chroma profile of a soil specimen. A soil chroma is a visual translation of how well organic matter, minerals and soil organisms are integrated into the process of building soil. Very much like the iris of our eyes, soil chromas that are vibrant, and radiating, tell us that the soil is dynamic and alive. If it is flat and pale, it tells us that the soil is pretty much dead. One could say that soil chromas are windows to the soil’s soul.

Basic needs for a Chromatography Lab

Translated from its Greek roots chroma and graphein, Chromatography literally means ‘to write with colours’. Through a simple laboratory process that involves breaking down soil specimen in Caustic Soda, and impregnating it into filter paper coated with Silver Nitrate, a radial burst of colours and patterns slowly emerges through capillary and photographic action, telling the story of the presence or the lack of presence of soil building blocks such as Nitrogen & Oxygen, minerals, soil life (macro & micro organisms), humus, and organic matter. Through further interpretation, we are also able to tell if all these building blocks are interacting and effectively functioning  via indicators of enzymatic activity. When compared to standard quantitative soil tests which indicate WHAT minerals and chemicals are present in a soil specimen, chromas are more qualitative in nature, giving insights to HOW the soil is functioning. Both of these tests combined provide a more holistic understanding of a soil specimen.

Eugenio demonstrating the simple laboratory procedures  involved

Australian farmers learning how things are done in Mexico  

It was indeed mind blowing to see a photographic capture of soil life enfolding through the filter paper in my grasp as I gazed into the eye of the soil, for the first time in my life. I am not surprised to hear that some artists in Mexico are captivated by soil chromas, and have created wall size illustrations of these sun’s on earth.   

Many thanks to Eugenio for the invaluable tool and insights, funny Mexican jokes by the campfire and wonderful company. I have a feeling we shall meet again …

To read more about Eugenio’s workshop check out Milkwood’s article at http://milkwood.net/2011/11/06/soil-chromatography-with-eugenio-gras/