The Poor Prole’s Almanac

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" expands upon the previous episode's exploration of honeybee biology, focusing on the intricate division of labor within the hive, the different stages of a worker bee's life, and the various types of hives used in beekeeping. The episode continues the hosts' engaging blend of humor and insightful commentary, featuring Andy, Elliot, and their guest host, Matt. Worker Bees: A Life of Stratified Labor The episode begins by emphasizing the structured division of labor among worker bees, highlighting the three main roles they assume throughout their lives: nurse bees, house bees, and foragers. This stratification of work aligns with the bees' age, abilities, and the hive's needs. Nurse Bees: The Nurturers - Nurse bees, the youngest worker bees, are responsible for feeding other worker bees as they emerge from their cells. Their primary task involves feeding royal jelly, a nutrient-rich secretion from glands in their heads, to newly hatched larvae. House Bees: The Builders and Processors - As nurse bees mature, their brood food glands dry up, and wax glands on their abdomen become active, marking their transition into house bees. House bees focus on building and repairing the honeycomb, processing pollen into bee bread, and stretching nectar to create honey. They also take orientation flights to familiarize themselves with the hive's location and surroundings. Foragers: The Gatherers - Around 21 days old, worker bees shift into the foraging role, their wax glands atrophying as they venture outside the hive to collect resources. Foragers gather water, pollen, nectar, and resins used to make propolis, a bee glue used to seal gaps and reinforce the hive structure. They continue in this role until they reach the end of their lifespan, around six weeks. The Significance of Propolis: Bee Glue with Multiple Uses The hosts discuss the importance of propolis, explaining that it's distinct from beeswax. While beeswax forms the honeycomb structure, propolis acts as a sealant, filling cracks and crevices within the hive to regulate airflow. The hosts compare it to mortar, highlighting its role in maintaining the hive's integrity. Reflecting on Bee Society: A Model for Equitable Mentorship? The hosts draw parallels between the stratified labor system in bee society and human societal structures. They observe that while bees transition through different roles based on their capabilities and experience, human societies often prioritize hierarchical advancement and financial gain. They propose that the beehive's system of mentorship, where younger bees learn by working alongside older bees in subsequent stages, could offer a model for creating a more equitable and compassionate human society. Hive Variations: Adapting to Location and Beekeeping Practices Shifting focus to the physical structures of beehives, the hosts discuss the variety of hive types available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on location, climate, and the beekeeper's skill level. Langstroth Hives: The Standard Choice - The most common type, characterized by square stacked boxes. Top Bar Hives: The Southern Favorite - More prevalent in warmer climates, believed to dissipate heat more effectively and resemble natural hive structures. Skep Hives: The Historical Relic - Less than 1% of hives in use, typically made of straw and historically designed to be destroyed during honey harvesting. The hosts challenge the traditional narrative that this practice stemmed from ignorance, suggesting that beekeepers likely harvested after bees naturally moved out. Protective Gear: The Michelin Man of Beekeeping The hosts emphasize the importance of protective clothing for beekeepers, specifically a veil to protect the face and a bee suit to cover the body. While stings on the hands and body are tolerable, stings to the face are highly undesirable. The hosts humorously describe the bee suit's appearance, likening it to the Michelin Man. Hive Tools: Essential Equipment for Beekeeping The episode introduces the essential tools for beekeeping, focusing on three key items: Hive Tool: The Multipurpose Lever - Used for prying, scraping, and leveraging tasks within the hive, particularly for dislodging frames stuck together with propolis. Smoker: The Bee Calmer - Traditionally used to subdue bees by inducing them to gorge themselves on honey in anticipation of an emergency flight. The smoke also masks alarm pheromones, making the beekeeper less of a perceived threat. However, the hosts note that the practice can disrupt honey production, and they personally try to avoid using a smoker. Bee Brush: The Gentle Remover - Any clean brush can suffice, used to gently remove bees from frames or the beekeeper's body. The hosts advise brushing bees away from their heads. Acquiring Bees: Packages, Nukes, and Swarms The hosts discuss the different methods for obtaining bees, each offering its own set of considerations: Packages: The Mail-Order Option - Bees are collected from multiple hives and shipped in packages with a caged queen. The hosts express concern about the potential stress and disruption this method causes to the bees. Nukes: The Mini-Hive Start - Short for "nucleus colony," a nuke includes a few frames of workers, brood, honey, pollen, and