GARDENING THIS WEEK

Iron vs copper: By Wally Richards

Recently a reader sent me an article which I found very interesting so I will share this with you........

Iron gardening tools versus copper gardening tools: What we were never taught, Iron or Copper Equipment in Farming In the 1930s.

A Walter Schauberger was invited by King Boris of Bulgaria to examine the reasons for the great decline in that country’s farming production.

During his trip through the countryside he noticed that in the areas populated by the Turks, the harvests were more plentiful than elsewhere. It was here that the old wooden plough was still used.

The rest of the country had replaced these with modern iron ploughs imported from Germany as part of a general modernizing of Bulgarian agriculture.

The first steam ploughs had also been introduced. Schauberger drew the logical conclusion that the reduced cropping was a consequence of the introduction of iron ploughs, but it was not until later that he developed his theory of the detrimental effect of iron machinery on agriculture. His work with water jets gave him a new perspective on the problem. It was shown that if a small amount of rust was added to the water in these experiments, no charge developed; the water became ‘empty’.

He abstracted this finding to the use of iron ploughs and thought their effect on harvest yields must relate to this.

When the iron plough moves through the soil, it becomes warm, and the disturbed soil is covered with a fine dust of iron particles that quickly rust. He had previously noticed that iron-rich ground was dry, and that the turbines in power stations ‘discharged’ water.

The conclusion of all these observations was that iron had a detrimental effect on the water characteristics within the soil; it expelled the water and ‘drained’ it of its power.

When the steam plough, and later the tractor plough, were introduced, the situation worsened as a result of the increased speed with which the blades moved through the soil.

Walter Schauberger has said that water disappears from fields that have been ploughed in this way, for straightforward physical reasons; the iron plough’s rapid passage through the soil cuts through the fields magnetic lines of energy, causing an electrical current to occur in the same way that a coil in an electric generator rotates in a magnetic field.

This, in turn, leads to an electrolysis in the soil which separates the water into oxygen and hydrogen.

The electrolysis also damages the microscopic life in the soil and this leads to an even higher temperature occurring in addition to the ‘iron blades’ friction with the soil. It is especially with iron that these phenomena occur.

With ploughs of wood, copper and other so-called ‘biologically magnetic’ materials, the soil’s magnetic field is not disturbed.

The conclusion that Schauberger drew from these observations, was that another material other than iron should be used for farming equipment.

His attention focused on copper. Copper rich soils retained their ground moisture well, and so he began to experiment with copper ploughs as well as other equipment made from copper.

To begin with he merely covered an iron plough’s cutting surface with copper sheeting and made tests with this.

The tests took place under controlled conditions, dividing the field up into segments, some of which were ploughed with the prevailing iron machinery and some with the adapted copper machinery.

The results proved very favourable to the copper, which showed a

17-35 per cent increase in harvest. A large firm, Farmleiten - Gut Heuberg, near Salzburg, showed an increase of 50 per cent.

On a hill farm outside Kitzbuhl tests showed an increase in the potato crop of 12.5 times the quantity sown.

The baking potential of corn was increased, and potatoes were not attacked by the Colorado beetle, though neighbouring potato fields ploughed in the more usual way were still attacked, and the nitrogen requirements of the soil were reduced.

During 1951-52 controlled tests with the copper plough were made by the Farming Chemical Test Station in Linz. The tests concerned the cultivation of oats, wheat, kohlrabi and onions. Certain sections were worked only with iron machinery, others with iron machinery and added copper sulphate, and a third area with only copper machinery.

In certain tests the copper sulphate was exchanged with pure copper dust. A significant increase was observed in these tests also.

Rumors of these successes spread to farmers around Salzburg where many of the tests had taken place, and they started to call the copper-wonder ‘the golden plough’.

It was manufactured in large quantities but soon considerable opposition arose from an unexpected quarter.

In 1948 Viktor Schauberger had signed a contract with a company in Salzburg for the production of a large number of ploughs.

Then suddenly one day he was visited by a high official from Salzburg’s treasury office. The latter arrived in an elegant car, and the following ensued: the treasury director:

‘There has been a rumour that the Salzburg town corporation has carried out successful tests with your ploughs, and, naturally, this is of interest.

