Yo - Windsor What's going on here?

**DetroitPlanner** · March-19-10, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by eriedearie

Not sure what you mean by that DetroitPlanner? Please explain

Whoops sorry slipped into planner talk. The area of Detroit closest to Essex County's downriver has several air quality problems, one of which is known as Particulate Matter, which is measured to be as small as 0.25 microns. There are certain times of the year where exceedances happen and a contributor to PM 0.25 is the burning of carbon materials. Granted, this goes both ways because to be fair this is also the area where the steel mills are on the US side.

Better coordination could potentially improve the air that both sides breathe.

**eriedearie** · March-19-10, 01:05 PM

Okay, now I understand. I would agree that is what is causing the spikes. We went for a ride all around the area yesterday and spotted several farm lands going through the yearly burn. I must confess, I do love seeing it done because it aids in purifying the soil, plus that means warmer weather is on its sweet way - but hate seeing it done because it pollutes the air. I don't like breathing all that in. Don't know how those who control the burns can stand it.

Thanks for the explanation - I'm always learning something from these threads!

**maxx** · March-20-10, 07:20 AM

Originally Posted by eriedearie

Okay, now I understand. I would agree that is what is causing the spikes. We went for a ride all around the area yesterday and spotted several farm lands going through the yearly burn. I must confess, I do love seeing it done because it aids in purifying the soil,

How so? Doesn't the fire destroy all the good bacteria and nematodes?

**eriedearie** · March-20-10, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by maxx

How so? Doesn't the fire destroy all the good bacteria and nematodes?

From what I understand about the process, the burning takes any weed build up and gets rid of them by destroying their roots. Also, the land gets rejuvenated from the scorching of the soil, and it burns off any grubs, while destroying their larva that tend to set up shop in there. Then when plowing time commences, it gets mixed up and makes for a rich, well ventilated growing medium. That is the way it was explained to me by the farmer who plants the fields near our home.

**davewindsor** · March-20-10, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by maxx

How so? Doesn't the fire destroy all the good bacteria and nematodes?

The soil gets purified from the fire. Then they add the cow manure and mix it up before planting in the new crops to give the soil what it needs. Ever wonder why farms have such a strong stench of cow manure while driving through rural roads at certain times of the year?