a queen, essentially representing a small, established hive. More expensive than packages, but potentially a more stable start. Swarms: The Free and Natural Option - Capturing a swarm, a hanging cluster of bees seeking a new home, offers a cost-effective way to acquire a colony of related bees. The hosts highlight the vulnerability of swarms and the need to act quickly to capture them before they move on. Bee Strains: A Variety of Traits and Characteristics The episode introduces the concept of bee strains, highlighting the three major strains commonly found in the United States: Italians, Caucasians, and Carniolans (Carnies). Italian Bees: The Popular Choice - The most common strain, known for their light color, early brood rearing, and high honey production. However, they require more maintenance, exhibit weaker orientation, and are prone to robbing other hives. Caucasian Bees: The Gentle Giants - Known for their gentleness, dark color, and excessive use of propolis. Their propensity for propolis makes them less suitable for producing comb honey. They are also prone to robbing but less inclined to swarming. Carnolian Bees: The Rapid Growers - Characterized by their dark color and rapid spring buildup. Their main disadvantage is their tendency to swarm excessively. They are also known for their economical food consumption and good overwintering abilities. Beyond the Big Three: Exploring Other Bee Strains The episode briefly mentions a few other less common strains: Buckfast Bees: The Cool Climate Choice - Resistant to tracheal mites and well-suited for cooler climates. Russian Bees: The Mite-Resistant Option - Naturally resistant to varroa mites due to their long exposure in their native habitat. The USDA imported selected Russian queens to breed mite-resistant bees in the United States. The Queen's Role in Genetics: A Hive's Matriarch The hosts explain that a beehive's genetics are primarily determined by the queen. Introducing a new queen of a different strain can gradually shift the colony's characteristics over time. Queen Cages and Package Dynamics The episode elaborates on the practice of shipping bees in packages, highlighting that worker bees in a package are typically unrelated, collected from various hives, and have a diverse range of ages. A young, mated queen, unfamiliar to the workers, is placed in a separate cage within the package to allow the bees to acclimate to her scent. Swarm Dynamics: A Hive's Division and Relocation The hosts delve into the phenomenon of swarming, describing it as a natural process where a portion of a hive, including the queen, leaves to establish a new colony. Swarms are typically triggered by overcrowding within the hive. The hosts explain that swarming bees don't travel far and often cluster temporarily on a nearby tree branch while scout bees search for a suitable nesting site. They emphasize that swarms are vulnerable during this transition and face risks of starvation and predation. Looking Ahead: Unraveling More Bee Mysteries The episode concludes with a promise to address more complex beekeeping topics in future episodes, including colony collapse disorder, chemical use in beekeeping, and the role of drones in the hive. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

Through the previous two episodes, we outlined the realities of honeybees and the limitations of the ecosystems around us to support honeybees. With that in mind, if we choose to continue to live alongside European Honeybees, what should that look like? Decoding Bee Society: An Introduction to Honeybee Biology and Behavior This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac," titled "Episode 138 #3: Beekeeping 101 for Beginners," offers an introductory exploration into the captivating world of honeybees. Hosts Andy and Elliot engage in their signature blend of informative and humor-laden dialogue, covering the basics of honeybee biology, their social structure, and the intricate roles within the hive. Although framed as a beginner's guide to beekeeping, the episode provides valuable insights for anyone curious about the fascinating lives of these buzzing pollinators. Honeybees: More Than Just "Butt Stabby Sky Caterpillars" The episode kicks off with Andy's humorous, albeit inaccurate, description of honeybees as "butt stabby sky caterpillars". This lighthearted introduction sets the tone for the discussion, which quickly dives into a more scientifically accurate classification of these insects. Honeybees belong to the order Hymenoptera, which includes wasps, ants, and sawflies. Within this order, honeybees are further categorized under the genus Apis mellifera, encompassing a diverse array of over 7,500 species. The hosts emphasize that honeybees are considered "eusocial" insects, meaning they exhibit a high level of social organization and cooperation within their colonies. This intricate social structure involves a complex division of labor, cooperative brood care, and overlapping generations within the hive. The Circle of Life: The Eight Stages of a Honeybee's Existence The episode provides a detailed overview of a honeybee's life cycle, which unfolds in eight distinct stages, beginning with an egg. The hosts briefly touch upon the intriguing possibility of bee eggs as a culinary delicacy, albeit acknowledging