But now I must ask you face

Robin Hood story, to face - what is is worth to me, if I support you?’ Schauberger said: I don’t understand what you mean.

The play is a musical with plenty of action, kid’s humour and audience participation.

The musical will have its first performance on 18 February and will also play on 19, 25 and 26 February at Khandallah Park or, if the weather is bad, at Cochran Hall, 106 Cashmere Avenue, Khandallah. ORCA will also host a Tyers Stream Walk on 4 March.

Tyers Stream reserve is an ecologically significant and a historically significant area.

The stream flows from above Khandallah Park area, and under the Khandallah Swimming Pool, and then through Khandallah down into Wellington Harbour at Ngauranga.

You are from the treasury, you have nothing to do with support I have paid my fees for the test and everything is complete.’ The Treasury director went on: I must make myself clear.

The fact is, I have an agreement with the nitrogen industry whereby if I can stimulate the farmers to use more nitrogen than usual I receive a royalty for each sack being sold.

If now the farmers were to change to the copper plough the demand would permanently diminish, and thus I need royalties from your ploughs as compensation.

Can’t we come to an understanding as old friends and make a good deal for us both?

‘Schauberger replied furiously: ‘I have only one thing to say to you - you are a greedy rascal - a thing I should have understood at once - when as a representative of the people you drive around in a luxury car.’

It was after this exchange that there was a surprise termination of the contract from the company that was to have provided the ploughs. Representatives from the local agricultural society also started to warn farmers against using the copper plough as it could cause over-production which would give lower prices.

Thereby their production and use were totally halted. In 1950, Schauberger, together with engineer Rosenberger, however, obtained a patent on a method of coating the active surfaces of farm machinery with copper. End Interesting how iron can effect the soil and crop production.

Explore St Mark’s School at our open day on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th of March 2023. Our Open Days are an opportunity for you to learn more about how St Mark’s School can give your child the best education possible. Our teachers are committed to helping your children achieve their potential in a safe and caring environment. Small class sizes mean that students are encouraged to ask questions and explore different points of view. Come and explore St Mark’s.

Future-focused learning at Whitby Collegiate

Whitby Collegiate is a progressive school meeting the challenges of the future while learning from the past, and is the first co-educational, independent school in the Wellington region. We provide individual care in a supportive environment and offer future-focused subjects and opportunities to Year 7 – 13 students as well as exciting options beyond the classroom.

As a faith-based school, our core values underpin everything that we do. Our commitment to small classes of 1-20 in our surrounding parklike grounds provides an optimal learning environment in these COVID restrictive times. To register for our next open day, visit whitbycollegiate.school.nz or give us a call on 04 234 1070

Fun, Friendship, Learning

Premier Preschool

Our aim is to provide a warm, family-friendly environment that fosters participation and collaboration between our parents and whanau and the wider community.

Samuel

We see preschool education as part of the whole sphere of learning and strive to enable children to experience a seamless and confident transition on to school.

Marsden Collegiate School

Marsden lays the foundation for lives of meaning, accomplishment and genuine happiness. Girls Years 1-13 experience dynamic, flexible learning and a future-focused education. Students are nurtured, encouraged and respected, and receive the individual attention they need to do well both academically and in their co-curricular pur- suits. With small classes, exceptional teaching and integrated Visible WellbeingTM practices, children and young people thrive at Marsden.

Register for Marsden’s Open Morning, 10 March (Years 7-13) or 14 March (Preschool – Year 6). marsden.school.nz/register

NZ Massage Therapy Diplomas by Distance Learning

The New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine offers both the NZ Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage Level 5 and the NZ Diploma in Remedial Massage Level 6 online by Blended Learning (Distance Learning and Block courses). This provides learners with choice and flexibility about how, when and where they study these NZQA approved qualifications.

Both Diplomas are one-year full time courses or two years part time. The course design comprises online learning modules in theory and on campus practical block modules offered either at the College’s Auckland campus or regionally where numbers of enrolments justify this. These block courses ensure students meet the supervised practical training required by Massage New Zealand.

Graduates obtain the latest internationally recognised New Zealand registered qualification and open the door to a wide range of employment opportunities.