the lack of widespread consumption. From Egg to Larva: The Role of Royal Jelly The hosts explain that upon hatching from the egg, the honeybee larva resembles a "tiny white glistening worm-like" creature. During the initial stages of development, all female larvae are fed royal jelly, a nutrient-rich substance secreted by nurse bees. The quantity and duration of royal jelly consumption determine the fate of the female bee. Those destined to become queens receive a continuous supply of royal jelly throughout their larval stage, spanning four and a half days. Worker larvae, on the other hand, transition to a diet of bee bread, also known as brood food, after just two days. Drones: The "Five-Headed" Members of the Hive Drone larvae, the males of the colony, follow a similar dietary pattern but extend their royal jelly intake for six days, which the hosts attribute to their "giant ass head". The hosts highlight the physical distinction of drones, noting their larger size and prominent eyes. The episode also reveals a fascinating detail about drone cell placement within the hive. Worker bees strategically position drone cells around the edges of the brood frames. This placement ensures that during periods of cold weather, the drones, deemed less essential for the hive's survival, are the first to perish. From Larva to Pupa: Metamorphosis Within a "Secret Cocoon" As the larvae mature, worker bees cap their cells, initiating the pupation stage. The hosts describe this transformation as occurring within a "secret cocoon" spun by the larva. Inside this cocoon, the larva undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis, developing the characteristic features of an adult bee: three distinct body parts, six legs, four wings, and compound eyes. Emerging from the Cocoon: Life as a Worker, Drone, or Queen The episode outlines the varying emergence times for each bee type: worker bees take 21 days, drones 24 days, and queens a mere 16 days. This discrepancy in development time, particularly the shorter duration for queens, is attributed to the richer diet they receive as larvae and their crucial role within the hive. Newly emerged queens engage in a fierce competition for dominance, seeking out rival queens and queen cells in an attempt to eliminate any contenders. This "Highlander" scenario ensures that only one queen reigns supreme within the hive. Drones: The "Lottery Winners" of the Hive Drones, upon emerging from their cells, enjoy a life of relative leisure. Worker bees cater to their needs, feeding them until they are self-sufficient. The hosts humorously characterize drones as "teddy bears with dicks that can fly," highlighting their lack of involvement in hive maintenance tasks. Worker Bees: The Backbone of the Hive Worker bees, comprising the majority of the hive population, shoulder the responsibility of all hive operations, excluding reproduction and mating. Their tasks range from building and maintaining the hive structure to foraging for food, caring for the queen, drones, and larvae. Despite their tireless efforts, worker bees typically have a lifespan of six weeks, although this extends to six months during the winter. The Queen: The Egg-Laying Monarch Queens, the largest bees within the hive, possess elongated abdomens for their primary function: egg-laying. Their lifespan typically ranges from a few years to a maximum of eight years. The queen's presence within the hive is marked by a pheromone that allows other bees to recognize her. The episode underscores that the queen's development into a reproductive female hinges on her consistent diet of royal jelly during her larval stage. The Mating Flight: A "Giant B Orgy in the Sky" The episode concludes with a description of the queen's mating flight, which the hosts humorously dub a "giant B orgy in the sky". Around a week after emerging from her cell, the queen embarks on a mating flight to a drone congregating area. There, she mates with multiple drones from other hives, ensuring genetic diversity within her colony. This mating frenzy typically lasts for two to four days. Upon returning to the hive, the queen begins laying eggs within 48 hours. If weather conditions or other circumstances prevent the queen from completing her mating flight within 20 to 30 days, she loses her ability to mate and can only lay unfertilized eggs, which develop into drones. The episode wraps up with a promise of more in-depth explorations of specific aspects of bee biology and behavior in future episodes. Listeners are left with a tantalizing glimpse into the intricate world of honeybees, sparking curiosity and appreciation for these essential pollinators. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

In this episode, we chat with researcher Torben Schiffer to discuss his findings working with wild honeybees in Europe. What can we learn from wild honeybees about the health of bees in conventional settings, and further, what do these discoveries imply about the sustainability of honeybees in urban settings?   You can buy Torben's books at the following link, or check your local bookstore! https://www.amazon.com/stores/Torben-Schiffer/author/B087QL9XB7?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For more information and updates, visit www.poorproles.com and subscribe to our e-mail list.  

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" challenges the common narrative that honeybees are primarily responsible for pollinator decline. While acknowledging the importance of honeybees, the hosts, Andy and Elliot, alongside guest host Matt, argue that focusing solely on honeybee conservation distracts from the more significant issue: the need to protect and restore native pollinator populations. They dissect various research papers and highlight the nuances surrounding invasive species, monocropping, and the complex interplay between native and non-native plants and pollinators. Challenging the Claim that Honeybees Promote Invasive Species The episode examines the often-repeated assertion that honeybees contribute to the spread of invasive plant species. The hosts trace this claim back to a series of papers, starting with a 2001 study titled "The Influence of Sociality on the Conservation Biology of Social Insects". This paper, however, only briefly mentions the concept and refers to a 1994 study for further investigation. Upon examining this 1994 study, "An Assessment of the Contribution of Honeybees to Weed Reproduction in New Zealand Protected Natural Areas", the hosts find that the abstract directly contradicts the commonly held belief. The study concludes that while honeybees may pollinate some invasive species, they likely do not significantly contribute to the overall problem. They further investigate another frequently cited paper, "Biotic Invasions: Causes, Epidemiology, Global Consequences, and Control", and discover that it doesn't even mention honeybees. This exploration reveals a pattern of misinterpretations and misattributions within the scientific literature, highlighting the importance of carefully examining primary sources rather than relying on secondhand summaries. The Impacts of Monocropping on Pollinator Diversity The hosts then shift their focus to monocropping, a prevalent agricultural practice that displaces native plants with vast swathes of single crops. They discuss a 2016 study that investigated how the scale of monocropping influences pollinator diversity. The research found that row crops, a common form of monoculture, negatively impact bee abundance within a 900-foot radius. Notably, even with unmanaged, "wild" areas bordering these monocrops, native pollinator diversity did not significantly improve. This finding suggests that the degradation of surrounding habitats may limit the effectiveness of small-scale native plant restoration efforts. Rethinking Native and Non-Native Plant Strategies The episode also challenges the simplistic notion that simply planting native species is a guaranteed solution for pollinator decline. They present findings from Oregon State University's Garden Ecology Lab, which compared the attractiveness of native and non-native plants to various pollinators. While native plants were initially more attractive, non-native plants became more popular with pollinators, especially honeybees, after a year of establishment within the ecosystem. This suggests that honeybees, as generalist foragers, gravitate towards less competitive resources. The hosts emphasize that while native plants are generally more beneficial for native pollinators, honeybees' tendency to exploit less competitive non-native plants might inadvertently reduce competition for native pollinators. They caution, however, that replacing all non-native plants with natives could lead to increased competition between honeybees and native pollinators for those native resources. The Need for a More Nuanced Perspective The episode concludes by urging listeners to move beyond simplistic solutions and embrace a more nuanced understanding of the complex factors contributing to pollinator decline. They stress that honeybees are not the sole culprit and that various interconnected issues, such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and the spread of diseases from managed honeybee populations to wild pollinators, require attention. The hosts advocate for a holistic approach that prioritizes habitat restoration, reduces reliance on monocropping, and encourages thoughtful integration of both native and non-native plants to support a diverse range of pollinators. Key Takeaways The claim that honeybees are the primary drivers of invasive species spread lacks strong scientific evidence. Monocropping negatively impacts pollinator diversity, and small-scale native plant restoration may be insufficient to fully mitigate this damage. While native plants are generally more beneficial, non-native plants can also support pollinators, and a balance between the two is necessary. Addressing pollinator decline requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond simply focusing on honeybees and includes habitat restoration, reduced pesticide use, and disease management. The episode encourages a shift in perspective, moving away from blame and towards collaborative action to support the intricate web of life that pollinators, both native and non-native, depend on. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