Enrol now - phone 0800888518 or email enrolment@chinesemedicine.ac.nz.

Online blended learning courses

Paula Archibald Studio

Paula Archibald – Ceramics, Pottery, Sculpture

subjects, clays and glazes to achieve a range whimsical ornaments to large garden water features.

fascinates her interest and builds her knowledge of glazing and continues to inspire.

To broaden her craft skills and to be with and attending workshops.

A taste of Hawke’s Bay with Steam Inc

Experience some of the best wine & food the of their grapes on stony gravels of the Takapau plains and have progressively planted productive

Syrah and Flora since, with the vineyard, today producing award-winning, intense, aromatic wines. Junction Wines, brings the best there is in Hawke’s Bay grapes.

Nestled amongst the mature trees in the grounds of Oruawharo Homestead is St Vincent’s which is the perfect venue for a function indoors or out. The historic St Vincent’s Church was relocated to Oruawharo in 2012 from the nearby township of Takapau. Oruawharo Homestead, what better place to taste some local wines and relax.

Hauled by a pair of 1950s era diesel locomotives, departing from the Kapiti Coast at 8am, they make our way north through the

Kapiti and Horowhenua districts.. Following

Rail is now the only way to transit through this gorgeous area.

After departure north east from Woodville, they follow the railway up the steep grades

Further north, they pass through the beautifully restored railway precinct at Ormondville before travelling over the ever-impressive Ormondville Viaduct, spanning over 281m long and 39m above the Mangarangiora Stream before arriving at Takapau.

Buses will be waiting to take you the short three minute trip into the serene gardens that surround Oruawharo Homestead.

From here, located inside the St Vincents church, the families behind Junction Wines and Oruawharo Homestead will immerse you in the fresh produce that the Central Hawke’s

Events Calendar

Ōtaki Kite Festival

Ōtaki Beach, Sat 18 Feb 10:00am

Sounds by the Sea

Mahara Place, Waikanae, Thu 23 Feb 12pm

Kapiti Women’s Triathlon

Garden Road, Raumati 26 Feb

Registrations 7-8am

Māoriland Film Festival

Maoriland Hub, Ōtaki, Wed 15 Mar 11:00am

First Class Concert Season for Waikanae

Waikanae Music Society has announced its 2023 Concert Season with an impressive line-up of musicians and programmes.

Opening the season on February 26 will be a charming concert called “Serenade” when the Aroha String Trio entertain with serenades and trios by Schubert, Beethoven, Dohnányi and others.

The concert on March 26 will showcase the French Horn and the talents of outstanding horn player Samuel Jacobs. Joining him with music by Beethoven, Clara Schumann and Brahms will be violinist Donald Armstrong and pianist Jian Liu.

On 30 April an unusual concert of French music from the ensemble Les Voisins opens with theorbo solos from the French Baroque. The theorbo is a rare and very large member of the lute family. After a journey through French music over the centuries, including works for violin and cello, the theorbo player will switch to guitar to close the concert with jazz from the iconic Hot Club de France.

One of the season’s highlights will be on 11 June when ever-popular Michael Houstoun will perform Bach, Brahms, Chopin and special occasion. Donald Armstrong’s Amici Ensemble will expand to some 20 players to present Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos – a rare opportunity to hear all six of these legendary masterpieces in one concert.

Two chamber ensembles follow in August

August, and Wilma Smith’s popular Argyle on September 17.

There will be an overdue visit on 8 October Haydn and Shostakovich, before being joined by pianist Diedre Irons for Amy Beach’s romantic piano quintet.

In addition to the eight-concert subscription season there will be an unexpected extra concert from Michael Houstoun with internationally acclaimed Bulgarian violinist Bella Hristova. This concert will be held on August 27.

All concerts will be on Sunday afternoons at 2.30pm in the Waikanae Memorial Hall. For more information pick up a brochure from libraries, visit www.waikanaemusic.org.nz or call 021 251 7030.

– Aroha String Trio

Ensemble –

Extra concert: Bella Hristova (violin) & Michael Houstoun

MEMBERSHIP AND SEASON TICKET FOR ONLY $200