In this episode, we're chatting with Ilse Kohler-Rollefson to discuss the past and present state of pastoralism across Europe, Asia, and Africa.    After decades working with Pastoralists in india, Ilse discusses living around camels, the role modern agriculture has played in this age old practices, and much, much more. Ilsa Kohler-Rollefson am associated with two organisations:  The League for Pastoral Peoples and Endogenous Livestock Development (LPP) that she co-founded in 1992, and Lokhit Pashu-Palak Sansthan (LPPS), a local organisation in Rajasthan (India) and she is dividing her time between the two, but also advises international organisations, such as FAO, GIZ, UNDP, Worldbank, and others on matters related to livestock.  co-founded Camel Charisma, a social enterprise that develops and markets camel products and runs the Kumbhalgarh Camel Dairy at the foot of the Aravalli Hills.   To buy her book, visit: https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/hoofprints-on-the-land/  Find her on social media at: @KohlerRollefson     To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For more information and updates, visit www.poorproles.com and subscribe to our e-mail list.  

What if transforming a small strip of urban land could boost local ecology and foster a sense of community? Join us as we converse with Dr. Gray Copeland from Murdoch University, exploring her journey from marine ecology to urban rewilding using the innovative Miyawaki method. Learn about the meticulous preparation involved in selecting sites and species for these tiny urban forests and how Dr. Copeland's expertise in seagrasses and mangroves informs her current work in urban reforestation. Discover the crucial role of soil microbes in Miyawaki forests as we delve into fascinating differences in soil microbial profiles inside and outside these tiny urban ecosystems. Dr. Copeland sheds light on the importance of soil respiration rates and the innovative use of eDNA to assess biodiversity. We discuss how traditional and indigenous practices, like compost tea, can enhance soil health and forest maturity, while clarifying common misconceptions about growth rates versus maturity rates. Lastly, we explore the powerful impact these tiny forests can have on community engagement, particularly among children. Hear about the surprising social benefits, the importance of selecting native species, and the challenges of managing invasive species. Dr. Copeland shares inspiring stories of community involvement, from celebrating a forest's first birthday to combating invasives with mulch and weeding. Discover how these thriving ecosystems can transform urban landscapes and foster a sense of ownership and environmental stewardship within communities. Pocket Forests WA plants Miyawaki forests or 'pocket' forests as part of a dedicated science program run from the Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University. The research investigates the ecology and restoration potential of pocket forests in the Australian context. The program also engages citizen scientists through a dedicated science outreach program. The outreach program brings pocket forests into schools where the children plant their very own Miyawaki forest right in their school grounds. As part of the outreach program, the children monitor their pocket forests every month with ecologist and urban forest maker, Dr Grey Coupland, from Harry Butler Institute, becoming citizen scientists and hopefully inspiring the next generation of scientists and eco-warriors. You can learn more about their work on Instagram at @pocketforestsWA and as well as at: https://pocketforestswa.org/ For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/ Key Words: Urban Biodiversity, Miyawaki Method, Urban Rewilding, Marine Ecology, Seagrasses, Mangroves, Tiny Forests, Biodiversity, Soil Microbes, Forest Health, Soil Microbial Profiles, eDNA, Community Engagement, Environmental Stewardship, Invasive Species, Empowerment, Children, Growth Rates, Maturity Rates, Citizen Science, Compost Tea, Indigenous Practices, Social Impact, Native Species, Conservation Groups, Invasive Species Management, Mulch, Weeding, Regenerative Agriculture, Instagram, Websites, Research Affiliations

In this episode, we're diving into the history of Tiny Forests and the man behind them, Akira Miyawaki. There's a complex framework to this seemingly simple process of super-dense forests, and we discuss how it's been appropriated without context in permaculture, and what tree clusters should look like and the science behind it. To get Miyawaki's book in the US, visit:  https://www.buddhistcenter-rkina.org/product-page/the-healing-power-of-forest   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For more information and updates, visit www.poorproles.com and subscribe to our e-mail list.     Sources: https://www.nippon.com/en/in-depth/d00789/ 1 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969721040249 2 https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/plantbiotechnology1997/16/1/16_1_15/_pdf/-char/en 3 https://urban-forests.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Urban-Forests-report-The-Miyawaki-method-%E2%80%93-Data-concepts.pdf 4 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/shubhendu-clears-misconceptions-about-miyawaki-methodology/articleshow/70798962.cms 5 https://news.mongabay.com/2022/06/in-jordan-the-middle-easts-first-miyawaki-style-baby-forests-take-root/ 6 https://www.crowdforesting.org/minimum-size-of-a-miyawaki-forest 7 "The Healing Power of Forests: The Philosophy Behind Restoring Earth's Balance with Native Trees" by Akira Miyawaki  

How deep is your understanding of the soil beneath your feet? Jeff Lowenfels, a lawyer-turned-gardening expert, takes us on an insightful journey from using Miracle-Gro to becoming a staunch advocate for organic gardening. Through fascinating stories of his transformation, Jeff reveals how interactions with JI Rodale and Dr. Elaine Ingham opened his eyes to the wonders of the soil food web. Discover the pivotal role of mycorrhizal fungi and the critical movement of nutrients from soil to plants, all explored in his latest book, "Teaming with Bacteria." Ever wondered about the secret life of bacteria in your garden soil? This episode uncovers the complex relationships between plants and bacteria within root meristem cells. Learn how bacteria and plants engage in a symbiotic dance involving superoxide and nitrate production for mutual growth benefits. We also discuss the broader implications for soil health and sustainable agriculture, stressing the importance of bacteria-produced slime in maintaining soil structure and the dangers of chemical interventions. From composting and vermicomposting to innovative methods like Korean Natural Farming, Jeff shares traditional and modern soil-building techniques that nurture the soil food web. Highlighting the importance of endophytic bacteria in seeds, Jeff advises against sterilizing seeds and soil. Stay tuned as we explore the future of beneficial bacterial identification technologies and reflect on the groundbreaking insights from Jeff's series of books, starting with "Teaming with Microbes." This conversation is a treasure trove of knowledge that will inspire you to embrace organic gardening and understand the science behind it. If you’re not familiar with Jeff, he describes himself as an “reformed lawyer”, who also happens to write the longest running garden column in North America, having never missed a week in 41 years. The combination of garden writing and law earned him the moniker of “America’s Dirtiest Lawyer,”. He is the former President of the Garden Writers of America, a GWA Fellow and in 2005 was inducted into the GWA Hall of Fame, the highest honor a garden writer can achieve. Jeff is also the founder of a now national program that started as “Plant a Row for Bean’s,” the soup kitchen in Anchorage, and is now “Plant A Row for The Hungry.” The program is active all 50 states and Canada and has resulted in millions pounds of garden produce being donated to feed the hungry every year. As of this recording, Jeff has just released his newest book of the Teaming With Series. You might be familiar with Teaming with Microbes, Teaming with Nutrients, but his newest book, Teaming with Bacteria, sheds an entirely new light on some of the most cutting edge soil science research, and that’s what we’re here to talk about today. You can find Jeff on Twitter @GardenerJeff and you can buy his book series at jefflowenfels.com For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" explores the crucial role microbes play in the nitrogen cycle within the soil. The hosts, Andy and Elliot, along with guest host Matt, break down complex biological processes into an accessible and humorous discussion. They emphasize how understanding these microbial interactions can help both home gardeners and large-scale agricultural operations move away from commercial fertilizers and embrace more sustainable practices. Soil as a Complex Ecosystem The episode begins by recapping the basic principles of soil ecology covered in previous episodes, reminding listeners that soil is not simply inert dirt, but a dynamic ecosystem teeming with life. Plants form the foundation of this ecosystem by releasing exudates, which feed bacteria and fungi. These microbes then make nutrients more accessible to the plants, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. The hosts explain that this complex web of interactions extends beyond just plants and microbes, encompassing organisms like protozoa, nematodes, and arthropods. This diversity within the soil food web is essential for maintaining a healthy balance and ensuring the continuous cycling of nutrients. The Importance of Nitrogen The episode focuses specifically on nitrogen, a vital nutrient for plant growth, and how microbes impact its availability within the soil. When organisms within the soil food web die or are consumed, some of the nitrogen they contain is released as waste in the form of ammonium. Special bacteria, known as nitrifying bacteria, then convert this ammonium into nitrates. The Role of pH in Nitrogen Availability The hosts emphasize that the pH of the soil plays a crucial role in determining whether nitrogen is present as ammonium or nitrates. Nitrifying bacteria thrive in high pH, bacterially dominated soils. In low pH soils, however, these bacteria are less prevalent, and the nitrogen remains in the form of ammonium. The episode highlights the importance of understanding these pH dynamics when it comes to fertilizing plants. Commercial fertilizers are almost always in the form of nitrates, which are suitable for high pH soils but not for plants that prefer low pH conditions. This disparity underscores the importance of tailoring fertilization practices to the specific needs of plants and their corresponding soil environment. The Interplay of Soil Structure and Microbial Activity The discussion then shifts to soil structure, particularly the cation exchange capacity (CEC), which refers to the ability of the soil to hold onto nutrients and water. The hosts explain that lower pH soils, like those found in forests, generally have a lower CEC. However, the presence of organic matter in forest soils can help mitigate this by providing similar properties to neutral pH soils. The hosts underscore the critical role of hydroscopic water, a thin film of water that surrounds soil particles and is essential for microbial survival. Even in dry conditions, this hydroscopic water remains bound to the soil, providing a crucial lifeline for the microbial community. Bacteria and Fungi: Key Players in Decomposition The episode then goes into detail about two primary decomposers in the soil food web: bacteria and fungi. Bacteria are the second most common decomposers, breaking down organic matter into simpler molecules like sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids. Fungi, on the other hand, are the number one decomposers worldwide, capable of breaking down more complex materials like lignin and cellulose, as well as insect shells and even bones. Their ability to move nutrients across soil horizons makes fungi particularly important in building soil structure and fertility. Fungal Dominance in Forests The hosts connect the dominance of fungi in forest soils to the lower pH environment typically found in forests. Fungi are more tolerant of low pH conditions than bacteria, explaining why forests tend to have a higher fungal-to-bacterial ratio. The episode explains that as fungi break down organic matter, they release enzymes that are acidic, further lowering the soil pH. This acidification, in turn, inhibits the growth of nitrifying bacteria, leading to a greater abundance of ammonium, the preferred form of nitrogen for trees. Practical Applications for Gardeners The hosts offer practical advice for gardeners based on these microbial principles. For instance, they suggest building bacterially dominated mulches using green materials like grass clippings to promote bacterial activity and reduce weeds. Conversely, using surface mulches composed of materials like shredded leaves can encourage fungal activity, which is beneficial for trees and other plants that prefer ammonium. The Importance of Soil Building The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of building healthy soil by fostering a diverse microbial community. Adding fertilizers alone is not a sustainable solution, as the nutrients are quickly lost without the microbes to cycle them back into the soil. By understanding the intricate relationship between microbes and nitrogen, gardeners and farmers can cultivate thriving ecosystems that support healthy plant growth while minimizing reliance on synthetic inputs. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

Last week we spoke with Vijay Kumar Thallam to discuss the development of Andhra Pradesh's natural farming movement to feed 50 million people in a few short years; in this episode we're joined by two of the women who are part of this movement. We’re joined with H. Vanurakka, or Vanu, from Durudakunta village of Kalyandurgam Mandal in the Anantapur District & Konda Usha Rani, or Usha, of the Nutakki Village in the Guntur district. They’re both single women farmers.   This episode is particularly special, as our host for this episode was none other than our friend Dr. Ayesha Khan, and some of the translation voiceovers were provided by Nash Flynn. Make sure to check out their work at both The Disorderland Podcast & the Death and Friends podcast, respectively.     You can follow their story on Facebook: Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming Twitter & Instagram: @APZBNF https://apcnf.in/     To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For more information and updates, visit www.poorproles.com and subscribe to our e-mail list.